Protocol Update from the Reopening (COVID) Task Force
September 17 Update
Masks Beginning Sept. 19
Immanuel’s Reopening Task Force continues to meet on a regular basis to chart our best course thoughtfully and carefully through the Covid pandemic. At our latest meeting we looked at the latest data on transmission and positivity rates, as well CDC and Minnesota Department of Health recommendations, for our area. This latest spike of the virus has not relented yet and is placing severe strain on hospitals. There is also concern that transmission rates could rise with kids being back at school, many of whom are too young to have received the vaccine.
Until both transmission and positivity rates return to safer levels, we are again requiring masks to be worn by everyone while inside the church building beginning this Sunday, September 19th.
The Immanuel Staff will be leading this push in keeping others safe and healthy, the exception being when worship and Confirmation leaders are distanced from others while leading. The Reopening Task Force will be weekly monitoring transmission and positivity rates and will adjust our Covid protocol as conditions change. We have appreciated the understanding and patience of all during this time of pandemic as we continually adjust our practices to the changing conditions of the virus. Thank you again for helping Immanuel keep everyone safe and healthy, and hopefully shortening the duration of this pandemic.
I would also ask that you keep our Reopening Task Force in your prayers. It has been a challenge to sort through an abundance of data, differing recommendations, and rapidly changing conditions, all with the goal of making the most healthy and helpful recommendations for Immanuel’s Covid policies. I am grateful for the wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness each member of the task force has brought to this work. While we know that there are no perfect answers to how we meet the changing challenges of Covid, we will continue to do our best in keeping each other and our community safe while ministering to one another’s needs.
Again, thank you for your patience and understanding in this continuingly difficult and rapidly changing pandemic. May God guide us through this time to a new day.
Blessings,
Pastor Paul
Easing of some mask requirements (Sept. 7 update)
- Masks will still be required in Sunday School for children and all teachers and helpers.
- Confirmation students, Student Leaders and Confirmation Guides will be masked when indoors and masks will be optional when meeting outdoors.
- Masks are strongly encouraged for all those who cannot be vaccinated or are otherwise at risk.
August 12, 2021
As Immanuel continues to respond to the changing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic we seek to do two things:
In response to the spike in COVID infection rates due to the Delta variant, we ask that masks be worn once again inside the church building.
I am so grateful that the people of Immanuel have responded to the changing realties of the Coronavirus and adapted this past year with wearing masks, with virtual worship, outside worship, social distancing, and more. While these changes can be frustrating, we have gracefully and faithfully embraced them to keep people as safe as possible, especially those who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, including children under 12. As transmission rates have spiked in the past few weeks, the layers of protection we put in place including vaccinations, masks, and social distancing, will help us get through this spike as quickly as possible. Please join me in praying that this Delta variant spike be short lived, as medical experts are predicting.
Our Reopening Task Force will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and especially County transmission rates. When rates go down, we will once again be able to gather without masks. We ask again that everyone stay at home if you are feeling ill, and that if you have been here at church and subsequently test positive for COVID-19 you inform the church immediately so that we can do contact tracing.
While we are adding a layer of protection in masks during this time, Immanuel is not shutting down. I look forward to safely gathering with you in worship and fellowship!
OUTDOOR WORSHIP CONTINUES
We have made the decision to continue our popular outdoor worship at 10:30 a.m. into the Fall, especially for families with children under 12.
WELCOME WEEKEND
We are also taking steps to ensure our Welcome Weekend, September 11 and 12, is safely accessible for all by asking that people wear masks as we gather in the tent for worship and Bingo, and by holding our after-worship picnic outside (Rather than our usual buffet style potluck we will pass out plated food).
Thank you for helping us keep each other safe and healthy. God’s blessings to you all!
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul
May 19, 2021
MASK & WORSHIP REGISTRATION CHANGES
In accordance with Governor Walz and following CDC guidelines while it is recommended that those who are unvaccinated continue to wear a mask, Immanuel is not requiring individuals to wear a mask.
Pre-registration for worship is no longer required, but people will have the opportunity to provide information for contact tracing.
