Context

In compliance with the request of Governor Sununu, we have suspended in-person activities at our facility for almost two months, since March 16. We have complied with this policy out of an abundance of caution and for the protection of those who worship with us.

During the intervening weeks, we have leveraged Zoom, Youtube, and the giving functionality of our new website to keep people connected and the ministries flowing. Zoom has been used for worship services, Bible studies, youth group, and ladies’ ministry. We have also kept in touch via email, which allowed us to assist in Lyn Swenson’s move in April, and will be a key component of his memorial service in a couple weeks.

We believe that the time has come to plan the resumption of in-person worship at our facility, inviting our members to gather, as the Scriptures command us. This will be done with caution and care.

Scheduling

Barring any significant barriers, we propose that we plan to gather again in-person on May 31, the Sunday after Memorial Day. This will be the beginning of Phase 1 (see below). The elders will make the decision to move to the next phase based on the information provided by the CDC and the NH Department of Health.

Precautions

• PHASE 1: Maximum Safety Precautions
  1. When possible, worship will be held outside where people can maximize social-distancing of at least 6’ between family units.
  2. In the sanctuary, seats will be configured to ensure at least 6’ between family units.
  3. An overflow room will be provided for those not comfortable being in the sanctuary.
  4. People with compromised immune systems and those having any symptoms in the COVID-19 list are advised to please stay at home.
  5. No children’s activities or nursery will be provided.
  6. All individuals will be encouraged to wear a face covering or mask.
  7. Offerings will be collected in a basket at the back, not by passing baskets.
  8. Pre-packaged communion cups will be “contact-less”.
  9. Sanitizer will be provided, and people will be encouraged to wash their hands when arriving and departing.
  10. Increased cleaning will be conducted before and after the worship gathering.
  11. Socializing will be conducted outside of the building where safe distance can be maintained.

• PHASE 2: Relaxed Precautions
  1. The social distancing will be relaxed and the seats in the sanctuary reset. Distancing will be voluntary.
  2. Masks and face coverings will still be encouraged.
  3. Children’s activities and nursery will presume, with careful cleanliness rules in place.
  4. Offering and communion, cleaning will remain as in Phase 1.

• PHASE 3: Return to Normal
  1. Social distancing and masks will be voluntary.
  2. Offering and communion will resume as usual.