orwell north presbyterian church

Dear Congregation Member,

This letter is being sent to provide specific information regarding the re-opening of our Church.

The Session met virtually on Wednesday, June 17th and approved protocols for opening our building once again for Sunday church services. Our first priority is to make every effort to ensure the safety of all of our beloved church family members. After much discussion and reviewing of the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the State of Ohio, as well as input from the Presbytery we were able to approve the following:

There will be two people at the doors of the church as people enter. One will be at the front door and the other will be at the elevator entrance. There will be no entry through the basement door. Each person entering will have their temperature checked at the door.

A list of those attending each week will be kept for any future reference that might be needed.

We will have signs at the doors indicating that masks will be mandatory for entrance to the building. Anyone not having a mask with them will be provided one. Also, anyone showing or experiencing any symptoms will not be admitted.

There will be a box at the back of the sanctuary for offerings. Attendees may place their offerings into the box on their way into or their way out of the church building.

Seating will be designated by placement of sheets of paper on the pews to maintain social distancing. There will be no bulletins at this time. All bibles and hymnals will have been removed from the pews. You may bring your own bible with you if you would like to do so.

There will be music during the service but no singing.

The bathrooms will be open for use if necessary. The basement area will be open but there will be no tables or chairs and we would ask that members only go through the basement when necessary for use of the bathrooms.

Hand sanitizer will be available both upstairs and downstairs. There will be no coffee or refreshments after church.

The sermon will continue to be made available via social media for those who do not physically attend the services.

Church service will be dismissed by rows at the end of the service to avoid gathering in groups or lines on the way out of the building.

Cleaning and sanitizing of the building will take place immediately after each service and will be done by the session members.

This is a difficult and confusing time for all of us. We look forward to seeing those of you who are able to attend services once again soon. The official date for re-opening the church has been set for Sunday, July 5th.

“He has showed you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Let us continue to reach out to one another with prayer and support going forward as we seek to serve Him in all things.

Orwell North Presbyterian Church Session