Our COVID-19 Policy
Updated October 15, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Church of the River Board has established policies to maintain the safety of our church members, visitors, and staff. During this time, all in-person services, meetings, and gatherings at the church, either indoor or outdoor, involving more than 10 people are cancelled. Groups of 10 persons or fewer may meet in-person at the discretion of the minister or church administrator. In all cases people involved in such gatherings must abide by safety measures, which include wearing face masks and maintaining social distance.
These policies will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by our COVID-19 Task Force, but it is anticipated that current restrictions will remain in place at least until the end of May 2021. Regular church services and meetings, provided in a virtual format, continue during this period of closure, and we plan for virtual services in some form to continue even after we reopen our facilities for in-person services.
No food may be served at any event at COR.
For any on-site events, a COVID-19 Compliance Officer will be on site to ensure guidelines are followed.
Guidelines for Church Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Only staff, repair vendors and/or those conducting official church business will be allowed inside the building. That includes use of the restrooms.
Anyone other than staff who enters the building must enter their name, phone number and email address on a visitor’s log that will be kept in the Administrator’s office.
Any visits to the church should be coordinated with staff to ensure that only a limited number of people are on the property and/or in the building at one time. Contact the Congregational Life Administrator to schedule a visit to the church.
Please note that the gates to our parking lot are locked at all times except when staff is on the premises.
Any person who tests positive for COVID-19 within two weeks of being on church property must notify the Minister and the Congregational Life Administrator who will report to the Board President that a person has tested positive but not reveal that person’s name. Privacy laws will be observed, but the church will notify anyone who may have been in contact at the church with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
For drive-through events at church, only COR staff may be outside of the vehicles. Anyone else participating in a drive-through event must remain in their vehicle with mask on. Staff will wear masks and gloves for these events.
The COR COVID-19 Task Force will meet monthly to assess the current COVID-19 situation and these guidelines.
Members
Member weddings, memorial services, Memorial Garden consecrations, and other observances and events must be coordinated with the Congregational Life Administrator and may include no more than 10 people total.
Members and friends are welcome to visit the Memorial Garden but must coordinate with staff to ensure no other people will be using the Memorial Garden at that time.
Non-Members
No rentals or other non-member use are allowed while the building is closed. This includes weddings, memorial services, or other events inside the building or on the grounds.
We are currently not accepting reservations for non-member weddings.
The minister will have discretion to conduct small ceremonies of fewer than 10 people for non-members.
Prevention Recommendations:
- Wear a mask.
- Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with other people, especially those who are ill or are in a vulnerable population (over 60, immunocompromised, or other underlying health conditions).
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and throw away tissue immediately.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces frequently.
Donations:
Online and text giving will continue to be available during online worship services. If you would like to set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift, please Donate Online.