Covid-19 Precautions

• There will be no paper bulletins.
• The only printed material will be the Propers for the day (on half sheets), they will not be handed out.
• There will be no “Greeters.”
• The pastor will continue the tradition of greeting you as you exit the sanctuary, in a touchless way.
• Sunday morning Bible Class has been canceled until further notice.
• The attendance sheets have been removed for your safety.
• The offering plate will not be passed. You may simply place your offering in the plate near the chancel area.
• On going stewardship is encouraged, either electronically or by mail.
• Pastoral care remains available 24/7 by appointment.
• There will be no fellowship time, following the worship service. People are encouraged to visit but the coffee and treats will not be served.

The board of elders will continue to prepare Holy Communion in a sterile manner. Holy Communion will continue to be offered Sunday mornings in the Divine Service and by appointment for individuals or family units.

Since the situation is fluid, many smaller adjustments have been made for the safety and welfare of the people of God who worship at Messiah Lutheran church. (Please note, all of the above procedures were implemented on March 22, 2020.)

In addition to all of the items listed above, the elders, in conjunction with the pastor, have made the following guidelines as we proceed with an abundance of caution. In accordance with the guidelines as put forth by the CDC. We are making every effort to make your worship experience completely contact free.

• Pastor Zellers will take care of locking and unlocking the entry door, as well as turning on/off all of the lights.
• To enter, simply use your elbow to activate the electronic switch and the door will open for you.
• All other pertinent doors shall be propped open so that you may enter and exit without touching anything.
• The church building will remain closed throughout the week.
• Since it is our custom at Messiah to usher people out, we will continue to do so.
• People are asked to use sanctified common sense in choosing where they sit.  Leaving adequate space between family groups.
• If you feel sick please stay home.

We will continue to offer the worship service streamed live on Facebook and on YouTube.  Remote viewing continues to be an acceptable practice.  If you do not have a computer, or  Internet access, please contact Melissa (701-390-8085) to find additional alternative formats.

When exiting the bathroom (in the education wing) simply turn your back to the door and push. We have not come up with a way for you to pull open the bathroom doors, without actually touching the door.  Until the time comes when we have a touchless way to enter that door, people are encouraged to bring their own device, to hook the handle without actually touching it.

Private communion or communion by family groups is encouraged for all those who are viewing remotely. Please make an appointment with the pastor (701-712-1981).

During the Divine Service, the elders will meter the flow of parishioners, so that they may be adequately spaced. The pastor and the elders will serve communion while wearing rubber gloves.

• Please feel free to wear a mask and rubber gloves as you deem necessary.
• While socializing is encouraged, we ask that all physical contact with others be avoided. (6’ rule)
• Obviously, the more vulnerable you are, the longer you should stay away.  (No one knows your needs better than you)
• We hope to be able to have a hand sanitizer station available in the days ahead.  
• Good  personal hygiene is always a good practice.
• All used portions of the building will be disinfected weekly.

Ultimately, people will necessarily need to be responsible for themselves, as long as the pandemic continues.  This is not over.