As we prepare to resume in-person worship in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe that one of the ways of maintaining safety for all is to enter into a covenant together regarding our practices in worship. This covenant has been reviewed by the Worship Committee of the church, and we believe it represents a faithful response to the crisis and our commitment as United Methodists to avoid doing harm.
City Road Chapel Covenant of Care
We, the people of God at City Road Chapel United Methodist Church, are a faith community called to the mission of growing in Christ and sharing God’s love. As a people who follow Jesus in the tradition started by John Wesley, we likewise are guided by a common rule to avoid doing harm, to do as much good as possible, and to do the things that help us stay in love with God. Our mission and rule lead us to covenant with one another to respond with the utmost care and concern as we begin to open our buildings for public worship, learning, and use.
As God’s people, we covenant to:
- Avoid attending any activities on the church campus if we are sick or believe we have been exposed to someone who is sick.
- Wash and/or disinfect our hands immediately upon entering one of the church buildings, using the soap/disinfectant for the time it takes to sing the Doxology.
- Avoid hugs or shaking hands when we are with others on the church campus.
- Remain at least 6 feet apart from people with whom we are not sheltered-at-home.
- Wear face coverings to protect others in case we are sick but not showing symptoms.
- Accept limitations in our worship services so as to allow for the safety of all, including:
- Making reservations to attend a specific service and attending at a different time if our preferred service is full;
- To be seated by an usher in a designated safe-distance seat without complaint or requesting special treatment;
- Avoiding singing in worship to prevent the spread of germs;
- Using the designated boxes for offerings (or online giving) and following all instructions for receiving communion.
- Support the ministries of our church financially even when we are unable to participate in worship or other activities.
- Recognize that while there may be differing opinions regarding the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak, our calling to offer love and care leads us to respect those who are concerned about the disease and honor their needs for face-covering, social-distancing, and other ways they try to avoid becoming infected.
- Pray for the safety of all people, and the development of a vaccine and cure to end the current crisis.
This covenant will be a part of our life together until such time as the Centers for Disease Control and/or other health officials say that precautions are no longer needed.
Click here to download a PDF version of this covenant.