CROSSROADS RETURNING TO WORSHIP – COVID-19 PLAN
CrossRoads Church is committed to safety and responsibility as we plan to return to regular weekly worship gatherings in our church building. The Elders, along with help and input from other leaders in our church family, have taken the necessary steps in compliance with New Hampshire’s Pandemic Return Plan: Phase 1, to return safely to corporate worship on Sunday June 7, 2020.
In order to reopen we put our own plan in place with protocols following the State’s suggested template.
It is imperative that all attendees adhere to requirements as mandated by the State of New Hampshire in order to return to church services under Phase 1.
If you are feeling ill or are considered “high-risk” regarding your health we encourage you to stay home where you will be the most safe.
We do plan on continuing to stream the church services through Facebook Live.
The items listed below are a best effort preventative plan and procedure to keep everyone free from COVID-19.
Social Distancing
Sunday Services will be limited to 40% of permitted capacity in the sanctuary while maintaining a minimum of 6-foot distance.
Sanctuary: 64 max
We will use limited seating in the Fellowship Hall as overflow with Closed Circuit TV if necessary.
The desire is to not refuse entrance to anyone but please understand that when capacity is reached, we cannot permit additional people.
Those living in the same house may sit together in one pew. Those not part of the same household must sit 6 feet apart.
Please refrain from hugs and handshakes.
Every other pew will be taped off to ensure safe distancing.
All attendees must wear a face covering or mask over their nose and mouth to participate in the service. Those who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical or disabling condition are exempt. We ask that 6-foot social distancing be observed.
CrossRoads church will not supply masks.
Anyone refusing to wear the face coverings or masks without a medical condition will not be allowed to enter the building.
For children between the ages of 2 and 5, face coverings or masks are left to the discretion of the parent. Children under the age of 2 should not wear a face mask per the CDC.
Children must remain with a parent at all times. Children that need to use the bathroom during service must be accompanied by a parent. The outdoor play area will be closed.
There can be no congregating in the building at the beginning or conclusion of the service. Please enter the building and go directly to available seats CLOSEST TO THE FRONT OF THE SANCTUARY. Dismissal from the church will start from the back row and toward the front of the sanctuary. Ushers will be in place to help with seating and dismissal.
Hygiene Protocol
Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the building. As you enter and exit a room, please utilize the sanitizer to reduce the transmission of viruses. If you have sensitivity to standard, alcohol-based sanitizers, please ensure you have CDC recommended sanitizer on your person.
Please be sure to wipe down surfaces touched in the restrooms including flush handles, toilet seats, and faucets after use.
Staffing & Operations
At the conclusion of service all conversations must take place outside of the church building while observing social distancing guidelines of 6 feet or more.
The church kitchen and amenities will be closed and unavailable.
All cups, coffee supplies, water and condiments will not be available.
All rooms except for the sanctuary and fellowship hall are closed and locked. Downstairs should be used for overflow seating only. We ask that people refrain from going downstairs unless it’s for seating for service.
If a child requires a diaper change or needs to be fed where it is not appropriate to do so in the sanctuary or fellowship hall, we kindly ask that you use the smaller “Quiet Nursery.”
It is imperative that the church leadership be notified if an attendee or worker tests positive for COVID-19.
We encourage continued electronic giving. Use of the offering box in the sanctuary is also permitted.
Communion will be temporarily suspended until further notice.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
To meet following Sundays, the church must be cleaned and disinfected between each service and meeting. Cleaning must be consistent with the CDC guidelines.
All high contact surfaces must be thoroughly wiped down, to include doorknobs, light switches, bathrooms, microphones, shared instruments and more.
We ask for continued assistance with cleaning and disinfecting the church. Please contact John Aron to volunteer for cleaning.
The church must be disinfected well before Friday evening to ensure it is complete.
We wanted to put this plan in your hands as we all are responsible with following what has been outlined. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us crossroadsossipee@gmail.com.
Blessings,
CrossRoads Church Elders
