We’re Going To Try Something New!
Perhaps the question I am asked most often is, when are we opening up for worship?. My answer is always the same – when it is safe. With a positivity rate in Manatee County as of Friday of over 14% we must be cautious. As vaccinations are more readily available and enjoyed by our congregation that safe time will come to pass.
But for now, I believe we can gather in safe ways on a limited basis. One of those ways is for up to 10-15 people to join us as we record the music for the coming Sunday. The choir members and others who have been a part of these sessions all express what a lift it is for their week. We would like to be able to share that with you. So beginning this Tuesday February 2nd we would like to invite some of you to join us. Here is how it can work:
1. Email us at office@ppcfl.org. We will make a roster of the first 15 who would like to join us (couples will count as 1). Any overage will be first for the following week
2. Plan to arrive between 2:15 and 2:30 pm.
3. Wear a mask – no exceptions.
4. Enter through the “new” front doors to the sanctuary.
5. Take a seat in the middle of a vacant pew at least 5 rows from the first pew with at least one empty pew in front of you.
6. Couples can sit together as “one”.
7. Enjoy the practice and recording.
The second thing we can do safely is invite small groups of 4 - 7 people to come and shop at our Thrift Store. Once again masks are a requirement and temperatures will be taken at the door by either Jeff Bryden or myself. Perhaps you know of 4 - 7 people in your neighborhood who would like to shop at our Thrift store. Again, simply email your name and the number of people in your group up to 7 people. Our thrift store volunteers will be furnished masks and face shields. Masks will be available for shoppers, if needed, but we prefer people bring wear own. Here are the details:
Date: Thursday February 11th from 1-2pm.
o Temperature taken at the door
o Masks worn properly are mandatory.
o Social distancing to be observed while shopping.
o Only taking credit or debit cards – no cash.
The third thing I think we can safely do is have small groups of up to 6 people (couples count as 1 person) sit in our annex with 1 person (or couple) per table. At the beginning we will just have the opportunity to see one another and visit with one another. I will facilitate this process. It can also include a question-and-answer period. The sign-up process is just like the first two options – email your desire to participate to: office@ppcfl.org. The rules for mask wearing and temperature checks will be just like the other opportunities. Our first offering will be Thursday February 4th from 1pm-2 pm.
I trust we can do these 3 things safely. We will learn as we go and be flexible, based upon responses and expressed needs. I invite you to consider these as first steps in our longer term journey to being together again.
Grace and Peace, John