We are returning to in-person worship. Does that mean things are back to normal?
No, not quite. There are some new procedures that are implemented for safety:

• Temperatures will be taken using a no-touch thermometer. Anybody having a temperature greater than 100.4 will not be permitted to enter the building.

• We will also be asking you a few health-related questions. If you are a visitor, we will also ask for contact information.

• A hand sanitizing station has been placed at the check in area to encourage everyone to sanitize their hands before entering the Sanctuary or Indoor Circle Rooms

• Masks MUST always be worn while inside the church.

• Social distancing of 6 feet should always be maintained both inside and outside the church.

• Offerings can be placed in the box outside when you first arrive or leave church parking lot.

Why will my contact information be collected before each service?
As members of our community, we are committed to helping to slow the spread of COVID and keeping our friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe. To do that, we want to be prepared to help public health officials with contact tracing. If you have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, a public health worker may call to let you know you’ve been exposed and ask you to stay at home and self-quarantine. Doing so keeps you, your family, and your community safe. It's an opportunity to be part of the solution and help slow the spread of COVID-19.

How do we enter and exit the building?
Everyone must enter through the lobby for screening. When the service ends, we ask people seated in the Sanctuary to exit through the lobby. We also ask that individuals in one of the indoor circle rooms to exit from the side door or wait until everybody from the Sanctuary has left. Please leave at least 6 ft of distance between yourself and others as you enter and exit the building. We respectfully ask that any socializing take place outside, in the fresh air, while still wearing your masks and social distancing. Sorry, no hugging or handshakes.

Can everyone come to worship?
Because of social distancing, we have limited seating capacity, but we hope to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to worship. However, we expect you will stay home if you feel sick or have a cough and/or a fever. No one should come to church if they have been in contact with someone who is being tested or has tested positive for COVID within the last 14 days.

Do we have to wear a mask?
Yes, everyone must wear a mask while in the church, regardless if you are in the Sanctuary or one of the Indoor Circle Rooms. If you accidentally leave yours at home, we will be happy to provide one.

What if I have a doctor’s note that says I don’t have to wear a mask?
If you cannot wear a mask, we kindly ask that you join us either from the parking lot or from home via the livestream.

How has the Sanctuary transformed to support social distancing?
For sanitation purposes, we replaced the chairs with folding chairs in groups of 2, 3, and 4. These groups of chairs are at a minimum of 6 ft away from each other. The Sanctuary is set up for 40 people, which is 11.7% capacity of the Sanctuary. By limiting the attendance in the Sanctuary to 40 people, we are below the guidelines established by the CDC and state and local guidelines as updated on October 9, 2020.

Do I need to bring my own electronic device to view the service from an indoor circle room?
No, each room will be equipped with a TV, already tuned to the correct station when you arrive. No special technical skills required.

How do I register for an indoor circle room?
We recommend that you contact the office to request an indoor circle room. Please provide your name and the amount of people within your party, so we can make sure we have enough chairs within your private room for everybody. If you did not reserve an indoor circle room, any available rooms will be on a first-come first-serve basis.

What is the plan for cleaning?
Our sexton will clean the sanctuary and common areas using products that are approved by the CDC. The sexton is fully aware of how to use the products and cleaning protocols required.

The weather is getting colder and I will be wearing a coat. Where will I put that during the worship
service?
All personal belongings, including jackets, hats, and scarfs, will remain with you in either the Sanctuary or Indoor Circle Rooms. We recommend that you hang your jacket on the back of your seat during the worship service.

I would like to get a drink before or after service. Will the water fountains be available?
As per CDC guidelines, the water fountains have been turned off. We recommend that you bring your
own water with you.

Will Lifesong be singing?
Sadly, no, not yet. The United Methodist Conference has made it clear that we should refrain from singing and we will follow the recommendations of the conference.

Will music be part of the service?
Yes! We will continue to play the Spotify listing before and after the service. We are also able to hear our very own Pam Boddy singing during the service from a separate location within the church. While we understand that you enjoy singing along, we ask that you please refrain from singing along with Pam.

Will we still take Communion the first Sunday of each month?
Yes, we still be partaking in Communion every month. We will be using pre-manufactured, individually wrapped elements that will be provide to you when you arrive Sunday morning. If you feel more comfortable using your own elements, please feel free to bring them.

How will I be notified if someone tests positive for COVID?
The Northampton County Department of Health would notify us if someone tests positive for COVID and identifies Green Pond UMC as a place they recently visited. We would contact everyone who entered the building that week. The individual who tested positive will not be named in order to respect their privacy.

Will we have in-person Sunday School?
No, not yet. Kid and Teen Worship are meeting over Zoom Sunday mornings at 11:15. If you would like to join, please contact Megan Schaeffer at greenpondumcyouth@rcn.com.

Now that the church is open Sunday mornings, will the office be open during the week?
No, the office will continue to operate remotely until further notice. Please e-mail or leave a message on the phone and we will get back to you.

What if I have additional questions?
Please contact the church office at 610-253-2731 or greenpondumc@rcn.com.

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