Grace Community Church COVID Guidelines Updated

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” - 1 John 3:18

Grace Community Church COVID Guidance Updated

Masks - The CDC announced on May 16th that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks or social distance in public settings inside or outside. Governor Cuomo lifted the mask mandate accordingly on May 19th. This announcement is certainly a welcome and hopeful sign that the COVID numbers are going down and life is returning to normal and we are very grateful for that!

We recognize that change offers opportunity for confusion, which can lead to division. Given that recognition, we want to navigate this change well, in a way that honors God and biblical principles with a transition that is as loving and unifying as possible.

To that end, here are some principles and practical guidance to help us love one another well through these changes.

  1. Let’s remember that loving one another is our highest priority. Jesus’ commandment was that we love one another (John 13:34). We want to do everything from a heart of love and care for one another. Whatever our personal opinions concerning these issues, let’s seek to honor and obey Jesus’ command to love one another well through this transition.
  2. Being vaccinated or not being vaccinated is not a “right or wrong” issue, nor is it a spiritual vs. unspiritual issue. People can have good reasons for being vaccinated and people can have good reasons for not being vaccinated. It is a personal health decision and we respect each person’s responsibility to make that decision for themselves. We will not be asking whether someone has been vaccinated or not.
  3. Our mask policy will reflect CDC’s guidance: if you are vaccinated, you do not have to wear a mask or social distance either inside or outside. However, if you feel safer continuing to wear a mask during the service, please feel comfortable to do so. Loving one another means we don’t judge or “look sideways” at the person next to us if they are wearing/not wearing a mask.
  4. If you are about to sit next to someone who is not in your family, please ask if they are comfortable with you doing so. If someone is about to sit next to you and you aren’t comfortable sitting near someone who isn’t in your family, please don’t hesitate to share that with them and ask for a little more social distance. Let’s not take offense or be afraid of offending.

50% capacity – Per Governor Cuomo’s order, we need to limit the number of people inside to 125 (our room has a 250 capacity). 

Wellness - If you are sick in any way, have a fever or any other symptom of illness, we ask you to please play it safe and not come to church. We look forward to seeing you as soon as you recover!

Children’s Ministry –Children’s ministries are still on hold. We hope to resume them in the fall of 2021.

Higher risk/Comfort level – If you are in a higher risk group or you are just uncomfortable attending a public service at this time, please do what you think is best for your personal safety and well-being. Our services are currently streaming live at 10:00 AM on Sundays on YouTube (link here) and are also available as recordings in our archives (link here).