As we keep Jesus at the center of what we do, let us continue to care for our neighbors and ourselves with understanding and grace, making decisions that are best for our health and the health of our community.
In-Person Worship Resumes March 7
February 2021 Update
Welcome back to in-person worship! Immanuel is beginning a careful reopening of in-person worship and gathering. After a long, cold, dark winter late fall and winter where a spike in Covid 19 cases caused us to close down in-person gathering at church, we are in a place where we can begin to come together again. Praise the Lord!
In-person Sunday Worship Beginning March 7
Beginning March 7th we will welcome people to worship in person at 9 and 10:30 a.m. We expect around 45 people in attendance given our in-person numbers last fall, but we can accommodate up to 75 people/service.
Registration is required for in-person worship so we know how many people to prepare for and in the event of the need for contact tracing. We hope to welcome more to worship as containment of the virus progresses, and we hope that we do not have to "dial back" our in-person worship attendance.
Following safety protocols to reduce the risk of infection, we require all people who come to worship to:
Reducing Touch
We know that the virus is primarily spread via aerosols, tiny airborne particles, however, to be cautious:
Humming rather than singing
As the virus is most readily shared via aerosols, singing, the forcing of air from the body, is a high-risk activity that we will be avoiding. Our music staff will lead from safe distances and other musicians will be pre-recorded and shared via video.
Our goal is for in-person worship to resume in March, 2021
We are anxious to welcome you back to worshipping in-person at Immanuel, and appreciate all of you who have shared your desire to come back to in-person worship as well.
Dialing Back (November, 2020)
November 13, 2020
Please note that due to the current surge in coranvirus cases across the state and across the country we will SUSPEND ALL IN-PERSON WORSHIP following the services on Sunday, Nov. 22.
This also means that Saturday evening services will also be suspended until it is safer to return.
The Sunday services (9 and 10:30am) will continue to be livestreamed. Please join us online!
Reopening the Immanuel Building: Phase 1.5
August 26, 2020
We, the people, are the Church, and we’re not confined to a building.
Your Safety
Fall 2020 Worship Plans
Caution is Encouraged
Worshipping face-to-face will be different
Procedures and practices have been developed to provide a safe worship experience, however, there are several changes that we want you to be aware of:
We know that the virus is primarily spread via aerosols, tiny airborne particles, however, to be cautious:
Reopening June 21, 9:15 a.m.
REOPENING PROCEDURES
June 10, 2020 (100 worshippers)
Your Safety
Reopening Date
Caution is Encouraged
Worshipping face-to-face will be different
Procedures and practices have been developed to provide a safe worship experience, however, there are several changes that we want you to be aware of:
1) Register for worship
2) Masks & enter/exit the building through the North doors
3) Assigned Seating
4) Reducing Touch
We know that the virus is primarily spread via aerosols, tiny airborne particles, however, to be cautious:
5) Humming rather than singing
As the virus is most readily shared via aerosols, singing, the forcing of air from the body, is a high-risk activity that we will be avoiding. Our music staff will lead from safe distances and other musicians will be pre-recorded and shared via video.
Pastor Paul's Reopening Letter
June 10, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Immanuel,
It has been over two months since we gathered in worship and shared in the blessing of face-to-face faithful friendships. While we have not met face-to-face, it is not true that the church has been closed these past months. The church is open, alive, and active in the world, mainly through each of you and your words and actions, through your prayers offered up to God, and your care offered to family, friends, and the world. Thank you for being the church!
So many of you have shared how much you have missed being together, and I join you in grieving the temporary loss of that fellowship. Our Reopening Task Force has crafted a comprehensive plan for how we can begin to gather again in as safe a manner as possible. Thank you to the excellent work of our Reopening Task Force! As our reopening draws near I share with you three verses that have inspired our planning:
God made us to live in community, and the blessing of faithful friends worshiping together is foundational to Christian life. We long to return to a more “normal” time where we can share that vital gift of face-to-face fellowship. Yet, first and foremost we are called to love one another as Jesus loves us. It is this love and care for each other, and for all our neighbors, that has instructed our time of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and hopefully save lives. Now, as Governor Walz in consultation with local and national health experts has given the green light for in-person worship, Immanuel has put together plans for our reopening.
