Update on Re-Opening Procedures!

Dear Congregation,

Greetings in Christ!

We want to inform you of a couple of changes as we continue the re-opening process. As you probably know, Luzerne County has moved to the "Green Phase" of re-opening. What this means is that we can begin relaxing some of our stricter guidelines. 
Here is a list of the changes:

1. We will be moving back to having one service, at 9:00 a.m. eliminating the 11 a.m. service. Anyone may come to church, you do not need to ask or give any heads-up.

2. Pastor will be available Sunday's from 10:30-11 to give communion to anyone who is not attending public worship services. Although it isn't necessary, I would appreciate a heads-up if you are planning on coming via phone or email. I can also make myself available during the week if Sunday doesn't work for you. 

3. We will continue to broadcast the service online indefinitely. 

4. The pew distancing will move from 2 pews to 1.

5. Elders will assist with communion distribution.

6. We will begin having coffee hour outside with pre-poured coffee and pre-portioned refreshments (please sign up!, respond to this email if you would like to bring something this Sunday or if you are willing to help set-up, we need volunteers!). However, we ask that you continue to properly distance and that anyone who is socializing or handling food/drink wear a mask. You are no longer asked to go straight home after service. 

7. Bible Study and Sunday School remain on hiatus until fall. 

Note that we have not changed following:

1. All communion distribution policies.

2. Our policy about mask-wearing when inside except when in your pew. 

3. Social-distancing between households in pews. 

4. Please no socializing in the foyer. You're encouraged to go outside. 

5. Take your bulletin home with you.

6. Our procedures on sanitizing the whole church after services. 

We are very happy to be able to loosen these restrictions. Join me in thanksgiving to our Lord that He has continued to sustain our congregation in the midst of this pandemic. Also, I do appreciate everyone's continued patience as we move forward. I know it's been difficult, but lets move forward together in the peace only Christ can give and around his blessed gifts. 

In Christ,

Pastor DeYoung
with the St. Peter's Church Council