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Dear Countryside Community Church members and friends,
 
With Lackawanna County in the yellow phase and anticipated soon to be in the green phase, our church has formed a task force to plan reopening for in-person worship in early August, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution to ensure safety from the spread of the coronavirus, and in line with guidelines from state, CDC, and Susquehanna Conference sources, we now share with you a vision of worship in this new normal, which is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
 
Keep in mind that, although all segments of the population are at risk of catching the coronavirus, certain groups are deemed to be at higher risk for severe illness. These are people above age 65, as well as folks with underlying health issues, such as asthma, heart conditions, HIV, diabetes, liver disease, severe obesity, and, generally, people who are in any way immunocompromised.
 
Social distancing should be practiced from the time you arrive in the parking lot until you return to your cars. Please be mindful of the recommended 6 feet of separation as you enter the building and once inside. Ushers, security, and volunteers will guide and facilitate appropriate spacing and seating arrangements. Capacity will be limited according to government or bishop directed guidelines, but every effort will be made to accommodate all needs.
 
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility !
 
Although the following restrictions could still change, here is a vision of our reopening worship service during the green phase:
 

  • Doors will open 15 minutes before the services begin, and we ask that you remain in your car until that time.
  • Masks must be worn at all times, if you forget yours, we’ll have extras available.
  • Non latex gloves will be available for your use if you choose to wear them.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located in the lobby at the church entrance.
  • We will collect contact information for all in attendance for tracing purposes.
  • Families can be seated together... social distancing for everyone else.
  • There will be no congregational or choir singing, no use of hymnals, no communion, no bulletins, or passing of collection plates during worship.
  • No food or beverages (hospitality time) will be provided at any service.
  • There will be no Sunday school classes, no nursery, and no children's church until further notice.
  • The church’s lower level will be closed.

 
Significant measures have been taken to address necessary sanitation guidelines and precautions. All designated areas involved in conducting worship have been thoroughly sanitized.
 
Volunteers, ushers, security, staff, and our pastor are all here to help, and have also followed and are adhering to procedures and guidelines.
 
Your input is strongly encouraged for the task force to continue planning. Please
respond to this message by indicating whether it is likely or unlikely that you, under
the above guidelines, will return during the resumption of in-person worship.
 
You may reply by Wednesday, June 24, in any of the following ways:

  • Email the church office at office@countryside-church.org or reply to this email
  • Call the church office at (570) 587-3206
  • Mail your response to: Countryside Community Church, 14011 Orchard Drive, Clarks Summit, PA 18411

 
 
In Christ,
Countryside Community Church
Reopening Task Force