Service Times and Operations - May 2020

Service and Service Times:

·        Beginning May 3^rd, 9:30am we will hold a communion service for ten-and-under (primarily for singing and responses). This will be live-streamed. Beginning May 10^th, at 9:30 we will continue to hold a communion services, but for the more vulnerable* (again live-streamed) followed by short in-home type communion services in the afternoon, beginning at 1:00pm and continuing every half hour until 3:30pm (or until all who yearn, have been fed). These are for those who desire the Sacrament of the Altar, and could not be present at the 9:30 service, but who have watched it live-streamed. These will begin at ten and under sized, but as the restrictions are lifted, the per-service size will change. Or, if the virus locally surges, service size will shrink again.

·        To protect others, we recommend that members stay home if they have a cough or fever or previous exposure to Covid 19 carriers. Vulnerable* members should consider staying home or, we recommend attending the 9:30am service. (Call pastor @ 402-336-7819 to see what can be done for you at home).

·        Invitation to services are to members only. Guests and unregistered households will be allowed in if there is room but turned away if already full. Sign up through the website https://signupschedule.com/stpaulfreeman or the link on our webpage.

·        Seating is designated with signs as "family groups", maintaining separation of pews between groups. This is clearly marked. Each group is separated by an empty pew to maintain the 6’ or greater distance between households. This will allow as many households as recommended per service safely. The upstairs and balcony will be closed to everyone but the organist and family.

·        Singing and responsive areas are designated with microphones. These are even farther apart from others. Once seated in these areas, you may remove any mask you have on to sing. We have taken several additional precautionary measures to be able to do this, such as even greater distancing, combined with a large box/store sized sanctuary, plus humidifiers and shutting off furnaces to increase the humidity, and shutting off air handling equipment and fans during services and all items have been removed from pews.

Service Operations:

·        Entry is by the double glass doors, by the bell tower. These will be propped open and remain open until the service ends, so you do not have to open doors. If the door is shut, we are full. Wash hands (or at minimum use sanitizer) upon entrance into the building. The bathroom door should remain open and not used (except for washing hands and emergencies). Doors, sinks, and toilet handles will be sanitized before services (or between services if we go to the next phase). The healthcare providers have assured us that if we stay out of the restricted areas the clinic is using (fellowship hall, kitchen, ladies bathroom) and are not conducting services until hours  after they are there, that it is sufficient.

·        Each household (family group), no matter the total number allowed inside, should maintain social distancing of six foot from other household groups and/or wear masks, especially when entering and exiting the building. No handshakes, hugs, or other contact. Please be careful to not touch surfaces if you can help it. Parents should bring their own items for kids and take them back home.

·        Do not use the hymnals unless you bring your own (or take one with you back home). You may take the hymnals home to use with the live-steamed services at home, just promise to bring it back when the pandemic is past. Otherwise, the entire service will be printed in full, lain on a table, for you to pick up and use. When services are over, dispose of these into the trash/recycling and do not take them home.

·        Offering plates are on the table as well, please drop your offerings into the plate. Electronic offerings are encouraged.

·        Begin at the front section and sit on opposite ends of the pew groupings, sitting on the side the signs are, staggering back and forth to keep the maximum distance possible. Dismissal will be from the back to the front.

·        Remember to use sanitizer or wash hands on the way out. After everyone leaves, pews and common areas, along with any other common materials used, will be sanitized.

Communion Distribution:

·        As we do not know how long we will be able to meet (If the virus spreads locally in another wave, we may have to shut down again), communion will be offered at every service to allow people the greatest opportunity to partake of it before we have to abstain again.

·        Communion will be prepared and distributed by Pastor alone.

·        One household will come forward at a time. We will attempt to have this done unushered. Once that household is back in their seats, then the next household can come forward. Please wait at the bottom of the steps until the pastor indicates you may come up.

·        Kneeling will be discouraged (for sanitary reasons).

·        The host will be placed in the open hand, but all wait until the pastor steps back and says, “Take eat” then all eat. It is suggested to move your hand to your mouth to eat, instead of picking it up with your fingers. This is more respectful, and your palm is more likely to have less germs than your fingers. The cup will be placed in the cup holders at the rail. After eating, you may pick these up, but wait to drink until the pastor has stepped back and says; “Take drink”, then all will drink. Do not put the empty cup back in the rail but place them in the soapy water bucket provided after dismissal

·        Between tables, Pastor will sanitize his hands and the patten/tray he brings the elements forward on.

·        Due to households registering in advance, Pastor will know how many to set up and signing the communion registration will not be needed.

None of these measures are ideal. We all long for the day when this disease will be defeated, and we will be able to join altogether once again as we have in the past. Most of these things proposed should not be seen as long-term ideas, but during these times, they are solutions that are available to us to keep our members safe, obey the government, and most importantly obey God and continue to give His gifts to His people through Word and Sacrament.

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Terry Makelin