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We have had a committee of 6 people who have worked on preparing the church for re-opening, and the session has finalized their recommendations. We want to keep everyone as safe as possible, so we are trying hard to navigate the delicate balance of re-engaging “in-person” corporate worship and safety for your health.

We will do our part to keep you safe, but you will need to do your part.

Our part includes making sure the church is cleaned and sanitized before you arrive. We have purchased cleaning products, educated ourselves on how to clean appropriately, and will be following CDC Guidelines, so we can reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Please remember that some people are at higher risk to get sick from COVID-19, including: people over 65, people with compromised immune systems, individuals who have chronic medical conditions like – heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and smokers. We encourage everyone to weigh your attendance at any church gathering.

If you are sick, please do not try to come to any church gathering. Please stay home for your much-needed rest and care and, if you are able, watch the YouTube site (Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church) for our service.

If you decide to join us for “in-person” worship service, then here is what you will need to know before you arrive:

 We have determined that the capacity of our sanctuary is a maximum75 persons,

with an overflow for additional people in the family room.

• We will be leaving 5 or so slots open each week for our guests visiting from out of the area.
• At this point, we do not see a need for a reservation system.
• If, at any time, we find it necessary to institute a reservation system, we will inform the congregation on the steps to do so.

Our Worship Assistants will open the door 15 minutes prior to each service, please do not come too early. We are trying to prevent crowding at the entrance, 6-ft social distancing between families will be maintained in the entry way and the sanctuary.

You will be required to wear a mask/facial covering in the church building. We will have masks available for those who do not have one. If you have a condition that prohibits you from wearing a mask, please join us via YouTube.

The Worship Assistant will greet you as you enter and will be taking your temperature via a contactless thermometer.

You will be asked to use the hand sanitizer station as you enter.

Offering Plates will remain stationery as you enter/exit. Please place your offerings in the plate as you enter.

The plate will also be available as people are exiting, if you have forgotten.

We encourage you to interact with others at a 6-ft distance.

Please, no physical contact – hugging, handshaking, fist bumping or elbow knocking etc

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We encourage you to use your bathroom at home prior to coming to church. However, if you need to use the bathrooms, they are available for one person to use at a time. Please wash your hands with soap and water.

There are hand sanitizer stations placed around the church.

On Communion Sundays we will be using single use Communion combo sets that include both the bread and the vine. Worship Assistants will direct people to come forward while maintain social distancing and take their Communion back to their seats. People will discard their trash while exiting the sanctuary.

 There will be no Nursery or Sunday school for the children during worship services.

 
There will be no singing during our worship service.

Announcements and prayers can be taken from the congregation.

Please speak as loudly/clearly as you are able with your mask on,

or communicate your announcement/prayer to the Pastor prior to the service.

At the end of the service, the Worship Assistants will release you row by row beginning at the rear of the church.

 We will not have the normal time of coffee and fellowship after church.

When you are interacting with others please be sure to follow social distancing guidelines

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 If at any time you need assistance, please ask a Worship Assistant for help.

 If at some point you test positive for COVID-19 after attending the church service, please contact us at the church office so that we can take the necessary steps to prevent further exposure to our church body. We will do our best to respect your privacy and keep your identity confidential.

We hope you will see through these guidelines and into our hearts. We want you to feel safe and secure as we re-open the building for corporate, in-person worship. We care about your health.