Worship Update in response to COVID-19

For those who choose to attend worship at St. Paul's at 10:30 AM on Sunday, we will make some adjustments in the passing of the peace, not sharing the microphones and not having our refreshments following worship.  You are also encouraged to find a seat that gives you some distance from others in the Sanctuary. 
At this point we still plan to have the shortened service and move into letter writing and putting together the UMCOR schools kits at 11:00 AM.

Do NOT attend if you are sick or if you know you have come into contact with someone who is sick. This includes the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat and sneezing.
Please consider not attending if you are part of the vulnerable population listed below.
If you choose to remain home from worship for the upcoming Sundays either because you are ill, you are vulnerable to the worst effects of this virus, or you simply are choosing to limit your contact with others during this time, we support your decision.  You do not need to feel guilty or like you are letting us down if you remain home.  If you are sick, do not come to worship in order to protect the others who might gather.
 
You can read the full county health guidelines by clicking here

New Guidance for Persons Hosting Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events

At this time, we recommend postponing or canceling mass gatherings and large community events where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.

If you can’t avoid bringing groups of people together:

Urge anyone who is sick to not attend.
Encourage those who are at higher risk for serious illness to not attend.
Try to find ways to give people more physical space so that they aren’t in close contact as much as possible.
Encourage attendees to follow increased hygiene, such as:
Washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch
Avoid close contact with other people
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Covering their cough or sneeze with a tissue - if available - or into their elbow
Clean surfaces with standard cleaners.
Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 Illness

The County Public Health Department is recommending that persons at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from crowded social gatherings of people as much as possible such as parades, conferences, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another.

Those at higher risk include:

People over 50 years of age. The risk increases significantly thereafter and escalates with age, with persons over age 80 in the highest risk category.
People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.