The Path to Return
A Return Date Has Not Been Set
Our Grace Church Council is meeting Thursday, Nov. 19, about 2 days after this issue of “The Chimes” went to press.  Therefore, we do not have the latest word about any decision regarding when we might return to our building for worship and other activities. 
However, given the rampant increase in COVID19 cases in  Woodbury County, I do not anticipate we will return before  January, if then. Please be safe…and do all you can to keep others safe as well. 
Blessings…
 
 The Church Council will meet again in December to reassess  the COVID19 situation. Please see the accompanying article about preparations we’d like to begin now, even though we have not yet set a date for return.  ​​ 

We’re Preparing For The Day We Can Return

The Path to Return Committee and the Church Council would like to start the process to prepare the space and guidelines to open the GUMC doors for indoor worship*.  Preparation will require many helpful hands for various tasks and responsibilities.  Here is how YOU can help:
  •  Volunteer to recruit and train ushers, greeters, and others on guidelines to provide the safest environment possible.
  •  Volunteer to BE an usher and/or greeter
  •  Volunteer to alter the food pantry staging area before and after the worship service.
  •  Volunteer to remove hymnals and other items in the pews
  •  Remove all flyers and brochures from the area.
  •  Donate hand sanitizer and masks for use in the church
  •  Develop an online RSVP system for worship service
  •  Volunteer to take temperatures of those entering the building
  •  Mark traffic flow on the floor
The list is definitely not inclusive and will be continually updated.  It is, however, a start in putting together an action plan.  If you feel that you can safely volunteer for any of the above, please call the church office at 276-3452. 
​*Please note that, while we are beginning to make these preparations, the Church Council has voted that we will NOT be returning to in-person worship in our building until December, at the earliest—unless the COVID19 numbers make a significant decline before then.  We simply want to be ready to act when it is deemed safe to return.