Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The Action Team (which I formerly referred to as the ReOpening Team) continues to meet frequently. We miss each other, and we want to fully worship together so badly. However, as the pandemic situation continues to change so quickly, we know that we also have to make changes. The situation is quite fluid, but hopefully, these bullet points will help make sense of things.

To help make our decisions, we are relying on the information from the state regarding our county so that our information is as local as possible. There are now four classifications. Yellow and orange have less spread of coronavirus and it is somewhat safer to gather together outside. If we are red, the spread is much higher in our community. If we reach purple, we must stay at home. For more information on what these colors mean, please visit: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/OPHASM/COVID-19-Risk-Level-Guidelines-GP.pdf

Level 1: Yellow orLevel 2: Orange

When Erie County is in a yellow or orange category, worship will take place at Strickfaden Park on Sundays at 9 am. We have the shelter house reserved through September, and this is currently the safest way to be able to be present together in-person when the COVID numbers are fairly stable. Zoom worship will continue at 10:30 am.

• Masks are required, and we need to maintain six feet separation.

• If you have been in a hot spot within the last 14 days, we ask that you use Zoom instead of attending park worship to help keep everyone safe.

• If there is inclement weather, we will return to St. John’s parking lot. An email would be sent out before 8 am that Sunday morning.

We have heard that some people would like time to pray in the sanctuary. We try to listen, so now when Erie County is a yellow or orange, the sanctuary will be open to one family each day of the week. Please email me to let me know what day/time you and/or your family would like to use the space to pray.

• After the use of the sanctuary, please wipe down your space with the wipes provided on the back table.

• Please make sure you let me know when you will be in the sanctuary so I can confirm that it is available. At least 24 hours notice is helpful.

Level 3: Red

• The state classifies red counties as having very high exposure and spread. Gatherings of any size need to be limited. If Erie County is in a red category, we will do our best at loving our neighbors and limiting spread. We will worship on Sundays at 9 in the parking lot at St. John’s instead of at the park. Zoom worship will continue at 10:30.

• The church building will remain closed when we are at a red level.

Level 4: Purple

• If we are at a purple level, we must stay home. All worship will be on Zoom at 10:30 and the church building will be closed.

I will honestly admit that I am sad and frustrated. I hoped that summer would mean gathering together again and a decrease in coronavirus cases. Instead, Firelands has reopened their coronavirus floor, and our county numbers are up. As a Pastor, I feel called to lead worship and I always hope that we can be together to praise our Lord. No decision is made lightly, and we are trying to care for our neighbors and reach out in love, living lives as disciples who are faithfully making Christ known.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I would love to pray for whatever is on your heart.

Walking with you in Christ,
Pastor Stacy

Worship in the Park Guidelines

• In-person worship on Sundays is at 9 AM at Strickfaden Park. The service will be broadcast to car radios in the parking lot of Strickfaden (it reaches all spots!) on 101.7, you can sit in the shelter house, or you can bring a lawn chair and find a spot in the grass. 

• Masks are required for all people over two years old. If you do not have a mask, you will be provided one.

• For the foreseeable future, worship is back to the regular schedule, just in a slightly different location. We have communion on the first and third Sundays of the month.

• Please bring your bulletin to worship with you. If you need one mailed to you, please let us know. 

• If there is rain, we will worship in our church parking lot so you can stay dry in your car. This will be announced in an email on Sunday morning by 8 AM.

• Due to the increased spread of covid when people sing (even with a mask), there will be no singing. You are invited to hum or simply enjoy Morgan’s music.

• Please sit with your family group and stay at least six feet from other people who are not part of your family group.

• We understand that some people have allergies or cough all day, every day. However, to keep everyone safe, if you begin to cough please return to your car.

We hope that these services go well and pave the way toward additional worship together in-person. These decisions are made after so much prayer and discussion by the action team, and we follow the guidelines of the CDC, the health department, and our insurance company. We also act out of love for each of you! Please be patient, kind, respect everyone, and show how you love your neighbors and church family by wearing a mask. Who knows, you could save their lives!

Upcoming Dates and information

• August 16^th our seminary student for the year, Morgan Walker, will be with us. We continue to pray for her as she finishes Clinical Pastoral Education as a chaplain in a hospital before beginning her second year at the seminary. She is quite local and is from Vermillion! She will lead worship at the park AND on Zoom.

• Hymnals are still available to be borrowed. Please let me know before you borrow one.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Walking with you in Christ,

Pastor Stacy

10:30 Sunday Morning Zoom Worship: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/599020207?pwd=eUc3SHBSZ0RHNjRPbkwrUWhKS1Rldz09

Meeting ID: 599 020 207
Password: 026198
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Meeting ID: 875 9782 3292
Password: 745493
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+13126266799,,87597823292#,,,,0#,,745493# US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 890 3197 0716
Password: 865729
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