Updates: Peace’s COVID-19 Planning

by | Nov 10, 2020 | Home Page | 0 comments

UPDATES ON RE-OPENING OUR CHURCH (April 2021)

On March 12, 2021, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz lifted capacities on worship space—as long as masking is in place and social distancing is in place. On March 16, the COVID-19 Safety Task Force met to discuss what those changes mean for Peace Church.

At our discussion, Pastor Greg had just taken part in a discussion with the Minnesota Department of Health and clergy from the Minnesota Conference of the UCC.  Consistent among UCC congregations was the desire not simply to follow the maximum allowable capacity, but to more gradually open.  We discussed the importance of taking into account the concept of herd immunity—so that people who are not able to get the vaccine for whatever reason are more protected. This means getting a vaccine if you are able and when it is offered to you—as well as cutting down risks that might increase spread and the amount of variations.

With that as background, we decided to do the following: 

  • Allow 15 pods to attend worship.
  • Allow up to 3 pods of kids for Story For All Ages.
  • Continue with all masking and social distancing, regardless of vaccination status, so that there is no extra privilege that comes with being vaccinated. We realize that we all are tired of masks, yet for those who have not or cannot get the vaccine, we want to be respectful of them and keep the guidelines consistent for everyone.
  • The choir will be able to do socially distant and masked singing starting after Easter for up to 30 minutes.
  • We recognize that people in the congregation may be vaccinated and want to socialize with other vaccinated friends. We encourage that. At this point, we won’t be accommodating that at church because we want to make sure our policies are welcoming for all.
  • We look forward to warmer weather when we can get the tent up to allow more lower risk opportunities outdoors, but for now, we are trying to gradually open up while taking into account all of the different aspects of ending the pandemic and helping us all make it through.

~From Your Covid Task Force

Live Streaming of WorshipPeace United Church of Christ - View livestream of 10:30 Worship Service

We will continue to be live streaming the 10:30 worship for the foreseeable future. You can find the link on our Peace Church YouTube channel.

Being Present for Live Stream of Worship

The COVID-19 Safety Task Force has decided to open up the sanctuary for pods to attend worship starting on February 7. You can begin to sign up by filling out this form or by calling the office.

Youth Activities Returning to Online

With the Duluth Public Schools suspending sports and going to all online options, we are choosing to have youth activities return to being through Zoom.  We look forward to being able to gather our youth again in person when it is safe for them and our community to do so. (11/11/20)

Reopening Guidelines

This document will continue to be updated in response to information from the Center for Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Health, and other public health recommendations.

View in a Google Doc.