Our plan is to begin welcoming a limited number of people (100 or less) back into the sanctuary for worship at 9:15am on June 21.
Our Reopening Task Force, informed by science and medical doctors, CDC, and guidance from the State of Minnesota, has put together a plan for returning to worship, knowing that each subsequent phase will allow greater opportunity in gathering as the threat of the COVID-19 diminishes. Our reopening phase includes detailed plans for preparing space, distancing, and disinfecting. We have considered how we will best welcome people into the building with precautionary measures like limiting entrances and exits, taking temperatures and requiring the wearing of masks.
We will be following best practices for gathering larger groups such as no congregational singing for the present time, though there will be special music. Please refer to Immanuel’s Phase One Reopening Document for a complete list of the measures we have put in place.
As we are able, Immanuel will move to later phases of our plan which will allow more people to gather for worship, service, and fellowship. It is important to note that as we respond to the changing realities of this pandemic, there may be need to return to more restrictive measures in our public gathering. We know that many will choose to continue to worship online and we affirm that choice and will continue to plan worship with that in mind. The number of people worshiping with us each Sunday has actually grown and we know that live-streaming worship is here to stay and will continue to be a priority.
If you are in a high-risk group, over 65 or with health issues that put you at risk, please continue to safely worship online. And please let us know if you have any needs that we can help with. We may not all be worshiping face-to-face, but we are still the body of Christ ministering to each other and with each other. Our Reopening Task Force has put together a thoughtful and informed plan that helps us care for one another as we gradually return to sharing the blessing of face-to-face Christian community.
May God guide us as we faithfully respond to the realities being the church in this time of pandemic.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Pastor Paul
Reopening Task Force to begin work
May 14, 2020
Dear Immanuel family,
We have formed a Reopening Task Force that, in the next few weeks, will put together plans and protocol for how we will reopen our building. Thank you for your faithfulness during this frustrating time that we have not been able to gather for worship, fellowship, faith-formation, and celebration. Your support of and prayer for our shared ministry have been great gifts. I know all of us look forward to being able to gather once again!
As our state gradually opens up again, Immanuel’s Reopening Task force will put together a stepped plan to resume ministry in the building. This plan will include safety policies and protocols for how we gradually ramp up ministry. We have guidance from the ELCA, as well as other expert sources as to what we need to consider to re-open as safely and timely as possible. You can review the ELCA guidelines. These guidelines provide helpful steps in how and when we gather, how and when we disinfect our facility, and how and when it is prudent for different populations to gather. We will base our plan on the best scientific and medical information we have as well as state requirements and regulations. Our hope is that this carefully considered plan will give our congregation confidence that we are reopening as safely as possible!
The Immanuel Reopening Task Force includes Dr. Monte Johnson, our Parish Nurse Kari Totall, Mike Schommer (public health communications manager), Jackie Getchius, Brian Naslund, and staff members Pastor Paul, Martin Rathjen, Tammy Vergeront, and Clark Weyrauch. Please keep the task force in your prayers as we engage in this important work. We will be keeping the congregation informed of our progress.
Please contact me - paul@immanuel.us - if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you again!
Pastor Paul
To care for the well being of all as we live out Jesus’ call to “love one another”, especially those most vulnerable, including our children under 12 who are not yet able to be vaccinated.
- If you are traveling and have not been vaccinated, we strongly encourage Covid testing a couple of days after traveling, before you return to church.
- We continue to care for one another, requiring the use of masks and social distancing.
- Please stay home if you have been sick or if you have been in close proximity to someone who has been sick.
- If you develop symptoms or test positive for Covid a few days after being at Immanuel, please call the church office and let us know so that we can implement our Covid protocols.
- If you have a question regarding exposure, please contact church staff regarding quarantine requirements and recommendations.
- Please participate to a level with which you are comfortable.
