The Second Pres COVID-19 Task Force met via Zoom this week.
While COVID-19 deaths are not increasing in our area, hospitalizations are increasing and confirmed cases have tripled in the past three weeks. Requirements by the Insurance Board state that in order to move to stage one of reopening, cases must be in a downward trend for 14 consecutive days. Therefore, we cannot move forward with reopening for worship services at this time. Church services will continue online at www.2ndpc.org. Small groups may be able to meet in the Fellowship Hall sooner, but official determinations and stipulations have not yet been determined. The sanctuary may be opened for weddings and funerals, provided the number of attendees remains very small.
Thank you to all who participated in the survey and special thanks and acknowledgement to David Savard for conducting the survey. While there is much to be considered and determinations are yet to be presented to session, the survey helps to assess the needs of the congregation.
Survey Results:
Survey findings of note:
· Roughly 2/3 of participants are over age of 50
· About 80% of participants expect mask requirements
· About 60% will return when coronavirus cases are very small
· About 60% would like to continue meeting online, even if there are no government restrictions
· Roughly half of participants are in an at-risk group or share a household with a member who is at-risk
Full results can be downloaded here. →
Conclusions: There is broad support among the participants for waiting to return to in-person worship and an expectation that once we do, procedures such as masks and social distancing will be put in place to protect congregants. A majority of participants are middle-aged and older. A significant percentage are at-risk or share a household with someone who is at-risk. There is an expectation that the recommendations of health professionals be our guiding force, and not politicians or government officials.
We will continue to keep the congregation updated on our findings and considerations as we figure out a path forward in these uncertain times. Please join us for church online and do not hesitate to contact Cress, a deacon, or other church leader if you find yourself in need of prayer or care.
COVID-19 Task Force,
Katie Mai (chair), Dr. Sallie Schuh, Julia Harlow, Gary Jaffe, Felicia Sanders and Dan Tenpas
The Task Force is referencing and considering resources provided by CAP, PCUSA, and IB as well as information from SCDHEC and the CDC. The images above outline the plan being followed and links to further resources are available below. Anyone is encouraged to contact the Task Force with questions or further consideration- any and all help available is welcome.