Reopening pan

Colonie Alliance Church Reopening Plan

Procedures for Re-opening of Colonie Alliance Facilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many congregants of Colonie Alliance Church (CAC) have been worshipping together using online technology.  The CAC governing board would like everyone to worship in person as much as possible while recognizing that the health and safety of congregants remain a high priority.  This plan is designed to strike the appropriate balance among our priorities.  It involves both pre-opening activities and requirements and recommendations when the church building is reopened for in-person worship (currently scheduled for July 5, 2020).  Everyone will play a critical role in ensuring that we are doing everything we can to worship together in unity, faith and joy while protecting one another.

The plan will be posted at 32 Lapham Drive and on CAC’s website and copies will be provided to congregants upon request.  Notice of the plan will be given via the prayer chain / information link.  The prayer chain / information link will also be used to notify congregants if there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in CAC. While the plan is deemed necessary and proper, it is also subject to modification as circumstances change.

 Opening Requirements and Recommendations

REQUIRED

-Congregants must stay home if: they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or above; or

- they are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms; or anyone in their household has been In contact with anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days.

- Congregants must wear face covering (currently required by NYS) and gloves (recommended).

- A face covering will be provided if someone entering the building does not have one.

*Both are required when ushering, counting the offering, etc.

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- Only the worship service and adult Sunday school class will be held in person during July 2020.  They will be held in the sanctuary.

- Continue meeting via Zoom for governing board meetings and prayer meetings

- More meetings and activities will likely take place in person in August and it is hoped that all meetings and activities will take place in person in September.

-  Hand sanitizer will be placed at the back of the sanctuary and congregants should use it or wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; before taking their seats.

- There shall be neither coffee, tea, nor food until further notice.

- Congregants should avoid touching their face and should cough or sneeze into a tissue.

- Hand shaking and hugging must be avoided until further notice.

- Congregants should bring any jackets or sweaters they’re wearing into the sanctuary with them rather than using the coat rack.

- Congregants must not linger in the Foyer. Social interactions should take place outside the building.

- Ushers will assist in ensuring social distancing.

- Unrelated congregants must sit in alternate pews, or 6-feet apart within a pew.

- Bulletins will be handed out with minimal contact.

- Offering plates (or containers with lids for security) will be placed at the back of the sanctuary.

- Bibles and hymnals in pews have been removed for the foreseeable future.

- The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated using pre-packaged elements to the maximum extent possible.

- Ushers and congregants will wipe down microphones, pews, pew cushions, tables, restroom surfaces and door handles after services at which they’re used.

   - Individuals should use the disinfecting wipes that will be placed at the end of each occupied pew to wipe down the pew and pew cushion.

* Congregants are responsible for thoroughly cleaning weekly all parts of the building being used. 

- Children’s Sunday School / Children’s Church will be suspended until further notice.

* The worship service will contain a segment for Children, including a Children’s Bulletin, and will include participation by the children/youth.

- The Nursery will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each service.  

   *Nursery attendants will be responsible for the cleaning.

- No more than four (4) people may use the conference room and no more than two (2) people may use the church office at any time.

* Face coverings and gloves are required at all times when counting.

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 Again the goal for Colonie Alliance Church is to have people return to worship the Lord together in corporate worship in a smart and safe manner.

Thank you for your understanding and Cooperation.