BUMC Response to COVID – Reset, Restart, Renew

Nov 22, 2021 | Uncategorized

Our Response to COVID - Reset, Restart, Renew

Updates as of 5/14/2021:

I am proud of our congregation’s response to the COVID pandemic.  You have been kind and vigilant.  As more and more of us are vaccinated, and as cases decrease daily, it is time to change some of our response.  

I want to thank you for your responses to the survey emailed out yesterday morning, and feedback received has helped inform our next steps. 
 
Starting Sunday, May 16, masks will be optional at BUMC.  We encourage you to make the best choices for yourself and your family. Please be aware that not everyone is ready to go without a mask.  Let us be kind and respectful, and offer no judgement.  Also, please remember that even without masks, many are not ready to resume the hugs and hand shaking of pre-pandemic days.  Please be mindful of each other’s physical space.
 
This is one of many steps to life in a post COVID world.  We will cautiously take things one step at a time.
 
You have been hopeful and faithful in so many new ways throughout this time, and I am deeply grateful.  We are beginning to dream and plan new days.   As much as we talk about getting back to normal, we know that we are approaching a “new” normal and a way forward.  Nevertheless, our mission remains the same: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”  I rejoice to be on this journey with you.  
 
Many Blessings and Prayers, 
 

Rev. Scarlett Hester 

The following safety measures are still in place:

  • Masks are optional.  (Hand Sanitizer and masks will be available at the entrance if you need)
  • Distance barriers will be placed between pews in the Sanctuary by blocking off every other row. For second service, the distance barriers will be moved to allow the other pews to be used.
  • Announcements and Bulletins will be emailed. 
  • Bibles have returned to the pews, and will be followed with Hymnals, Attendance pads, and offering envelopes in the near future. 
  • Our cleaning service continues to sterilize frequently touched surfaces.
  • During in-person worship services, musical offerings will be limited to piano, organ, small ensembles and/or soloists. Congregational singing of hymns will not occur yet.
  • Offering plates will be on the altar rail in front on both sides of the church. If you usually use offering envelopes with cash donations, offering envelopes will be available in the narthex. Checks do not need envelopes. 
  • Please do not attend if you are feeling sick, have a fever, awaiting COVID test results, have been traveling to known high risk areas of exposure, or have knowingly been exposed in the past 14 days.

  • If your small group or church meeting must meet inside in-person, please contact the church office for room and schedule availability and a list of guidelines.  Only one meeting area will be able to schedule for a specific room inside to allow time for cleaning and air circulation.  We are still not allowing any outside groups to use the church. 

Not everyone is ready to return to in person worship, we will continue to have services available on YouTube livestreamed.  Please watch on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlufftonUnitedMethodistChurch/