COVID-19 Plan

When the original Methodist societies began to meet back in the 1700’s they had no buildings and no COVID-19. But they did have three simple rules to live by. Today, as we try to faithfully respond to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we seek to balance the challenge of those three simple rules expressed today as:

1) Do no harm.
2) Do good.
3) Stay in love with God.

To do so, we pattern our response based on the guidelines issued by the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, our insurance company and the MN Department of Health. As each church situation is unique–and as the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing–we will adapt as needed to protect our community and carry out our mission for Christ. Below are some specifics as they relate to Resurrection UMC.

Meetings

Currently, only groups of 20 or less are encouraged to meet in-person. Such gatherings are required to maintain social distancing. Groups are still encouraged to gather online or outdoors instead, if possible; however, the building will be available for meetings if necessary with the following conditions:

• Group leaders will be responsible for sanitizing surfaces in their meeting area when they are finished using the cleaning supplies and instructions supplied in each room.
• Seating in each room will be limited and designated to maintain a 6-foot social distance. Face masks are required for all persons age 5+. Please take this into account when considering which room to schedule.
• These conditions apply to any group wishing to use the building. Contact Dan Kocher at the church office to schedule when needed (Note: multiple groups will not be scheduled to use the building at the same time.)

Worship

We have resumed gathering in the sanctuary for worship with some new protocols implemented to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Separation and sanitation are crucial. Below are the changes, which may be modified:

• We will continue putting our Sunday services online live at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. so that those who are at higher risk
and those who are not yet comfortable with larger gatherings can still participate in our worship together.
• Sanctuary seating for worship services, weddings and funerals will not exceed 50% capacity.
• All persons age 5+ are required to wear face masks in the building.
• Seating arrangements have been designed to maximize safe social distancing.
• Common surfaces are sanitized after each service (door handles, restrooms, countertops, etc.)
• All parts of the service that involve multiple people touching objects have been modified or eliminated, e.g. offerings may be placed in a free-standing container instead of in passed offering plates; there will be no handshakes; communion has been modified; folders will not be passed, etc.
• To avoid crowds in hallways, the lobby and at doorways, there will be no coffee fellowship time. The coffee shop will remain closed and persons will be encouraged to leave the building immediately after worship and hold any conversations in the safer outdoors environment.
• Initially, there will be no nursery or Sunday school. Those with children are asked to have their children attend with them in worship.
• Live music with musicians is conducted safely distanced from the congregation.
• Each week, worshippers will be asked to let us know ahead of time what service they will be attending by using an online form available on the website and rezNews. This will replace the attendance folder and allow for quick follow-up contact should someone at the service subsequently be found to have COVID-19. (Note: Everyone will still be welcome even if they do not sign up. The service will be shown in the Fellowship Hall for overflow in the event that attendance exceeds the allowed capacity in the sanctuary.)

As noted previously, all of these responses are subject to change depending on the situation and as more information on best practices becomes available. However, Resurrection Church promises to do its best to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. May the One who doesn’t change – the eternal God of all creation – bless us and keep us.

Resurrection UMC Hastings (REZ) takes the health and well-being of our congregation, staff and community very seriously. We are monitoring COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical professionals, and local health departments.

The rise of the new virus has also led to a number of questions about how we will function at church. We continue to do everything we can to balance risk reduction and the power of being together as the body of Christ. To reduce risk, we are all encouraged to follow recommended protocols from the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) or local health officials. These include frequent hand washing, not going out if sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and other normal precautions to prevent disease spread.

Currently in effect at REZ

Office/Building Access

• If needed, the building is available during the week for groups of 20 or less on a pre-arranged basis per Resurrection’s COVID-19 Plan. Contact the office for more information or to schedule a group.

Worship

• We hold outdoor services across from Pioneer Park on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (weather permitting) thru the rest of the summer.
• Sunday in-person worship services at church have resumed with sanctuary seating at 50% capacity and social distancing. Face masks are required for all persons 5 years of age and older. 
• Weekly online services are live Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. via Facebook or YouTube. The sermon is available via our podcast and video channels.
• Please use our secure online giving resource (tithe.ly) to continue your commitment to generosity and the work of Resurrection church – or go old school and send a check through the U.S. mail.
• Communion is available using safe, pre-packaged elements via drop-off or mail. Make arrangements with the church office (651.437.4398 or email). Also, check rezNews and Facebook posts for the Drive-Thru Communion events at REZ.

Congregational Care

• We will continue to care for our congregation and patients/residents in healthcare facilities via phone calls and notes.
• Pastor Mark sends out a weekly email/postal letter with insights and encouragement during this period of temporary inconvenience for our community. If you’d like to receive this letter via email, sign up.

Kids/Youth, Small Groups, Classes & Support Groups

• Limited small group meetings/gatherings at church at this time. Contact the church office (651.437.4398) to schedule a meeting or for more information. 
• Stay in touch: Sign up for rezNews and rezKIDS newsletters.
• No rezKIDS or Sunday School until further notice.
• rezYouth programs are meeting on a limited basis. Contact Annah or AP for details. Online resources for students are also available.
• No AWANA or Wednesday night dinners.
• Support groups (AA, GA, NA, etc.) need to contact the church office for meeting scheduling and requirements.

Staff & Volunteers

• Contact staff and volunteers by email or phone.

Stay Calm

While COVID-19 is new, it is not new for the church to face periods of epidemics, fear and uncertainty. Throughout the centuries, Christians have weathered these periods by turning to their faith and one another. Please be in prayer for those who are ill or otherwise affected by COVID-19, influenza or other health issues. Our world may be in an uproar, but God is still the peace in the midst of the storm. Please contact the church office if you have additional questions about REZ’s response to COVID-19.

You can help prevent the spread of this virus

• Wear a face mask in confined spaces with the general public.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. If you are sick, wear a medical mask around other people.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or use the inside of your elbow), then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 and by those who are taking care of someone in close settings to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.