As above, we think the best course is to continue with outdoor/drive-in worship at this time.  We have collaborated with our Worship Team, and are making preparations to continue outdoors for the time being.  While we hope we can resume indoor worship soon, we only want to do so when we think it can be both safe and meaningful.  At the present time, we don’t believe it is.

Previously, small groups were permitted to use the building. When they are allowed to use the building again, there will be significant limiting factors, most especially capacity.  We simply don’t have enough space to ensure appropriate social distancing for numerous groups to meet at one time.

We applaud our South Elkhorn groups that have found creative ways to continue to engage their members – whether that’s through virtual meetings, outdoor gatherings, or other creative ways that ensure the safety of everyone involved.  We want to work with you to allow your group to engage meaningfully, but safely.  And we ask you to consider everyone’s health when deciding whether, in the future, an indoor meeting is truly the best course of action.

Previously, and perhaps at some point in the future, external groups will be permitted to submit proposals to use the building. If they can meet safely and abide by our guidelines, we will be happy to consider these requests.

Some of our external partners have been in touch about trying to resume meeting, like the Boy Scouts.  We have provided them with information about how to meet safely and be in compliance with our guidelines.  All external groups requesting to use the facility are required to be approved by the Executive Team.  So far, we have not had many requests.

Over 15,000 children in the Commonwealth have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since March.  And while the immediate impacts of COVID-19 to most children do seem to be less severe than for our elderly population, children can certainly pass the infection on to others – parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends.  That said, we have tried to find ways for our children and youth programs to meet together in a meaningful way that still ensures safety.  And the Task Force is always open to creative ways to allow our children and youth to engage without putting them, or their loved ones, at risk.   Again, capacity tends to be the limiting factor.

The University of Maryland perhaps said it best, when it noted that “being outdoors is generally considered safer than being inside.  When taking a stroll or participating in other outdoor activities by yourself or with people you live with, a mask isn’t required.  However, when you find it difficult to maintain at least six feet of distance from people you don’t live with, it’s important to have your mask on.”  Because there are times when you might be within six feet of others at SECC, we strongly recommend you wear a mask while on SECC property.  It is the both the safest, and right, thing to do.

We need you to model Christian love by wearing a mask at SECC events – even if you don’t personally believe it is necessary.  And of course, if you have a medical condition that makes wearing a mask difficult or impossible, we don’t expect you to wear one.  But, for those people, it is all the more important that those of us who can, do.

We realize how weary we all are with the pandemic, and that this “new normal” is not as fulfilling for everyone.   For now, we think outdoor worship and limited small group use is the safest course.  As the situation continues to evolve, we are certainly open to making amendments to the guidelines that reflect the current medical situation.  At this time, though, we think this is the safest option.

We ask all our congregation members to consider the following:

If you have comments or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by emailing Healthy@southelkhorncc.org.  We hope that we can soon roll back some (or all!) of the guidelines – but we’ll only do so when we feel it is both safe and legal to do so.  But, until then, we are happy to consider suggestions and changes if they can be implemented safely.  We know this hasn’t been, and won’t be, easy.  We are so grateful that our members have responded so positively to these less than ideal circumstances.  We are grateful that our congregation has remained faithful, and so willing to make sure that all of our members remain protected.  And we thank you for all you do to make South Elkhorn the wonderful, welcoming, and safe place it is!