A Letter from the Elders and Deacons concerning COVID-19
May 24, 2020
Dear faithful members and friends of West End Presbyterian Church:
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After prayerful consideration and planning, the Session and Board of Deacons have agreed to resume in-sanctuary Sunday morning worship services beginning, Sunday, May 31st at 11:00 AM. We are joyful to join together to worship our awesome God and in a manner that will also follow public health requirements to protect our congregation.
We plan to adhere to the following guidelines to maintain proper social distancing and to support prescribed safety and health measures:
1. General Order
a) No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19, or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days, is permitted to enter the church building.
b) Parents are encouraged to use good judgment in bringing young children. No nursery will be provided during this initial phase of meeting together.
c) The wearing of face masks covering the nose and mouth is encouraged (unless mandated by the governor) while worshiping.
d) Hand sanitizer will be available in the Narthex (and in each Men's and Women's restroom). The use of personal hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes is encouraged.
e) We are able to safely seat up to 300 people in our sanctuary.
f) Water fountains will not be in operation. Please bring bottled water if necessary.
g) Sunday School will be postponed during this phase.
h) Communion will be postponed during this phase.
i) Disinfection will be managed by the church custodian between services.
2. Arriving, Entering, and Exiting
a) Upon arrival, please use the 15th Avenue/Anchor Room parking lot.
b) Entry will be through the door facing 15th Avenue/Anchor Room.
c) Once in the building, proceed down the hallway, through the Map Room, and enter the sanctuary through the Narthex.
d) For those requiring special assistance or the use of the ramp door, please contact the church office or one of the members of the Leadership Team prior to the service.
e) Pew rows will be taped off for proper seating and maintaining social distancing – at least six feet apart. Families and those quarantining together may sit next to one another. Ushers will be available to assist in finding a seat.
f) At the end of the worship service, an usher will dismiss each row from back to front to allow safe dispersing through the Narthex. Social distancing should be practiced while leaving and in the parking lot.
3. Communication
a) All posted signs on entrances and hallway corridors regarding precautions and movement within the building must be followed.
b) Copies of the printed Order of Worship, bulletin announcements and worship service music will be available on the table in the Narthex when entering the sanctuary.
c) The church will supply current and revised guideline information by email, phone calls and/or regular mail service, website updates, and the electronic church sign.
4. Tithes, Gifts, and Offerings
a) Offering will not be collected in the pews. Please drop off your offering in the plates located on the table in the Narthex either before or after the service.
b) For those who wish to mail their offering to the church, please mail to: West End Presbyterian Church, 1600 Atlantic Street, Hopewell, VA 23860
5. Worshiping in the Sanctuary
a) The pastor will preach from the pulpit, with the musicians stationed in front of the sanctuary to lead worship.
b) Please bring your own Bibles; pew Bibles and hymnals will be temporarily removed from the sanctuary.
c) The worship service will continue to be offered on Live Stream through Facebook and will be recorded for future viewing.
We praise the Lord for being able to meet again and worship him in spirit and in truth. May the Lord continue to bless you and grant you peace and good health in these challenging times. Please continue to pray for one another and our ministries. If you have any questions or thoughts, we ask you to direct them to a member of the Leadership Team (below).
Blessings through Christ our Savior,
West End Presbyterian Church Session and Board of Deacons
Leadership Team Contacts:
Session: Ken Tomko
Brandon Butterworth
Sam Couch
Sean Kellner
Deacons: Jonathan Donivan
Doug Edwards
Charlie Harrison
Will Harrison
Dear faithful members and friends of West End Presbyterian Church:
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After prayerful consideration and planning, the Session and Board of Deacons have agreed to resume in-sanctuary Sunday morning worship services beginning, Sunday, May 31st at 11:00 AM. We are joyful to join together to worship our awesome God and in a manner that will also follow public health requirements to protect our congregation.
We plan to adhere to the following guidelines to maintain proper social distancing and to support prescribed safety and health measures:
1. General Order
a) No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19, or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days, is permitted to enter the church building.
b) Parents are encouraged to use good judgment in bringing young children. No nursery will be provided during this initial phase of meeting together.
c) The wearing of face masks covering the nose and mouth is encouraged (unless mandated by the governor) while worshiping.
d) Hand sanitizer will be available in the Narthex (and in each Men's and Women's restroom). The use of personal hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes is encouraged.
e) We are able to safely seat up to 300 people in our sanctuary.
f) Water fountains will not be in operation. Please bring bottled water if necessary.
g) Sunday School will be postponed during this phase.
h) Communion will be postponed during this phase.
i) Disinfection will be managed by the church custodian between services.
2. Arriving, Entering, and Exiting
a) Upon arrival, please use the 15th Avenue/Anchor Room parking lot.
b) Entry will be through the door facing 15th Avenue/Anchor Room.
c) Once in the building, proceed down the hallway, through the Map Room, and enter the sanctuary through the Narthex.
d) For those requiring special assistance or the use of the ramp door, please contact the church office or one of the members of the Leadership Team prior to the service.
e) Pew rows will be taped off for proper seating and maintaining social distancing – at least six feet apart. Families and those quarantining together may sit next to one another. Ushers will be available to assist in finding a seat.
f) At the end of the worship service, an usher will dismiss each row from back to front to allow safe dispersing through the Narthex. Social distancing should be practiced while leaving and in the parking lot.
3. Communication
a) All posted signs on entrances and hallway corridors regarding precautions and movement within the building must be followed.
b) Copies of the printed Order of Worship, bulletin announcements and worship service music will be available on the table in the Narthex when entering the sanctuary.
c) The church will supply current and revised guideline information by email, phone calls and/or regular mail service, website updates, and the electronic church sign.
4. Tithes, Gifts, and Offerings
a) Offering will not be collected in the pews. Please drop off your offering in the plates located on the table in the Narthex either before or after the service.
b) For those who wish to mail their offering to the church, please mail to: West End Presbyterian Church, 1600 Atlantic Street, Hopewell, VA 23860
5. Worshiping in the Sanctuary
a) The pastor will preach from the pulpit, with the musicians stationed in front of the sanctuary to lead worship.
b) Please bring your own Bibles; pew Bibles and hymnals will be temporarily removed from the sanctuary.
c) The worship service will continue to be offered on Live Stream through Facebook and will be recorded for future viewing.
We praise the Lord for being able to meet again and worship him in spirit and in truth. May the Lord continue to bless you and grant you peace and good health in these challenging times. Please continue to pray for one another and our ministries. If you have any questions or thoughts, we ask you to direct them to a member of the Leadership Team (below).
Blessings through Christ our Savior,
West End Presbyterian Church Session and Board of Deacons
Leadership Team Contacts:
Session: Ken Tomko
Brandon Butterworth
Sam Couch
Sean Kellner
Deacons: Jonathan Donivan
Doug Edwards
Charlie Harrison
Will Harrison