Covid-19 Policy Update

Covid-19 Policy Update

Based on the rapidly declining COVID hospitalization cases and the growing number of individuals who have immunity from vaccination or natural infection, the Health Subcommittee is recommending we amend our current COVID health polices:

  1. Masks are optional for all ages and for all church activities – on or off campus – including recreational activities. Masks are optional for children and adult choirs and congregational singing. Of course, those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, or who are at higher risk (chronic illnesses, seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and cancer patients), are certainly encouraged to wear one.
  1. Next month, the Worship Committee will explore returning to pre-COVID ways of celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
  1. The Weekday School will continue to follow its current guidelines as recommended by DHEC regarding quarantining when students or teachers test positive.

We are grateful for the work of the Health Subcommittee as we continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone in this ever-changing time of pandemic. The Subcommittee will continue to monitor the situation and offer guidance as needs change. Thanks to the Subcommittee members: Baker Boles, Budge Bean, Greg Colbath, and Beth Cecil.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Blessings,

Lewis Galloway

OUR RESPONSE

JULY 2020

The FPC Session concurred with the unanimous decision of the Weekday School Board to reopen using the plan developed by the WDS staff and board. The opening date will be set in conjunction with the opening date set by School District Seven – currently the WDS is scheduled to open on Monday, August 24.

Additionally, Session approved a general operating model for upcoming services and events based on the outdoor model used for the July Baccalaureate service, and a layout diagram which creates up to 50 “family circles of 1-3 people” with proper distancing. Masks and assigned seating are expected. Potential activities foreseen at this time include Confirmation, weddings, and possibly other services such as Vespers and Healing and Wholeness. Similar assumptions could be applied to outdoor fellowship activities near the Family Life Center.


MAY 27, 2020

The FPC Session and Diaconate met on Tuesday, May 26, via Zoom. It was decided that we will not meet for in-person worship during the month of June.

However, we will begin approving small gatherings of ten or fewer people to be held under proper distancing and safe conditions (generally outdoor) as requests are made and the need is reasonable. Your staff is coming up with great ideas for these gatherings and we will be sharing with you as the plans are finalized.


MAY 15, 2020

As our society begins to reopen, please be assured your staff and Session are hard at work making plans to reintroduce in-person ministry when it becomes safe to begin that gradual process. At this time, we will continue our current practices of online ministry and worship.

At the May meeting of Session, the Health Committee will advise on the factors to be considered. We will be taking a cautious approach, wanting to ensure to the best of our ability, that we protect the most vulnerable in our community. We are also consulting Presbytery, sister congregations, and guidelines from the CDC and local government agencies as to the timing and nature of returning together. The safety of our congregation is of the utmost importance to us, and we hope you understand that in-person worship will be included in the last phase of our reopening process.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. I pray God’s presence and the peace of Christ be with you and all you love in this time.

Peace,
Tom


Worship and Community ONLINE (March 21, 2020)

UPDATE: Our Church Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)

Our Church Response to COVID-19 (March 12, 2020)

RESOURCES FOR YOU

Click the Links Below for more information

From the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control