In-Person Worship

by Rev. Eric Folkerth

We have big news to share with all of you. Our intention is to resume “in-person” worship on October 4th.

Our Bishop has given us permission to do so, and in discussion with both our Church Council and staff, we are making plans for this eventuality. In an abundance of caution, and to minimize our risk as much as possible, we intend to begin our first few Sundays of *outside;* likely in the grassy area between the building and Turner Street. We are also simultaneously firming up plans for worship *inside* as well, and we’ll have more specific details about all of this for you next week.

Further, our Church Council has asked our Parents Day Out program to resume limited operations as soon as feasibly possible. We are aware that many neighborhood parents have been waiting patiently for us to resume operations. There are more than fifteen United Methodist-related childcare centers already open in the Dallas area, so we hope to operate as safely as they are. Pastor Kay and LaTara have been working hard to create the plans for this to be so.

I want to echo the Bishop’s words in his letter to use regarding these matters. He has said the following:

“my commitment remains for us to do no harm and for the North Texas Conference to do our part to preserve the health and well-being of the people in our churches and communities. Therefore, please note the following from “Dallas County COVID-19 Related Health Guidance for the Public” about religious services at level orange:

• in-person attendees should be limited to a number that allows full physical distancing (6 feet on all sides);

• cloth facial coverings should be worn by all attendees;

• hand hygiene should be practiced;

• avoid specific practices that involve close interaction, touch, or shared objects; • avoid social gatherings that may precede or follow services;

• avoid if over 65 or in a high-risk group.”

Again, we are well aware that many persons will *not* choose to resume in-person attendance immediately. Some of you may choose to continue to watch the livestream for the foreseeable future. This is totally understandable, and our primary concern would be for everyone to stay as safe as possible.

Please be assured that we are committed to continued quality live-streaming for all our worship services. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Some plans are still in process now, but I wanted to be sure and communicate the gist of the news with you now.

Please continue to pray for our Church, and for all those who are seeking to find the best way through this challenging time. None of these decisions are easy, but we are committed to find our way through it all, as we continue serving the people of North Oak Cliff in the hope and love of Christ.

Grace and Peace,

Eric