Worship and Community in the Midst of COVID-19

Since mid-March of 2020, our congregation has sought to stay responsive and nimble during the COVID pandemic.  While we cancelled all in-person Sunday worship services in our Sanctuary, we delighted in holding worship outside during some of our Sundays.  We are committed to continuing our witness to our mission of being an “open, inclusive church that exists to worship God and practice the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Programming details are in our weekly church email.

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP – 10:30 am.  We have returned to in-person worship, but continue to follow some restrictions and guidelines as outlined below. Our Zoom worship for those who can’t be with us in person continues.

Because of the ongoing risks associated with COVID-19, there will be some differences and restrictions. We hope everyone will respect these guidelines and help make it a blessing to worship together.

1)      Anyone coming inside the building can wear a mask or not to their comfort level.

2)      Anyone who is feeling sick or otherwise has symptoms of COVID-19 is asked to stay home.

PASTORAL CARE – Please let Pastor Enno know of your needs for assistance and/or pastoral support.  Let him know how you are doing!  Contact him at (605) 460-0330.  Let Pastor Enno know if you would like to help with this outreach ministry among us.

CHURCH MEETINGS – The Pastoral Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Buildings and Grounds Group, Discovery Team, and the Board of Directors are meeting regularly on Zoom, though some now starting to meet in person. 

Updated Covid protocols and guidelines for groups and individuals meeting at First UCC of Grand Marais Summer 2021

Welcome back.  An important part of the ministry of this church is sharing our building with community groups that serve others, seek healing and fellowship.  Your health and wellbeing are important to this congregation.  We are happy to open the building up for more use.  

COVID PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES FOR SMALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS MEETING AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC OF GRAND MARAIS
August 2021 – revision
An important part of the ministry of this church is sharing our building with community groups that serve others, seek healing and provide fellowship. Your health and wellbeing are important to this congregation. We are happy to open the building up for more use but require compliance with current MDH and CDC recommendations as they continue to evolve.

Thus far in the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are blessed in Cook Co. with high vaccination rates and low case rates. Vaccination is highly protective against COVID infection and against severe illness, but not 100% protective. Transmission can occur in any person-to-person encounter. Variant strains that are more transmissible continue to evolve and spread. Gather at your own risk.

Guidelines– revised December 2022:

  1. Face coverings are to be worn at a person’s level of comfort.

  2. Persons with any signs/symptoms of illness should stay home.

  3. Continue to practice good hand hygiene.

Consider:

  1. Offer a hybrid - online option for persons at higher risk

  2. Meet outside if possible

  3. Limit length of meetings

These guidelines are subject to revision depending on MDH/CDC recommendations and local conditions.