Masking Update for Wesley Church
As you are most likely aware, on June 28, 2021, the state of Pennsylvania lifted its masking mandate for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. At that time, our Trustees made the decision to continue following CDC guidelines for masking (masks required for unvaccinated persons, masks optional for fully vaccinated persons). In doing so, our Trustees also planned to meet again two weeks later to review additional data about local transmission rates.
This week, our Trustees met to review that data, and were encouraged to find that there has not been a significant increase in the rate of COVID transmission since the mask mandate was lifted more than two weeks ago. Furthermore, the Trustees recognize that the CDC is responsible for providing broad nationwide guidance applicable to states with low vaccination rates as well as states with high vaccination rates (including Pennsylvania). As such, the Trustees made the decision for our church to follow PA masking guidelines (rather than CDC guidelines).
Effective immediately, masks will be optional for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. In worship, we’ll continue to encourage attendees to sit in every other pew as an added precautionary measure. We’ll also continue to offer our weekly worship services on Facebook and YouTube livestreams.
Please note that individual ministries or church gatherings may set a stricter standard for masking or distancing based on any particular transmission concerns for that ministry group. Any such standards will be communicated by the person in charge of that ministry or activity. Additionally, our Trustees will continue to review the church’s COVID-related policies and procedures at their monthly meetings, and will provide any necessary updates.
Of course, you may still choose to wear a mask, particularly if that makes you feel more comfortable. If you’re feeling self-conscious about being the “only one” wearing a mask, worry not — I’ll continue to wear my mask right along with you. We’ll get through this new stage of COVID-tide together.
After all, friends:
Our God is bigger than coronavirus.
Our vision is bigger than coronavirus, too.
We are people blessing people.
We are Wesley Church.
Changes are underway for worship at
Wesley Church!
Our Wesley Church Reopening Team announces a shift in our worship plans. Based on updated guidance from conference, state, federal, and health care resources, we will shift to the “Expanded Phase” of our plan.
You will no longer need to RSVP in order to attend worship at Wesley Church.
Have questions? Read below.
What is the worship schedule?
Initially, we will gather for one blended service at 10:00 AM. If attendance numbers necessitate a change to a two-service format, we will share that information through email, Facebook, and the church website.
Will worship still be available online?
Yes, we will continue to offer a livestream worship of our 10:00 AM service via Facebook Live. You can also view the recording of worship afterwards on the church’s website or Facebook page.
Will we still be physically distanced from one another?
In the initial part of the Expanded Phase, we will ask worship attendees to sit in every other pew in order to maintain reasonable distance and further reduce risk of COVID transmission. Pews will be marked in order to facilitate this. Because there is no RSVP, seating will not be assigned.
To accommodate those who may be feeling more apprehensive but still desire to attend worship in person, we will increase the spacing (every third pew) of the section on the far organ-side of the sanctuary, and will open doors and windows to allow for additional fresh air and ventilation.
Will we still have to wear masks?
Changes to our church mask policy will go into effect on May 30, 2021. On that date, as per CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated* individuals will not be required to wear masks on church property (though they may choose to do so). Unvaccinated individuals (including children who are not yet eligible for vaccines) must continue to wear masks. The Trustees will continue to review these rules in light of updated state and federal guidelines, and will publicize changes as they become available.
Please note: Individuals are considered “fully vaccinated” if at least two weeks have lapsed since the final dose of their vaccine course (that is, two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines).
Will we be able to sing in worship?
Yes! As we seek to gradually expand our in-person worship experience, we will initially sing the final song/hymn only. We will continue to monitor recommendations and hope to expand this in the coming weeks and months.
Will child care be available?
We plan to reopen child care on Sunday, June 13. If you have questions about child care or would like more information on the mitigation protocols involved, please contact our Child Care Coordinator Keranie Whipple via email: kwhipple@rcn.com
