Greetings,

I am joyous to announce the restart of our in-person worship services at United Church of Sandwich. We will resume worship on Sunday, July 12th at 10:00am. Although we are resuming active worship on property, we want to proceed in the safest way possible for you and the entire church body. As such, we are implementing a few new procedures and steps to provide as safe and helpful of a worship service as possible.

First, starting July 12th , Worship will be a combination of Drive-In/Out Door. What does this mean? If you would like to worship, but wish to remain in your vehicle at a selected section of the parking lot, you may do so during worship. The sound will be transmitted through the car radio. We will have an outdoor worship section in the grass, utilizing as much shade as possible to keep you out of the sun. Online worship will continue (it may have an adjusted format, but will continue at the same times).

How will Worship look and how can each person prepare? Great question. Below are the guidelines for outdoor worship...

- Those remaining in their cars will not need to take any additional precautions.

- Those who are worshipping outdoors will be asked to bring their lawn chairs to set up in the grass. Spots will be sectioned to provide safe social distancing.

- Should you wear a mask even if you are outside? Yes. We understand that there is a diverse opinion on wearing masks. As we struggled to decide the best course of action for our church, we looked to scripture and found this inspiration in 1st Corinthians.

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” I Cor. 10:33

At UCS, we want to treat wearing masks as an expression of love and support to those around us. Our hope is that by being cautious, we set an example to the community around us.

- The bulletin will be provided in digital format on the website for download. A paper bulletin will be provided for single use to those who need a paper copy.

- There will be no physical Bibles and hymnals for the foreseeable future to prevent transfer of any virus.

- Each person attending worship will be asked to share their name and phone number to allow us to contact everyone in the event of a positive Covid19 test in our community.

- Worship components, including but not limited to, offering, sacraments, and congregational singing will be adjusted for the safety and wellbeing of everyone in attendance. We understand that worship will look and feel different. It may feel awkward, and is not what we would like it to be. We share in your sadness, but we also lift up the new possibilities and hope of seeing God’s guidance in the midst of the struggle. We are a community built from God’s love, and we will grow stronger, because of God. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, I would love to answer them.

God Bless!

Pastor Tom Bourke