- As we begin to re-open and welcome people in person, livestreamed worship will remain a priority as most people will continue to worship online.
- Your safety, and the safety of others who gather, is our guiding principle. We will continue safely follow the guidance of the CDC and our State leaders and welcome your return to the sanctuary when you are ready.
- Wear a face mask
- Practice social distancing
- Not come to worship in person if you are not feeling well or have a fever.
- Registration for in-person worship is required to ensure adequate space and, if needed, contact tracing (You can register either online, or by calling the church office: 952.937.8123).
- If you develop symptoms or test positive for Covid a few days after being at Immanuel, please call the church office and let us know so that we can implement our Covid protocols.
- The offering will be received by dropping your donation into baskets available in the atrium.
- Communion will be served using disposable communion kits with bread and wine (pick one up as you enter the sanctuary and drop it in the trash as you exit the sanctuary).
- Paper bulletins will not be provided.
- Coffee will not be served.
- Only the restrooms by the Choir Room will be open (you can use your elbow to trigger the automatic door mechanism).
- The pastors will not meet worshippers at the doors.
- Our goal is to continue to keep congregation members and staff as safe as possible, and to reopen in March.
- Our Reopening Task Force will meet at the end of February to review the current situation and determine a start date (hopefully March 7, but this is TBD).
- When we do return to in-person worship numbers will be limited to 75 worshippers per service to begin with and rise as things improve.
- Those attending worship in person will be required to register in advance.
- More details will follow, thank you for your prayers and patience, and continue to join us online for worship!
- As we work to welcome our worshipping community into the sanctuary for worship this fall, your safety, and the safety of others who gather, is our guiding principle.
- We will continue our online ministries and safely follow the guidance of the CDC and our State leaders, and we will welcome your return to the sanctuary when you are ready.
- We have continued to develop safety protocols, practices, and procedures to provide a safe worshipping experience.
- Immanuel has welcomed face-to-face worship service since Sunday, June 21, at the 9:15 a.m. service. There have been small, but consistent numbers of worshippers in our sanctuary each Sunday. People have responded well to our guidelines by wearing masks, practicing good social distancing, and joining in responsible outdoor fellowship after worship. These measures will continue to be observed as we move forward.
Beginning on September 13 worship times will change to 9am and 10:30am. We welcome people to worship in the sanctuary at both those times. Worship at 9am and 10:30am will continue to be livestreamed.
5pm Saturday worship at Immanuel will restart in the Sanctuary on September 19th, and we encourage anyone who cannot worship on Sunday morning, or would like to worship with a smaller crowd, to join in Saturday worship. Saturday worship will not be livestreamed at this time.
- If you are over 65 and/or you have underlying health conditions, it is recommended by the CDC and MDH, that you exercise caution and continue to worship online.
- Stay home if you have been sick or if have been exposed to someone who has been sick.
- Register for worship.
- We ask that you sign up for worship using the Worship Registration Form so that we can adhere to capacity guidelines that the State has in place.
- To allow for recommended social distancing we are limiting the number of people we welcome to worship to 125 for both the Sunday 9am and 10:30am, and 75 worshippers for the Saturday 5pm worship beginning in September.
- Please register online for worship by noon on Thursdays.
- If you do not have access to the internet please call the office by noon on Thursday to reserve your spot.
- Enter and exit the building through the North doors.
- Masks are to be worn by all people who enter the building (except children under 3) and must cover your mouth and your nose (we have a small supply of masks available for those who forget to bring their own). Please follow the CDCs directions on how to wear a mask.
- Worshippers will be welcomed at the North door and all will be screened for elevated temperatures with an infrared thermometer.
- After worship please exit the building and practice social distancing as you greet other worshippers.
- Registering for Worship
- Registering for worship in advance at Worship Registration Form will reserve you a seat and help us manage occupancy limits.
- You will be directed to a seat/row based on your group’s size.
- Every other row of chairs has been removed to provide ease of human traffic flow and to reduce the surface area that needs to be cleaned following each worship.
