We are happy to announce that Eden UB Church will be moving into Phase 2 (Restricted Worship) on June 21. Please review this message from Pastor Dan and the CDC Guidelines for details.
June 9, 2020
RE: Re-engagement in Worship on-site at Eden
Dear Friends and Family of the Eden Church,
The Church Leadership Council (CLC) met on Wednesday June 3, 2020. At that time we discussed, at length, how and when to return to having worship celebrations at the church. During that time we agreed on a phased in approach. We are currently in Phase I – Stay Home – Stay Safe. We will move to Phase II – Restricted Worship on June 21, 2020 (Father’s Day Sunday). There are two additional Phases, Phase III – Limited Worship and Phase IV – The New Normal. The last two are subject to revision and change as conditions, directives and the state of the threat of Covid 19 unfold. When we move to those phases is unknown at this point, although we all have hopes we can get to them as soon as wisdom and conditions dictate.
I am very happy that the return will most likely generate a great deal of excitement and anticipation as we all anxiously await getting back together in person. However, I want to caution everyone. Worshipping together is going to be very different, at least initially, from the way things were before Covid 19 hit our country. We are re-engaging earlier than most of the churches of our size so, at least in part, the restrictions must be stringent, even strict. We will be following CDC guidelines that all restaurants, businesses, and public places are observing, so they should not be foreign to you, even though I think we can all agree, they are inconvenient and at times uncomfortable. So, if you don’t believe that you are able to comply or cooperate with them, we respectfully ask that you continue to worship with us via the internet or online. Online worship celebrations will continue to be available at some time after the live worship celebration. We also strongly encourage all of those in high risk categories to continue to worship online. Please do not feel pressured to return until you feel it’s safe.
On June 21, 2020 we will have one live worship celebration at 11:00 am. Everyone must enter the building at the main Worship Center canopy doors. Everyone will receive a temperature check. Masks will be required for everyone (except children under 2 or those with respiratory health conditions). Hand sanitizer will be readily available, six-foot social distancing will be observed and families of the same household should sit together as there will be no nursery services or King’s Kids available. And as hard as it will be for all of us, there will be no hugs or handshakes, which I know, are hard habits to break. I am quite sure this will create many awkward moments, but please have grace, we are all adjusting to this together. Please understand all the precautionary measures to be taken aren’t listed here, but many of them are on the attached sheet describing Phases I and II.
Please continue to pray and cultivate a spirit of unity as this is a challenging time for everyone as we endeavor to navigate unprecedented times and conditions.
Blessings,
Pastor Dan Bentz
CLC Members: Don Dunsmore, Lee Larner, Brent Steiner, Matt Campbell (interim)
Guests: Pastor Mark Anderson, Cathy Steiner (Finance chairperson)
CDC Guidelines
PHASE I – STAY HOME – STAY SAFE
Church Services ONLINE ONLY
C.E. & Small Groups ONLINE ONLY
Campus CLOSED
Counseling TELEPHONE
Special Events CANCELLED
Staff Location REMOTE
Vulnerable ONLINE ONLY
PHASE II – RESTRICTED – JUNE 21, 2020
Church Services IN PERSON & ONLINE
C.E. & Small Groups ONLINE ONLY
Campus WORSHIP CENTER OPEN / FLC CLOSED
Counseling TELEPHONE OR BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Special Events CANCELLED
Staff Location REMOTE – ON SITE AS NECESSARY
Vulnerable RECOMMEND ONLINE ONLY
1 – Alternate Parking (every other space as practicable)
2 – Enter through Main Worship Center Entrance ONLY
3 – Mask Required (except under 2 years of age or those with respiratory health conditions)
4 – Temperature Check at the Door
5 – Answer 3 Questions:
1. International Travel last 14 days 2. Any contact/exposure to Covid 19 last 14 days 3. Any health symptoms of Covid 19
6 – Hand Sanitizer in Place & necessary CDC Signage
7 – Worship Center Doors Remain Open
8 – Offering Receptacles inside each Worship Center Entrance
9 – Practice 6’ Social Distancing
10 – Strategic Seating (Worship Center) – leave 3 to 4 chairs between groups
11 – Begin Sanctuary Seating from front to back
12 – Dismiss Sanctuary Seating from back to front
13 – NO Christian Education / Sunday School Classes, Small Groups or Team Meetings on Site
14 – NO Half-Time
15 – Water Fountains Closed
16 – Corridor Doors Open for Bathrooms & Food Pantry
17 – FLC & Gym Closed
18 – NO Hugs or Handshakes
19 – NO Chairs or Tables in Commons Area
20 – Generic Prayer Requests by 7pm Saturday to Pastor Dan or Pastor Mark
21 – Pre-recorded Special Announcements ONLY
22 – NO Greeters / Ushers to Help Seat (?)
23 – NO Bulletins
24 – NO Nursery – Families to be Seated Together
25 – NO Special Events – Including: Pot Lucks, Funeral Dinners, etc.
26 – NO Choir
27 – Limited Platform Personnel (Each to sanitize own microphone / area)
28 – Recommend Vulnerable Groups Continue to observe Online Worship
29 – Please Arrive Early to Prevent Congestion at the Entrance and maintain 6’ social distancing
