Over the past weeks Porter County’s infection rate, number of cases, and advisory level continue to look increasingly promising.  Vaccination levels continue to improve (although the rate of improvement has slowed - please join us in encouraging friends and neighbors to receive the vaccine!), and news from the medical community continues to indicate vaccinations are incredibly effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19.  As we continue into our summer months, we are again adjusting our COVID response planning, especially around worship.

Starting this week (6/27) you can expect at our in-person services:

• We are no longer requiring pre-registration, and we are retiring the sign-in sheets at our entrances.  

• We have returned to receiving our Gifts & Offerings by passing the plates, and will return to offering them to God on the altar.

• We will be passing the Peace, although in non-contact ways.

• We will receive Communion at the altar rail, appropriately distanced.

• We will have coffee available on the patio by the Memorial Garden.

• Because vaccines are so effective, those who are vaccinated may attend worship without masks.  (Of course, vaccinated folks are welcome to wear masks for protection or solidarity with those who cannot yet be vaccinated.)

• Those who are not vaccinated are expected to wear masks while in the building.

• We are asking everyone to bring a mask to wear while we sing our final hymn.  (Masks will continue to be available at all entrances of the building for those who wish or need them.)

As always, we hold our planning lightly: developments in infection rates and relevant guidance will mean we revisit our protocols and will update as we go along.