Safely Worshiping Together
A guide for regathering at St. Mark's
9 The commandments … and any other commandment,
are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Romans 13:9-10
are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Romans 13:9-10
Love for neighbor has been, and continues to be, the primary and motivating concern for all discussions and subsequent decisions related to gathering in person for worship. Paul’s writing that “love does no wrong to a neighbor” continues to guide both the Celebrate Team and the Congregation Council. While there is no scenario in which the risk of exposure or illness is completely eliminated, it is with prayerful consideration that the following guidelines might help to minimize any risk as best as we can.
As a diverse community of believers, we acknowledge that the opinions regarding reopening the church for worship and subsequent precautions are as diverse as the members of the body. The following recommendations and guidelines are the result of significant discernment, prayer, and deliberation with consideration given to a variety of documents, agencies, and institutions (ELCA, Florida-Bahamas Synod, Center for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health, etc.…) Lastly, these precautions are specific to our context, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, as we prepare to gather in person to worship God on July 5, 2020.
As a diverse community of believers, we acknowledge that the opinions regarding reopening the church for worship and subsequent precautions are as diverse as the members of the body. The following recommendations and guidelines are the result of significant discernment, prayer, and deliberation with consideration given to a variety of documents, agencies, and institutions (ELCA, Florida-Bahamas Synod, Center for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health, etc.…) Lastly, these precautions are specific to our context, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, as we prepare to gather in person to worship God on July 5, 2020.
Preparing for Worship:
At the core of our life in faith and worship is prayer. Continue to pray for our community, healthcare workers, elected officials, and all whose lives have been affected COVID-19 and its implications. Pray for the people of St. Mark’s and its leadership.
Before attending in-person worship, please consider the following:
Bulletins will be made available by email and website on the Friday prior to worship. If you prefer, you may download the bulletin to your phone or tablet and bring that device, or you may print your own bulletin. Bulletins will be available upon arrival.
Before attending in-person worship, please consider the following:
- If you or a member of your household has been exposed to COVID-19, please follow the CDC's guidelines for a 14-day quarantine.
- Be diligent in the washing of hands and adherence to physical distance recommendations and guidelines set forth by CDC and Florida Department of Health
- If you are in a vulnerable category (persons over 65 or prior medical conditions), we encourage you to remain home and worship via our live stream.
- Review the following guidelines for worship at St. Mark’s before attending.
Bulletins will be made available by email and website on the Friday prior to worship. If you prefer, you may download the bulletin to your phone or tablet and bring that device, or you may print your own bulletin. Bulletins will be available upon arrival.
Gathering for Worship (Updated May 19, 2021):
Mask Guidelines
1. Any person who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear a mask or to social distance either inside or outside of any church facility at any time. Fully vaccinated means that a person has received all recommended doses of the vaccine administered to them and at least two weeks have elapsed since they received the final dose of the vaccine. However, any person age 2 or older who has not been fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask and social distance from all others except those in their family unit.
2. Any person who has been fully vaccinated and who wishes to continue wearing a mask and social distance, for whatever reason, may do so. All others will respect each member's decision about these matters.
3. If you know that you have been exposed to someone with covid-19 in the past 14 days, you should not enter the church facilities unless you A) have been fully vaccinated against covid-19 and show no symptoms of the disease, or B) you have had covid-19 illness within the previous 3 months, have recovered, and remain free of covid-19 symptoms.
1. Any person who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear a mask or to social distance either inside or outside of any church facility at any time. Fully vaccinated means that a person has received all recommended doses of the vaccine administered to them and at least two weeks have elapsed since they received the final dose of the vaccine. However, any person age 2 or older who has not been fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask and social distance from all others except those in their family unit.
2. Any person who has been fully vaccinated and who wishes to continue wearing a mask and social distance, for whatever reason, may do so. All others will respect each member's decision about these matters.
3. If you know that you have been exposed to someone with covid-19 in the past 14 days, you should not enter the church facilities unless you A) have been fully vaccinated against covid-19 and show no symptoms of the disease, or B) you have had covid-19 illness within the previous 3 months, have recovered, and remain free of covid-19 symptoms.
Worship:
- Worship services will follow our traditional liturgy and look much the same as before with the following adjustments:
- Bulletins will be available digitally on Friday. You may print your own or download to your device to bring. We will provide paper bulletins, preplaced in the pews.
- The offering plate will remain stationary in the back of the Nave by the font. You are invited to make your contribution to support St. Mark’s mission and ministry as you enter or exit worship.
- Passing the peace – Please greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace by saying “peace be with you,” or similar words. Please refrain from shaking hands and hugging.
Communion:
- Both elements will be consecrated and offered.
- All bread is proportioned and packaged prior to service. Please know that your portion of bread includes a drop of wine.
- Gluten free, bread with grape juice, and plain bread will be available by request.
- Communion is received by processing down the center aisle to the altar rail, receiving your package of elements, and returning to your seat by the outside aisle.
- An usher will direct those seated on the choir side of the nave first, followed by those seated on the pulpit side. Please observe proper social distancing as you approach the presiding minister.
- Once all have returned to their seat, all will consume the elements together.
Leaving Worship:
- As you leave worship, please be mindful of social and physical distancing.
- Greet each other with waves and gently spoken words.
- Please take your bulletin and bread wrapper with you and dispose of them at home. (Recycling your bulletin is encouraged!)
- Social conversation may take place on the church’s front lawn or in the courtyard, but please don’t block the entrances.