SOP for Gathering Again

Dear GV Family,

Here are the "Standard Operating Procedures" that we will abide by for those who choose to return to public worship at 7th and Pine. Please read over very closely. As mentioned in our "Friday Notes," we have had some technological set-backs and are working on them so that we can continue to run online services concurrently with our re-gathered services. As of right now, our planned re-gathered date has been pushed back by a week to July 5th. Let's stay on our knees and keep in front of us Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." 

We ask each of you to pray intentionally, in light of the SOP, about whether you should return or continue to stay at home. Our leadership team has discussed that until a vaccine comes out for Covid-19, that it is not possible to eliminate risk of transmission of infection. What we have sought to do is mitigate risk, taking in the best available information we have, and having been cautious to "watch and wait" since BC's "phase 2 reopening" in May. Also, I want for us to have the long view in mind, and therefore expect that there could be starts and stops to our re-opening plans, especially if we see a "second wave" this fall when flu season arrives. It's possible that we re-open for a while and then need to close up public worship again; we truly are on a day-by-day faith journey together. We have determined the biggest "risk factor" for potential transmission is congregational singing, so, with the exception of the one giving the sermon and our Lead Musician(s), we will require all present for our one-hour service to wear masks. The preacher and the Lead Musician(s) will be kept at safe distances from the congregation, the greater concern being the Lead Musician(s) who sing; they will be kept at least 16 feet from the front row.

As for me, I travel to Seattle to help care for my mom about once per month for a week at a time. When I am back in Vancouver, I am on a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. I am allowed to "leave" quarantine for tasks specifically related to my work, since I am deemed to "be essential to business operations." I have great self-interest in avoiding infection as my mother's stage 4 cancer is a respiratory cancer, and so I take every precaution to keep my mother safe whenever I am in Seattle or Vancouver. Our leadership team of elders, staff and diaconate have communicated that they are comfortable with me coming to Grace Van on the Sundays of my self-quarantines, but I thought you should be aware. I plan to avoid the "after service" times at 6th and Fir to limit my contact for your sake as well as mom's. In addition, I will not handle any elements of communion (though I will give the words of administration).  

Though I had said you we would have a survey this week, with things being pushed back by at least a week, Dale and I plan to send you a survey this coming week of June 22nd, to get a sense of how many are planning on coming back July 5th. Please return those surveys to us in a timely manner when receiving them; this will help us with our planning.

If you have any further questions needing clarification regarding the SOP, please contact John Chan or Tanya Hsu of our Building and Hospitality Team. They have spent considerable time putting together this "simplified SOP," so we thank them for their service and work!

Blessings in Christ dear friends,

Mike

Standard Operating Procedures for opening up GVC

• service length will be kept to one hour.

• doors to the church building will open at 9:45a.

• seating will be socially-distanced by household (initially we will limit our space capacity to under 40 people; ensuring social-distancing rules are kept and maintained). 3-4 spots will be reserved for any potential "walk-in" people.

• keep social distance and have no physical contact with others. 

• paper bulletins will not be provided (powerpoint will be functioning, also bring devices if you wish to have a virtual bulletin).

• a box for the offering will be in the back of the worship hall for anyone wanting to give their tithes and offerings before or after the service.

• masks are required throughout the service.

• hand sanitizer will be available at the front door and also at various locations throughout the building.

• the washrooms will be sprayed with disinfectant between each use (instructions to be followed will be taped to the inside of the washroom doors). Someone will be at the top of the stairs to ensure only 2 people or family units are down in the washroom area at a time; use washrooms only if absolutely necessary.

• people are asked to sign up in advance using eventbrite ticketing.

• children will need to stay at parents' side at all times.

• people are asked to socialize outside, before or after the service (not inside the building).

• the service will continue to be streamed online for those who choose to remain at home during this time.

• communion will be served in a safe manner- the wine/juice will be in disposable cups and the bread will be given to congregants in a no-contact manner.

• all are invited to meet at the park at 6th and Fir after the service for a time of socially-distanced fellowship [all who stay home, (especially those with young children), are invited to join us at this kid-friendly park] Folks coming to the park to join us, are permitted (not required) to "leave" the online service once communion begins, in order to meet us at the park by around 11:15a. This fellowship time will also be somewhat weather-dependent. 

• the preacher and the lead musicians(s) who sing will not be wearing masks but the lead musician(s) will be 16 feet away from the front row and the preacher kept at a safe distance.

• people will need to bring their own masks, but there will be some available if they forget or for visitors.

• those who are at higher risk for infection (people who are 65 yrs and older; people with pre-existing medical conditions; or those with compromised immune systems) are encouraged (not required) to stay home.

• do not attend worship if, in the last 14 days, you have:

* returned from travel outside of Canada.

* been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

* lived/worked in a setting that is part of a COVID-19 outbreak.

* been advised to self-isolate or quarantine at home by public health.

• do not attend worship if you have any of the following:

* fever

* cough: new or worse than usual

* shortness of breath

* diarrhea

* nausea and/or vomiting

* headache

* runny nose/nasal congestion

* sore throat or painful swallowing

* loss of sense of smell

* loss of appetite

* chills

* muscle aches

* fatigue