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 will increase to every weekday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
2. Small groups are allowed to meet on-site beginning July 1st. 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. At this time, Sunday worship remains exclusively online. However, beginning on July 22nd we will provide an in-person worship service on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. This service will be recorded and used for the following Sunday’s online worship video.
- a. For safety reasons, this service will be treated as a small group and must adhere to the Small Group Guidelines, which prohibit physical contact and require a face mask at all times.
- b. Singing and spoken corporate prayers will not occur. Participants may whisper prayers, or speak from their heart.
- c. At this time, there will be no communion on Wednesday evenings, or fellowship time afterward.
- d. Hymns and other musical elements that require voices or breath will be edited afterward for the Sunday worship video.
- e. Attendance on Wednesday nights will be limited to 50 people or fewer, and all who wish to attend must sign up in advance. Registration will be available by calling the office or by using the online form available on the website and the smartphone app. Repeat attendance will be limited based on the number of people who are waiting to attend the first time.
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, it will be thoroughly disinfected.
- f. Attendance will be recorded at all gatherings.
6. The council is aiming for an outdoor, in-person worship service on Rally Sunday, September 13th, provided that Rockford is in Restore Illinois Phase 4 or higher. This remains only a possibility for now.
7. The current pastoral transition process will continue, following our congregation’s constitution and bylaws. If a congregational meeting is required, the council will devise a clear and accommodating plan so that no one is excluded due to the pandemic.
Wednesday Evening Worship
Beginning on July 22nd, we will record our Sunday worship videos on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. A small, pre-registered group of worshippers will be able to attend, as we all continue to maintain social distancing guidelines. If you would like to attend one of these Wednesday worship services, please select all dates that you are available.