Update - May 28, 2021:

Re-opening Phase 3 - Updated Worship Guideline

Dear Friends and Family of Island Heights UMC,
We are delighted to announce that our Church Council has approved the next phase of our re-opening plan. In light of the order from the Governor’s office that lifts restrictions pertaining to the pandemic as of Friday, May 28, the following items pertain to our church:

• We will no longer require registration for in-person worship.
• Distancing is no longer required in worship (all pews are open).
• Masks are optional. If you feel more comfortable keeping your mask on for now, that is fine. If you feel it is time to stop wearing a mask, that is also fine. Be understanding, and be kind with each other. 
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, please refrain from attending any in-person events at the church.

This has been quite the journey over the last 15 months, and we are more than ready to fully worship. Praise God we have made it to this day, and praise God we will continue to move forward in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Christ.

Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Blair 

Re-Opening Phase 2 - Group Meetings
As the infection rate has continued to decline and the number of people vaccinated continues to rise,  our Church Council has approved moving to Phase 2 of our re-opening plan. Specifically, as of Monday, May 17, inside and outside groups will be able to gather in our building once again. (AA, Girl Scouts, Book Club, Bible Study, Knitters/Crafters, etc.)  We will, however, still need to follow safety guidelines. All groups planning to meet in our facility must abide by these guidelines:

 Safety Protocols for Phase 2:

• Social distancing for indoor gathering is still required at this time (6 feet between)
• Wearing of masks is still required at this time
• No food or drink until further notice
• Chairs only in Fellowship Hall (no tables)
• Utilized spaces must be cleaned by groups at end of meetings. Specifically, please wipe down all surfaces touched during meeting

 In June we will reevaluate the situation to determine next steps, particularly in the area of food and drink. For now, we are moving forward safely, and our ministry as a local church serving its community in the love of Christ continues.

Re-Opening Phase 1 - Worship Services
The Church Council has approved our plans to re-open our sanctuary for in-person worship services beginning on Easter Sunday, April 4 at 9:30am. To maintain a safe worshiping environment please follow the guidelines listed below:

• Seating limited to 45 people in the sanctuary
• Overflow capacity in Fellowship Hall up to 30 additional people
• Interested worshipers register online through Sign-up Genius by Saturday to
  secure a seat
• Worship services will last 35-45 minutes
• Simple one page Order of Worship available at entry
• Individual Communion Packets available at entry on Communion Sundays
• Hand sanitizer provided at entrances
• Alternating pews closed to maintain safe distancing between worshipers
• Stationary offering plates at back of sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall
• Masks mandatory
• Plexiglass shields mounted at podiums to allow for Pastor and liturgist to remove
  masks for speaking
• Limited congregational singing at this time
• No Fellowship Hour at this time
• No Children’s Workshops at this time
• Limit socializing and conversations to outdoors only
• Bathroom usage kept to a minimum; one person at a time; only upstairs bathrooms 

  accessible
• All downstairs areas of the church remain closed at this time
• Online services will continue to be posted on Sundays on our website and Facebook page.
• Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and bathrooms cleaned weekly after Sunday morning
  service including disinfectant spraying​