REENTERING REOPENING REIMAGINING TASK FORCE Report of Recommendations

REENTERING, REOPENING & REIMAGINING TASK FORCE Report of Recommendations for Congregation Plans

THIS IS HOW WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER • The RRR Task Force has developed a report and recommendations for congregations to reenter their church buildings and reopen them for public worship and gatherings. • Congregations are urged to use this document to develop their PLAN for reentering and reopening for their context, which may require some reimaging in order to offer their ministry as desired. • An on-line questionnaire will be available by Monday, June 8 th (at the latest) to guide congregations on how to develop their Plan. • The questionnaire must be submitted to the Diocese and approved by the RRR Task Force and the Bishop’s Office before a congregation can reopen to the public.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • Congregations are ENCOURAGED to review the Report and inquire from their membership about their want to return to the church building. • Church buildings are NOT REQUIRED TO REOPEN! • There is NO RUSH to reopen. The Task Force encourages congregations to take their time to develop a plan that will work for YOU! • This process is intended to be collaborative. • Any work that can be done at home should continue to be done at home for any employee or volunteer.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • The Diocese of New Jersey will follow the State of New Jersey’s precedent on matters of health and public welfare during this pandemic. The Governor has developed “Stages” to define social interaction. • The Bishop will say what “Stage” the Diocese is in. No congregation may be in a later Stage; some congregations may be in an earlier Stage depending on local context.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • Social Distancing of 6 -feet in required at all Stages. • As of 6/4/20, only 10 people are allowed inside a church building. We expect that number to increase on 6/15/20. • Congregations will need to calculate how many people various areas in their buildings can accommodate with the 6 -foot distancing rule. • Which ever of those numbers (i. e. number allowed in the building OR number the space can accommodate) is LOWER is the number of people allowed in the building at any given time.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • Masks should be worn at all times, except for receiving Communion. • Cleaners, ushers and members of the Altar Guild are recommended to wear gloves when performing their duties. • Taking attendees temperatures in unnecessary. • Strongly advise those who feel unwell to stay home! • Any cleric who is concerned about their or their family’s health and welfare by returning to ministry in church buildings with others should contact the Bishop.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • Contact Tracing protocols must be developed for all church activities. • Any outside group using church facilities MUST provide the congregation with their own Contact Tracing protocols according to the group’s operating dynamics. The contact information does not need to be shared, but they must be able to contact their attendees • If someone who has been in a church building develops COVID-19 – or tests positive, all persons who have been in the building in the past 2 weeks will need to be notified. • Phyllis Jones at the Diocesan Office should also be notified.

CLEANING • Congregations are NOT required to have buildings professionally cleaned before reopening. • Follow CDC guidelines (included in the Report index) for cleaning and disinfecting. • The Congregational Plan needs to define what cleaning protocols are in place (how, who, how often) for BOTH church functions and outside groups. • Scheduling of services needs to allow for 1 -hour between for cleaning

WORSHIP – STAGE 1 (PROBABLY STAGE 2) • Holy Eucharist may be celebrated. Only the Body of Christ may be distributed to congregation members using recommended protocols. • Congregations need to consider access to Communion to those unable to attend a service in a church building. • Weddings and Funerals in a church building must follow attendance restrictions. • “Emergency” baptisms are allowed. Waiting until the Body of Christ can be more fully gathered is encouraged for all other baptisms.

WORSHIP – STAGE 1 (PROBABLY STAGE 2) • Single-use bulletins can be used. They should be handled as little as possible and also made available in electronic formats. • All other materials should be removed from the pews. • Lectors must stand 20 -feet away from any one else. • One singer/cantor is permitted, and must be 30 -feet away from any one else. Congregational singing is prohibited at this time. • Musicians are allowed to play non-woodwind instruments.

WORSHIP – STAGE 1 (PROBABLY STAGE 2) • Currently, 25 people are allowed to attend services conducted outside. The 6 -foot social distancing and masking protocols are still applicable. • An tent with sides is considered an “inside” space and must restrict attendance as such. • An open tent or canopy is considered an “outside space and must restrict attendance as such. • The peace can only be shared without touching or moving.

OTHER ACTIVITIES – STAGE 1 (PROBABLY STAGE 2) • No in-person Nursey, Sunday School, or Vacation Bible School programs are allowed. • No gatherings, such as Coffee Hour, are allowed before or after services. • Any food offered must be individually packaged and given “to go”. • Any in-person pastoral care visit protocols must be agreed to by all parties prior to the visit.

CHURCHES IN TRANSITION • In-person interviews are ENCOURAGED, following the recommendations of the Task Force. • The health and well-being for the Candidates and interviewers is most important. • Congregational Plans should be submitted by Wardens if no cleric is present.

QUESTIONS? § If you think of something later, contact the Task Force through the Diocesan Website.