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June 5, 2020 

Return to In-Person Worship Plan for  St. John's Lutheran Church

On Monday, our "Return to In-Person Worship Logistics Team" met to continue preparations and on Thursday, Governor Hogan said Maryland will be moving into Phase 2 this weekend.  We have come up with a plan to return to in-person outdoor worship beginning Sunday, June 21 at 8am and 9:30am, but we will also continue with Facebook live (9:30am), emailing and mailing the service as we have been.  We know everyone will not feel comfortable returning to church at this time but do what you think is best for you and your family.  To aid with hearing the services, we now have speakers and a microphone to be used in both worship locations.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU GET TOO EXCITED: 

1. Please DO NOT attend if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around anyone with symptoms or a positive case.
2. As of now, per guidance of the Carroll County Health Department (we will update if anything changes):  
   1. All who attend worship will need to have their temperature taken upon arrival
   2. We will keep attendance (in the event someone has a positive case of COVID-19 that will help with contact tracing)  
   3. All will be required to wear a mask (we will have some available if you need one or forget  yours)
   4. We will maintain a distance of 7 feet or more from other people (not in your family group).  
   5. There will be no congregational singing and the service will be about 30 minutes.  
   6. For at least a few weeks, worship will not include communion. 

If you do not want to have your temperature taken, wear a mask, adhere to physical distancing guidelines, then please stay home.  We understand and it is ok.  We do not want to have to have a church bouncer. 
 
8:00am Drive In Worship on the Parking Lot

1. You will be directed to a parking spot.  
2. You will stay in your car or bring your own chairs and sit outside your car in your parking space. 

 9:30am Chapel in the Woods

1. Individuals/Families will be seated 7 feet apart as per guidelines.  
2. Please follow the instructions given to you. 

Bathrooms will be available for use, but only one door to the building will be unlocked.  No one should enter the building except for bathroom use. 

What do we do if it rains?  Stay home.  We will not have in-person worship if it rains.  Watch for announcements.  Please watch Facebook Live worship at 9:30am.
 
What about meetings, gatherings and other outside groups meeting at St. John's?  We are beginning with outdoor worship.  We will let you know when we have decided on anything else.  For now, our building is closed except for office and staff business.