We've Gone Back In The Building

To our fellow worshippers, 

Please adhere to the procedures below for re-entering worship service.  

We are excited to gather for communal worship once again and are committed to enforcing policy to keep everyone safe. Wearing masks and evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations are a must for our first phase of reopening. You can assist in a quick entering process by emailing a copy of your vaccination card to the church's email address at RushTempleOffice@gmail.com in advance. 

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before service start time at 11 AM to ensure that you can enter before the start of worship. 

We ask that you refrain from in-person worship if your answer is yes to any of the following questions within two weeks of attendance:

1.    Have you recently been out of the country? 

2.    Have you recently had a fever or cold?

3.    Have you recently been in the presence of anyone knowingly with the coronavirus? 

PART I ENTERING THE BUILDING

1.    You will be required to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status before entering the building unless previously sent. You will then be added to our permanent list so that you would not have to show vaccination proof weekly. If your COVID-19 vaccination proof cannot be provided, we will ask you to leave and join us virtually for worship.

*COVID-19 Vaccination is expected for all aged 12 and up*

2.    You will be required to complete an entry card with your contact information for contact tracing.

3.    You will be asked upon entering to stand in front of the temperature check device. If it determines that you have a high temperature, we will ask you to leave and join us virtually for worship.

4.    After check-in is complete, you will be required to sanitize your hands and then escorted by an Usher to seats provided for social distancing. 

5.    Unless it's necessary, please remain in your assigned seats.

6.    We will only be using the bathroom on the main sanctuary floor.

7.    There will be no approved access to the fellowship hall unless previously authorized. 

PART II WORSHIP SPACE PRACTICES 

1.    All Participants should remain physically distanced and in place wearing masks at the start of the service– Preacher/Worship Leader, Musician(s), Singers, etc. 

2.    We will use only the number of singers that the space allows – a single row with singers a minimum of six feet apart. Singers should not face each other when singing and should wear face-covering when not singing. 

3.    We will continue using a modified Order of Worship similar to what has been used for virtual worship.

4.    Persons may give tithes, offerings, or donations as they enter or exit in the baskets provided at the doorway or continue using digital methods of giving (Cash App, Givelify, Zelle). 

PART IIV COMMUNION PRACTICES

1.    We will use pre-packaged Communion wafers and juice sets.

2.    The pre-packaged elements will be consecrated before distribution and received when directed by the Celebrant.

3.    We will hold the rituals and prayer; however, we ask that the elements be consumed after exiting the building during phase 1 of reopening.  

PART IV AFTER THE BENEDICTION

1. Please greet one another in a manner that minimizes touching, i.e., with a wave or fist bump or elbow.

2. After the benediction, please leave through the designated exit while maintaining physical distancing.

3.    After worship, fellowship in the Sanctuary should be minimized. Fellowship should be reserved until you are entirely outside of the building

PART V DURING THE WEEK ACTIVITIES

1.    Church Ministry Meetings, ministries, and Bible Studies will continue virtually. 

PART VI CLEANING PRACTICES AFTER WORSHIP/BUILDING USE

1.    We will perform regular cleaning weekly after worship or church use.

2.    We will fully sanitize all previously occupied parts of the building weekly using a disinfecting fogging method covering all touch areas, bathrooms, and flat surfaces (tables, desks, Pulpit furniture, back of pews, etc. doorknobs, etc.). 

PART VII IN CASE OF A POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST BY ANY KNOWN ATTENDEE OR STAFF: 

1.    The Facility will be shut down immediately to any in-person activity for two weeks following the date of possible exposure.

2.    The facility will be cleaned and disinfected before reopening

3.    All persons who may have been exposed will be notified to seek testing and medical advice for self-quarantining.  

4.    The name of the person who tested positive will not be revealed.

PART IIX LOCAL CONGREGATION MEMBERS' PLEDGE

1.    Model the behavior we expect from others

2.    Stay at home if they are in a high-risk category, feel sick, or have symptoms of sickness

3.    Follow hygiene guidelines, including regular handwashing

4.    Wear face coverings and other PPE as required

5.    Participate in health screening on arrival

6.    Exit the facility promptly following worship