Below is a list of guidelines for us to follow at Providence UMC. These guidelines are meant to keep everyone safe as we DO GOOD and DO NO HARM so that we can STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD. I know that things aren’t how they have been in the past. The virus has changed our way of life and how we worship. What it hasn’t changed is our love for God and love for each other. I know not everyone will be happy with these guidelines, but I pray that we can follow them so that we can keep everyone safe as we continue to worship our God! Between services each week, the church will be cleaned. Just as before, the leadership will continue to monitor all that is happening in our state and community. We will adjust as needed. If we see a lack of adherence to these guidelines, we will go back to worshiping outside. Again, we must take care of everyone and keep our congregation safe! The guidelines are:
Outdoor worship- 10 AM
– It will be the same service as we have been doing around the picnic shed. The radio frequency will be 89.5 FM.
Indoor worship- 11 AM
– There will be no Sunday School to start.
– There will only be one entrance and one exit; through the front door. Those who come in first will sit towards the front of the sanctuary. Those that come in later will sit towards the back. The pews will be marked off for families to sit. You may not be able to sit in your own “family” pew, but of course, this is only temporary. Please sit only with your immediate family!
– Face masks MUST be worn at all times. We are still under a mask ordinance from the county and everyone is expected to have their face covered at all times.
– Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the church. I encourage all to sanitize upon entering and exiting.
– The offering plate will be placed at the entrance of the church so that the congregation will be able to make their tithes, gifts, and offerings.
– No singing will take place except for Justin or another singer. We will be far away from everyone sitting in the congregation. The congregation is asked to hum or read the words of the hymns in the bulletin.
– Bibles, Hymnals, and other things have been removed from the pews. Please bring your own Bible.
– The restrooms will be available for emergencies only. The service will only last for 30 minutes.
– Upon exiting the church, the people sitting at the back will exit first.
-The service will be broadcast on 89.5 FM should you wish to remain outside for the 11:00 service.
If you are unable to follow these guidelines, the outdoor service will still be available for you to worship. Again, my task as your minister is to provide a safe, meaning worship place for everyone. I know, by God’s grace, we can get through this and anything else that may come our way. God bless you and keep you! See you Sunday!