Health and Safety Guidelines

Current Public HEalth Guidelines at St. Matthew’s

At St. Matthew’s we are sensitive to anyone who may desire to practice safety measures for themselves and others. We remember that we are a church family and desire to be respectful of each other, mindful of the call we all share in Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Below are our current guidelines. We will continue to evaluate and revise as public health conditions warrant.

• Please do not come to church if you are ill. Services will continue to be streamed and available on our YouTube channel.

• Wearing a mask is welcome, but not required.

• Social distancing: Please sit where you are comfortable, and respect the desire others may have to maintain distance.

• Hymnals and prayer books are available in the pews. There is also a screen in front, if you would prefer to follow the service from there, and the Order of Service is available via email to follow on your phone or tablet.

• Communion: kneeling at the altar rail has resumed, with the host offered at the rail. We have resumed offering wine using the common cup, but will still have a separate cup available for intinction.

• Passing the offering plate has resumed during the Offertory part of the service, but please feel most welcome to decline touching the plate as you are comfortable.

• Passing the peace will continue as waving/distanced-greeting as you are comfortable.

• Our time of gathering for Fellowship has resumed in the Parish Hall after each service. Please join us for coffee hour and community! Masks are not required in the Parish Hall, but please observe distancing as you are comfortable.

• Additionally, we are making an effort to keep the church well ventilated during services, opening doors and windows (weather permitting), and turning on the fan. The church is cleaned regularly after it has been used.

• Youth and other groups meet in person, as the comfort of the group members warrants.