Notes from the Re-opening Grace Steering Committee
The Re-opening Committee met on March 24 and discussed the current situation with COVID and its variants and the impact on in-person worship and use of the church. At this time, the omicron subvariant has not resulted in a surge of COVID cases in Benton County or the State of Oregon, though it has been detected in 4 Oregon communities. A few weeks ago, Oregon abolished its mask mandate with the exception that masks are still required in medical settings and facilities. Individuals as well as organizations are free to make their own decisions regarding wearing masks.
It appears that there is some confusion about whether masks are required at Grace. When the mandate was eliminated, the committee sent out a note which included our decision that masks were now a personal choice, though they were still encouraged at worship services. At our recent meeting, we have decided to continue in that manner until we know how the new variant will affect our area. This means that when you come to church, you are free to go maskless or to wear a mask—whichever you prefer. For the time being at least, we will still maintain social distancing in the pews.
In addition, the doors will remain locked except on Sundays. Staff will be onsite only on Mondays and Thursdays. In addition, we will require everyone who comes to the church between 8:00 am and 12:30 pm Monday through Friday, to wear a mask. This is the time when the Sandcastle children are present. This will help protect the children and us as well.
If you have any questions, please let the office know and they will forward them to the Re-opening Committee. Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding.
Updated Covid-19 Protocols and information for the Church building.
Updated March 25, 2022
Masks and Face Coverings
Individuals entering Grace are encouraged but not required to wear a face covering for Worship Services. At this time, we are asking that individuals entering Grace Monday – Friday between the Hours of 8:30am and 12:30pm wear a mask or face covering as we continue to keep the children attending Sandcastle Preschool Safe. Individually wrapped masks continue to be made available on the table in the church entry.
Small Group Meetings/Bible Studies:
We encourage Small Groups and Bible Studies to meet at Grace. Please contact the church office to ensure the space you want is available We ask that you continue to fill out the Orange Covid Sign in Sheet form and place it on the office staff desk.
Outside Organizations
The reopening committee is reviewing all request to use the Grace building on a case by case basis. If you are interested in hosting an event at Grace, please contact Andrea in the office and she will forward the information on to the reopening team.
Entry Doors:
At this time all Entry doors are remaining locked. Church staff is typically on site on Monday’s from 11-4 and Thursdays from 9-4 or by appointment. If you do not have a key or the code to the lock box, please ring the door bell during normal office hours and a staff member will come open the door.
In Person Worship
We are continuing to host in Person and Live Stream Worship Services starting at 10am. At this time we are still asking that individuals attending worship services continue to Social Distance in the pews and in the aisles/Narthex. As weather gets nicer, we encourage attendees to bring conversations outside the building so that aisles, the church entry and the Narthex stay clear.