- The glass “garage doors” separating the sanctuary from the atrium will be open, increasing the ease of entering and exiting the sanctuary.
- Reducing Touch.
- We have removed all hymnals, Bibles, pencils, and envelopes from the sanctuary.
- The offering will be received by dropping your donation into baskets available in the atrium.
- Communion will be served using disposable communion kits with bread and wine (pick one up as you enter the sanctuary and drop it in the trash as you exit the sanctuary).
- Paper bulletins will not be provided.
- Coffee will not be served.
- Only the restrooms by the Choir Room will be open (you can use your elbow to trigger the automatic door mechanism).
- The pastors will not meet worshippers at the doors.
- Humming rather than singing. As the virus is most readily shared via aerosols, singing, the forcing of air from the body, is a high-risk activity that we will be avoiding. Our music staff will lead from safe distances and other musicians will be pre-recorded and shared via video.
- As we work to welcome our worshipping community back into the sanctuary for worship, your safety, and the safety of others who gather, is our guiding principle.
- We will continue our online ministries and transition slowly and safely, following the guidance of the CDC and our State leaders, and we will welcome your return to the sanctuary when you are ready.
- We have developed safety protocols, practices and procedures that will be implemented, monitored, evaluated, and adapted to provide a safe worshipping experience.
- We will reopen Immanuel’s sanctuary for one face-to-face worship service beginning Sunday, June 21, beginning with the 9:15 a.m. service so we can do that very well before offering other worship opportunities (We will continue to livestream the 9:15 a.m. service).
- We as that you register when you plan to attend worship: Worship Registration (to manage State mandated occupancy limits)
The 10:45 a.m. service will continue to be livestreamed but won’t initially be open to the worshiping community. As we implement our policies and procedures, living into this temporary new normal, we will continually evaluate our procedures. We hope to be able to open the 10:45 a.m. service for face-to-face worshippers later in the summer.
- If you are over 65 and/or you have underlying health conditions, it is recommended by the CDC and MDH, that you exercise caution and continue to worship online.
- Stay home if you have been sick or if have been in close proximity to someone who has been sick.
- We ask that you sign up for worship using the Worship Registration Form so that we can adhere to capacity guidelines that the State has in place.
- Worship is currently capped at 100 worshippers (and additional staff and musicians).
- Please register online for worship by noon on Thursdays.
- If you do not have access to the internet please call the office by noon on Thursday to reserve your spot.
- Masks are to be worn by all people who enter the building (except children under 3) and must cover your mouth and your nose (we have a small supply of masks available for those who forget to bring their own). Please follow the CDCs directions on how to wear a mask.
- We wear masks to demonstrate our love and care for one another.
- Initially worshippers will be welcomed by Kari Totall, our Parish Nurse, at the North door and all will be screened for elevated temperatures with an infrared thermometer.
- After worship the pastors will dismiss you by rows, from the back to the front of the sanctuary (to minimize close contact), then please exit the building and practice social distancing as you greet other worshippers.
- Registering in advance for worship will reserve you a seat, so that we manage occupancy limits that the State has in place.
- You will be assigned a seat/row based on your group’s size.
- Every other row of chairs has been removed to provide ease of human traffic flow and to reduce the surface area that needs to be cleaned following each worship.
- The glass “garage doors” separating the sanctuary from the atrium will be open, increasing the ease of entering and exiting the sanctuary.
- We have removed all hymnals, Bibles, pencils and envelopes from the sanctuary.
- The offering will be received by dropping your donation into baskets available in the atrium.
- Communion will be served using disposable communion kits with bread and wine (pick one up as you enter the sanctuary and drop it in the trash as you exit the sanctuary).
- Paper bulletins will not be provided.
- Coffee will not be served.
- Only the restrooms by the Choir Room will be open (you can use your elbow to trigger the automatic door mechanism).
- The pastors will not meet worshippers at the doors
“How excellent are the Lord’s faithful people, it is my greatest pleasure to be with them.” Psalm 16:3
“All who believed were together, day by day spending time in the temple and breaking bread together with glad and generous hearts.” Acts 2:46
A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America