Covid Rules and Requlations

Session has been working diligently to decide the best course of action in coming back to worship in the building of John Calvin Presbyterian Church.  We are committed to following all State regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our congregation.

There are many factors to take into consideration:

• Cleaning of the building will need to take place after each service of worship and in coordination with Rush Nursery School.  This will include cleaning of all touch points (door handles, chairs, other surfaces that may be touched).  Volunteers will be needed to do this cleaning.  Cleaning of the bathrooms will need to be done each time they are used.  Appropriate cleaning supplies will need to be purchased.
• Masks covering the mouth and nose will be required to be worn by all (except those 2 years old and younger and those having a medical condition preventing it).
• Masks will need to be made available for those who do not have them.
• Physical distancing will be maintained at a minimum distance of six feet apart.  Family groups who have been sheltering in place may sit closer to one another.
• Hymnbooks, pew pads, and bulletins will not be used.  All liturgies will be displayed on the screen at the front of the worship space.
• The offering plate will not be passed but will be available on a table at the back of the room for you to place your offering upon entering or leaving.  Offering can also be made through the mail as is currently being done.
• Hand sanitizer will need to be readily available for use.
• Worship time will need to be shortened to no more than 40 (possibly 30) minutes.  Despite wearing masks, when we gather in an enclosed space when we exhale there is air that gets into the building, that accumulates and that is then breathed in by those assembled.  Masks are a deterrent but will not protect from accumulated exhalations.
• There will be no congregational singing, choir, or playing of wind instruments until further notice.  These forms of music project the air from our lungs in a much larger area than normal speaking.
• Individual pre-packaged communion servings will be purchased and available for pick up upon entry to the sanctuary on Communion Sundays.
• Based on CDC guidelines, anyone who is experiencing the following symptoms should stay home:  fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.
• The CDC also advises that older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions should also consider staying home.
• When on-site worship is restored, efforts will be made to ensure worship opportunities for those who feel they need to stay home.