Greetings my dear friends,

The Session met through video conferencing to determine when to resume in sanctuary worship, and how we will begin this process. We will resume in-person worship on June 7th at 9:45 AM for those who feel comfortable. We will practice “social distancing” and this will unfortunately be the state of worship for the foreseeable future. Your Session is responsible for the care and nurture of our congregation, and as such, believes that in our love for one another we must take these measures to ensure the safety of our church family to the best of our ability. Your Session is extremely concerned about your safety and would experience major guilt if one of our flock were to contract Covid-19 because we did not take as much care as possible to protect those we love. While this is not the way we want to worship (we miss the physical contact as much as you) we feel we must adhere to the guidelines that have been established by the CDC and the state in order to protect each other as best we can.

That means that we will observe the following guidelines and precautionary measures:

· We will only allow a limited number of people into our sanctuary. The Fellowship Hall will be closed, Only the front sanctuary doors will be open. Please maintain “social distancing” as we enter and leave the sanctuary.

· Please use alternate parking spaces in the lot across the street.

· We will only use every other pew. There will be a limited number of people per pew in order to maintain social distancing. The bulletins will be placed in the pews to indicate the preferred seating arrangement. Please sit where the bulletins are placed.

· The touch points of the sanctuary, (pew backs, door handles, etc.) will be cleaned in between services.

· We will provide hand sanitizer at the door.

· In order to help protect those seated around us, Face Masks are STRONGLY encouraged. Please bring your own mask, however if you do not have one or forget yours, there will be some available.

· Before and after the service, for the safety of others, please refrain from congregating with other members within or outside the building.

· Please do not attend if you are sick, have a fever, or are experiencing flu like symptoms.

· If you feel that you are at risk, please do not feel compelled to come.

Everyone must decide their acceptable risk. Some people and families may choose to wait while others of similar circumstances may return immediately. These decisions should not be a source of shame or judgment, and Providence understands that each person has a responsibility to protect themselves and their families. If a person returns immediately, this should not be a source of pride or judgment. “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.” 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)

We will continue to have online worship available via Zoom. The Order of Worship for our services and a recording of the sermon are placed on our Facebook page and church website.

Everyone must recognize that this is an ever changing, dynamic environment, and it is subject to change. As soon as possible, we will allow Sunday school classes, children’s ministry, youth ministry, and other programs to resume with the appropriate guidelines and social distancing. Our goal is to create a safe environment for everyone, to the extent that is within our power. Your personal choice for when to return to worship is not a test of faith. Whether online or in-person, Providence will continue to worship as one, a united body of believers, seeking to honor God in our minds and hearts. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. May God protect and bless all of you!

In Christ,

Your Session