July 31, 2020
Dear Good Shepherd Family,
I hope this letter finds you all well. I know that many of you have been asking and wondering when we would be able to return to in-person worship services and other church activities. The vestry has been prayerfully considering this question and working on a way to do this safely.
I am happy to announce that we will begin this process over the next few weeks. We will be having training sessions for anyone interested in ushering, which will include learning the new COVID-19 safety procedures. A copy of the Operations Plan for Good Shepherd can be made available upon request to the office or any vestry member. This plan is in accordance with the CDC Guidelines and has been approved by the diocesan office here in South Dakota. I will also be involved in a walk-through of the building with a representative of the City of Sioux Falls Health Department. We are making every effort to provide a safe return to in-person services and activities while still maintaining the Facebook Livestream of our services. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime.
We are currently planning to reopen the church for in-person worship on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Please note that this plan is very fluid and may change if there is:
· a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in our area
· a change in the CDC Guidelines
· a change in local government recommendations
· someone who has been present within our building tests positive for COVID-19
Here are some of the major changes that you need to be aware of if you intend to enter the church building:
· Face masks are mandatory. If you do not have one, we have disposable ones available.
· Please enter using the main entrance into the rear of the nave. The office doors will be locked unless overflow seating is needed.
· Using CDC approved hand sanitizer is mandatory before entering the building.
· Social distancing is mandatory. Ushers will assist you with seating.
· Music will be instrumental only. Singing is discouraged as it has been shown to significantly increase the spread of COVID-19.
· Communion will consist of the Host and will be distributed at the base of the step by the handrail. Ushers will direct parishioner to assure proper social distancing.
· Overflow seating will be available in the fellowship hall as needed to assure proper social distancing.
· Coffee hour will not be held at this time. You are more than welcome to converse outside the building.
Again, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (605) 201-2926.
Love and Prayers,
Mary Soukup
Senior Warden
