St. Mark COVID-19 Strategy & Guidelines

Strategy

As Christians, we approach this ongoing pandemic centered in our faith. Our savior, Jesus Christ, calls us to love our neighbors and care for the sick and vulnerable in our midst. With that in mind, our congregation’s leadership has made the commitment to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC, the State of Illinois, Winnebago County, and the ELCA. Our Bishop, Jeff Clements, strongly encourages all congregations to take these guidelines seriously without searching for creative ways around the very rules designed to keep us healthy. The council has prepared the following strategy and guidelines so that St. Mark can continue to be a community that gathers together and cares for one another.

1. Though the individual hours of our staff remain flexible, the church office hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

2. Small groups are allowed to meet on-site. Leaders and attendees must follow the Small Group Guidelines listed at the bottom of this page.

3. Anyone who participates in activities, programs, or services must complete the waiver form, Participation During a Pandemic, available in the church office.

4. Starting on February 7th, our 9:30 am live service will be able to host up to 40 worshippers in the congregation. We will have pre-registration and will also continue to follow the small group guidelines we have had since July, which call for signing a waiver, wearing a mask, and staying six feet away from others. If there is enough demand, additional Sunday services will be added.

5. Certain precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of all who enter.

a. Though everyone is encouraged to bring their own mask, the church will provide disposable facemasks to anyone who may need one.
b. Hand sanitation stations will be placed throughout the building.
c. A professional zoom account will be available for use in the conference room to any small group leader who requests access.
d. Rooms that are not in use will be off-limits unless authorized by a member of staff.
e. After a space has been used by a small group, the group is asked to wipe down your area with provided disinfectant wipes and Lysol spray.
f. Attendance will be recorded at all gatherings.

Guidelines for Small Groups

For the safety of all our members, and in keeping with our calling as Christians to love our neighbors, groups that meet on-site must follow these guidelines. Groups that meet off-site are strongly encouraged to follow these to the best of their ability. The health and welfare of our members and visitors is our number one priority in resuming all activities at St. Mark Lutheran Church.

When 100% of attendees are fully vaccinated against COVID-I9, certain precautions are not required. Small Group Leaders are responsible for determining if their group is fully vaccinated and able to forego these guidelines. Guidelines in bold must still be followed.

Small Group Leaders:

Complete and submit the Participation During a Pandemic waiver.
Keep an attendance record of all attendees and submit it to the church office.
Schedule and coordinate gatherings through the office to ensure that there are no overlapping meetings during this time. Stay only in designated areas, and adhere to current capacity limits.
Provide a virtual meeting option for those unable to attend in person. The church's Zoom account is available upon request, and the office staff can assist you in setting up and coordinating a Zoom meeting. (other options include phone conference calls and other video calling services you are familiar with). Due to limitations, musical groups are exempt from this requirement and encouraged to come up with other creative means to include at-home participants.
Take the temperature of all attendees upon arrival, or assign a volunteer to do so. Kindly, but firmly ask anyone with a fever greater than 100 F to return home. A thermometer will be provided by the church office.
Ensure that they and all attendees adhere to the guidelines listed below.

Attendees:

Complete and submit the Participation During a Pandemic waiver.
Wear a face mask at all times. If a medical condition keeps you from doing so, please stay home for your own safety and take advantage of the virtual meeting option provided by the small group leader.
When food and drink are provided, you may temporarily remove your mask to take a bite or drink.
Allow your temperature to be taken upon arrival. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, including a fever of 100 F or higher, you will be asked to return home.
Refrain from handshakes, hugs, and all physical contact.
Regularly wash or sanitize hands, especially after using the restroom or touching your face.
Limit restroom capacity to one person at a time, unless with family or an individual under your care.
Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others at all times.
When inside, stay in one location for the duration of the event and clean your table/chair with provided wipes before you leave.