Reopening plan

Evangel Family,

After much thought, prayer and discussion, Pastor Barry and the Deacon Board have decided to schedule Evangel’s reopening for August 2nd. Delaware County has only been in green zone since early July. With many states reporting spikes in new cases of COVID-19 and with some of those scaling back reopening efforts, we believe it would be wise to move slowly and carefully.

Because Delaware County is in the green zone, assemblies up to 250 are permissible. In order to maximize the number we can accommodate while doing our best to keep everyone safe, here is what we plan to do.

• We are in the process of replacing our pews with chairs. A generous donor gave us 220. We can place them 6 feet apart, while allowing families to move them closer together.

• One major way to keep everyone safe is for everyone over the age of 4 (the age CDC advises) to wear a mask. If you are not comfortable wearing a mask, we encourage you to participate in the service by joining online as we have been doing for several months. The evidence is clear that masks can and do make a difference. The Word tells us to be wise. Please note that the CDC says a person who can maintain a distance of at least six feet from others does not need to wear a mask. We will place the first row of chairs far enough away from the pulpit to allow Pastor to preach without a mask.

• We encourage people to bring their own masks or bandannas, but we have masks for those who forget or don’t have their own – including children.

• We will not hold Children’s Church for the foreseeable future. Children will need to stay with their parents.

• We ask that people not hug or shake hands.

• Communion will be different. Prepackaged wafer / juice will be placed on the altar with two Board members or Ushers standing behind. Each person will walk up (maintaining 6 feet between each) and take the packet to the chair.

• Offering collection will be similar. People will bring tithes to collection plates on the altar.

• We have calculated the maximum number allowable in the sanctuary. Once we reach that number, we will direct people to the Fellowship Hall as an overflow area. We will follow the same guidelines as in the sanctuary.

• For the time being, we plan to hold one service, but if numbers make it necessary, we will hold two services.

Please know that if Gov. Wolf rescinds Delaware County’s green status, we will revert to a similar – but more restrictive – process.

We look forward to worshiping together soon. May the Lord richly bless you.

Pastor Barry and Deacon Board