SOTH has formed a COVID-19 Task Force to provide resources to the congregation and provide updates to our phased return to in-person worship. Please see the weekly bulletin for information about the indicators we are using to guide our re-opening plan, or contact the church office with any questions.
Current Status: Phase 2
| Phase 1* |
| – virtual worship only – no physical gatherings with the exceptions of (1) in-car communion services and (2) AA meetings when they decide to resume – critical building maintenance – relief work (food pantry, blood drives, vegetable garden) and shelter if needed |
| Phase 2* |
| – outdoor Sunday worship as weather permits, masks and physical distancing required, no group singing – communion will be offered at the end of service – outdoor/in-car communion services as needed – gatherings outside whenever possible – small gatherings only in the building (<10 people) such as bell choir, funerals, weddings – minimal pastoral care visits |
| Phase 3* |
| – outdoor worship for <50 people – outdoor/in-car communion services as needed – gatherings outside whenever possible – slow transition to indoor worship, no singing – gatherings limited to <50 people – routine pastoral care |
*Masks, physical distancing, hand washing/sanitizer, no handshakes or hugs apply to all Phases.
Remember, if you do come in the building for any reason:
- Sign in with your name, date and contact number every time you enter the building. Sign in sheets are posted at each entrance.
- Wear a mask at all times, even if you are alone. This will help decrease our cleaning should an exposure occur.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Do not enter the building or attend a church activity if you are sick with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Please contact one of our COVID-19 notifiers if you have been in the building or at a church activity (even parking lot events) and test positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks or find out you had been exposed to someone who tested positive. Please see the weekly bulletin for notifier contact information, your name will be kept confidential.
Additional Resources:
ELCA – Southeastern Synod website w/COVID RESPONSE: LINK
ELCA – Southeastern Synod Phased Re-opening Guidelines: LINK
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 Guidance and Data: LINK
What to do if you are sick: LINK
Alabama Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard: LINK
Ecumenical Guidelines: Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic: LINK