Updated – Safe Worshiping Guidelines

Published 13 May 2020, Revised 23 May 2020, Revised 30 March 2021

The Executive Committee and the Vestry have reviewed the following response to the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania guidelines for the resumption of us gathering for Sunday morning worship.  Please review the following guidelines.  These procedures have been reviewed by Canon Chad Linder, a member of the Bishop’s staff.

Second Sunday at Six worship will be in recess until further notice

The Plan:

• –All enter by the Market Street parish hall entrance (which is accessible by all).  Immediately inside the door will be a greeter who will record the individual’s name and also take a temperature which will be recorded.  The temperature must be less than 100.4 or entry will be denied.  Those entering will be masked or provided a mask for immediate use.  Hand sanitizer will also be positioned for all who enter.  Those whose contact information is not known will be required to record the information on an attendance sheet.  The lower level parish hall doors will be locked with signage inviting all to proceed to the Market Street doors. 
• –A second greeter will be at the entrance to the nave welcoming and handing our single-use bulletins.  Disposal gloves will be available for those who wish them.  An offering plate will be provided for those who wish to continue to support the ministry of All Saints.  The offering plate will remain there until it is moved to the office for safekeeping following the service. 
• –Every other pew will be marked as not available for seating.  This will allow 10 pews for the congregation.  A box of tissues and a paper bag for disposal will be provided for each pew. 
• –The priest and a crucifer will process and recess for the opening and closing of the service and for the Gospel procession.  The priest will carry and hold the Gospel book while reading, keeping appropriate space from the crucifer.  The crucifer will be seated by the fireplace during the liturgy. 
• –The altar party will be the priest only.  He will do the altar preparation, using hand sanitizer.
• –Communion will be consecrated while covered by a veil.  All who wish will receive one kind only (wafer) and receive by the pulpit.  (This eliminates the need to use the railing going up and down to the altar).  All receiving will use hand sanitizer before receiving and will be encouraged to do so by the crucifer who will be standing next to the hand sanitizer station at the head of the aisle. 
• –Immediately before the service during the time for announcements the following announcements will be made by the priest. 
  • *Masks are to be worn at all times, covering the nose and mouth.
  • *Hand sanitizer is to be used by all just prior to communion.
  • *Communion will be of one kind only.
  • *As people approach for communion six feet of distancing needs to be observed.
  • *Singing is prohibited due to additional distancing needed.
  • *The Passing of the Peace will be observed by verbal response, and by remaining in the pew.
  • *A Coffee Hour may be observed with safe distancing around the perimeter of the room at tables, paper products only, and any refreshments provide need to be single size only. Hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes will be available on parish hall tables. 

• –These new guidelines will be a bulletin insert on Sunday mornings.
• –The attendance sheet for those present and their temperature will be stored in the office for future reference should the need arise for tracing purposes.
• –During the hymns, all are encouraged to read along with the music while remaining masked.  Singing is prohibited due to the need for even greater distancing required.  Since there is only one service each week, there is no need to remove prayer books and hymnals at this time. 
• –Sunday offerings will be stored in the office until Wednesday. 
• –Items On-hand: thermometer, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, boxes of tissues, paper bags, and disinfectant wipes. 
• –The entire facility will be cleaned as per the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pandemic guidelines.
• –The altar guild will set up and take down while wearing masks and gloves.
• –During the weekdays, all persons entering and working in the facility will be wearing masks, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer frequently.

Paul C. Donecker, priest in charge

All Saints Episcopal Church, Selinsgrove