March 16, 2020
GOOD SHEPHERD’S BUILDING CLOSING AS OF TUESDAY, MARCH 17 IN ORDER TO CARE FOR COMMUNITY
Good Shepherd is continuing to try to do our part to help flatten the curve of this virus. We will continue to care for each other and our community via phone, email and online resources. We can care best by practicing physical distance in this time.
• Because the CDC has recommended no gatherings of more than 50 people for 8 weeks, we will not hold in-person worship until Sunday, May 17. This includes Holy Week and Easter. We will offer online alternatives. Wednesday Midweek Lenten services at 7:00 pm will use Holden Evening Prayer.
• We will temporarily suspend all weddings, funerals and memorials until May 11.
• Graveside services will be offered for immediate family only and physical distancing of 6 feet will be maintained carefully. Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.
• Because President Trump is recommending avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people and because we serve a very high-risk population, all programming and all in-person meetings and groups related to Good Shepherd will be asked to meet via Zoom (instructions will be shared soon), or phone or postpone until notified of a change. This impacts Congregation Council, Committee Meetings, Circle meetings, Prayer Shawl, Bible Study and informal planning meetings. Many of these gatherings are smaller than ten people but we need to do our part to protect vulnerable populations and try to prevent community spread.
• We need to limit who enters the building to keep it safer for our staff who will be there to serve the congregation and the community.
• Please do not plan any meetings or gatherings at the church.
• We want to model the importance of physical distancing with all who use our building. We will ask support groups to not meet in the building but we will arrange Zoom meetings for them so they can meet online.
• The building will be closed to all except staff and Reg Laursen as he has been appointed building manager by the Executive Committee. People requesting financial help will see a sign requesting that they call to make an appointment with Pr. Amy. We will also have a dropbox with pen and paper where they can leave requests.
• Staff will work remotely or in the building.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. 