Introduction

A year ago, we were all learning new ways to be church. We could not gather in our buildings or even as groups. We learned. We adapted. We pivoted. We learned some more.

Also, a year ago the NJ Department of health provided guidelines and restrictions, in three stages, in order for all to stay safe from the COVID 19 virus. Over the last 14 months we have been living in Stages 1 and 2 and pining for the time we would see Stage 3 and beyond.

Though they have not named it as such, we are moving into a new stage in the state, and that means we should reexamine our Protocols and Guidelines for ReEntry into our Church buildings and ways we gather as a community.

Protocols and Guidelines for Congregations

Because of the ever-changing understanding of COVID 19 we recognize that no plan will be perfect and will need to be adapted, revised and changed as additional information becomes available and more people are vaccinated.

We request that all sessions who have NOT submitted a plan to the presbytery office in the past to send your ReEntry plan for this next stage.

If you have updated a previous plan, please send that to the presbytery office; we would like to include that in your file.

Please note that all plans must adhere to the State of New Jersey’s requirements and regulations for each stage of the New Jersey Road Back plan.

Decision-making

Deciding to move forward with meeting in person should not be a decision taken because of pressure or anxiety from congregational members. There should be thoughtful and thorough conversation about the implications of this decision. No one should be in a position where they feel that they were forced to participate, or fear of their job or compromising their health, including the pastor. All aspects of the decision need to be taken into consideration before the final vote.

Previously, we have required that there be unanimous consent of all the session members, including the pastor/moderator, of the plan before submitting to the Property and Insurance Team for review. We continue to recommend using the unanimous vote of the session as a guide that all have felt they have been heard and that extensive conversations have occurred.

Masks

On May 13 the CDC announced that those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear mask both indoors and outdoors or be concerned about social distancing from other fully vaccinated people.

As of May 14, the NJ Department of Health HAS NOT changed the masks mandate. We are still required to wear mask and maintain social distancing. This may change in the near future.

Even if the Department of Health changes the mask mandate for indoor gatherings we encourage your sessions to review this policy for your situation knowing that there will be worship participants who are not vaccinated or members who are reluctant to meet without a mask. Gathering for worship is about welcoming and offering hospitality of all people whether they are vaccinated or not.

Next Stage May 2021

We have reached the point where we are reentering our buildings and things look different than they did Pre-Pandemic.

Congregational Next Stage Plan should include the following:

• Continue with some version of online worship
• Conversations and Plans for technology upgrades if needed
• Review or develop plan for in sanctuary worship that includes social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitizer. State of New Jersey does not have limits on indoor capacity of religious gatherings but still must adhere to social distancing and mask wearing.
• Plans for outdoor worship, if possible, so more people will be comfortable attending.
• Congregational meals/dinners/lunches should be as little touch as possible. Avoid serving indoor buffet or potluck. The State of New Jersey does allow for catered gatherings such as wedding or funeral receptions.
• Plan for outdoor gatherings as much as possible.
• “Waivers” are not required.
• DO NOT have a “vaccinated” section or “unvaccinated” section. Continue the distancing protocols until a time when the levels of COVID 19 cases are low enough for the Department of Health gives the go ahead to remove the “social distancing” requirement.
• Currently there are differing opinions on congregational singing. Until there is clarity, congregational singing indoors should be avoided. Spoken responses with masks is considered safe. Outdoor congregational singing with masks can be considered.

Property and Insurance Team are available to review your plans and offer suggestions.  Send your plans to office@highlandspresbyterynj.org

 

 PDF VERSION – The Next Stage – Protocols and Guidance for ReEntry May 2021