ST. STEPHEN’S reopenS ON JUNE 21
for 8 am and 10 sunday worship
St. Stephen’s has received permission from both our church and government leaders to begin regularly offering in person worship again on June 21. Our in-person offerings will look very different from what church looked like in March.
Because the vast majority of our congregation belongs to higher- risk categories for COVID-19, prayerfully consider joining us for worship via Zoom at the new time of 10 am beginning on Sunday, June 21, which continues with the same login information (ID 650 209 604, Password: 681861).
REopening With two Sunday services
In an effort to accommodate more people, beginning on June 21, our service times will change to 8 am and 10 am. At 8 am, we will offer an outside worship in our parking lot. This will be a spoken worship, and you will need to bring a chair if you want one. At 10 am, we will offer worship via Zoom and in the sanctuary. This worship service will feature pre-recorded music through the summer. Please note that we will not currently offer communion; and worship services are designed to allow for minimal to no interaction with people outside of your family or household.
Reservations Required for On-site Worshippers
Because we have limited space, you will need to make a reservation online. Click here. If you are unable to access the reservation website please click here to contact the Rev. Kate.
Let's Keep Each Other Safe and Healthy
Even though COVID-19 cases have leveled off in Colorado and many businesses are beginning to reopen, I want to stress that the leadership of St. Stephen’s takes these new guidelines and the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 very seriously. While I know that some people are rejoicing at the prospect of being able to gather for in person worship, this moment will also be tinged with sadness and difficulty as we learn a new way to worship with one another and grieve what we have lost.
It is of the utmost importance to me that we keep the people of St. Stephen’s safe and respect all those who are choosing to continue to worship from home, as well as those who take the risk to join us for in person worship. Please take the time to review the guidelines below and be prepared to adhere to them if you join us in person. Click here to view the full details of our plan for re-opening.
Re-opening Is for Sunday Worship Only
As of June 21, our church is only open for worship and activities directly related to preparing for worship. As we move forward, our guidelines will expand to include other options during worship (e.g. communion, coffee hour, singing, etc) as well as other uses of our space. As these changes occur, we will let you know. The changes will be slow for some and perhaps too fast for others, but I want to assure you that St. Stephen’s leadership is approaching our re-opening prayerfully and carefully.
Please join me in continuing to pray for our congregation as we discern what God is calling us to next as we continue to be the church of Christ in this new time.
Blessings,
The Rev. Kate Bradsen
Worship Guidelines summary
Worship Times and Opportunities beginning June 21
8 am in the Parking Lot: Outside worship, no music; bring a chair if needed. 10 am in the Sanctuary: Worship with pre-recorded music 10 am Livestreaming (currently via Zoom) will continue to be our primary form of worship. Click here to join livestream worship.
Vulnerable Populations are encouraged to worship via Zoom at 10 am Those who belong to high risk categories, those who are unable to adhere to these guidelines, and anyone with a concern about their health or safety under these guidelines are encouraged to join worship via Zoom at 10 am on Sundays.
People who are at risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 include people in the following categories: ▪ 65 years old and older ▪ Underlying lung disease (e.g. COPD, asthma) ▪ High blood pressure ▪ High cholesterol ▪ Heart disease ▪ Cerebrovascular disease ▪ Diabetes ▪ Kidney or liver disease ▪ Immunocompromised status ▪ Obesity ▪ Possibly pregnancy
Make a reservation before you come to church:
Click here for available openings. Sundays are listed three weeks in advance. Consider attending church once during a three-week period unless ample space is available. If you are unable to make reservations during a three-week time or on a specific Sunday in which you hoped to attend, click here to contact the Rev. Kate.
Come prepared to Worship. You will need:
—to bring a face mask —to bring materials for following worship (e.g. prayer book, bulletin printed from the website, or an electronic device to access the online bulletin). While the bulletin will be projected during 10 am worship, no books or hymnals will be available. —to prepare for social distancing. Maintaining social distancing of six feet is expected in and outside of the church. —to follow health guidelines
Please do not come to the church if you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Frequent handwashing and/or hand sanitizing is expected. Please notify St. Stephen’s leadership if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have a positive test for COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19: Some people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms at all. Of the list below, ONE symptom alone is sufficient to be suspicious of COVID-19 infection. ▪ Fever (body temperature >99.1°F) ▪ Chills ▪ Cough ▪ Shortness of breath ▪ Headache ▪ Sore throat ▪ Loss of smell or taste ▪ Body aches ▪ Weakness ▪ Fatigue ▪ Toe lesions (spots) ▪ Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
