NEW PROTOCOLS FOR SHALOM AND THE CALVARY FAMILY OF MINISTRIES – May 26 to June 30, 2021
In this, and all matters related to our life together, we will continue to be guided by the Great Commandment to love God and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40), Paul's admonition to have the same attitude as Jesus by being concerned about others above ourselves (Philippians 2:1-5) and seeking to live out the Fruit of the Spirit in all that we do (Galatians 5:22-23). By living out our faith with these biblical understandings the Christian church is better able to avoid exercising personal freedoms and instead act first out of loving concern and care for our neighbor.
As a church, we have never been closed, and the varying protocols we have operated with throughout this pandemic have been developed with love and concern for the safety and wellbeing of our neighbor, particularly those most vulnerable, utilizing current scientific data, trends, and statistics of Covid19 in our local area, the recommendations of our Synod, and the guidance of the CDC, as well as other local, state, and national government entities. As God’s people, we have done an exceptionally fine job with all of this, and have remained flexible throughout, allowing us to adapt to the fluid realities of addressing a pandemic, something in our lifetimes that we have never done before to this extent as a world, nation, community, church, or family.
This has been an enormously long, difficult, and challenging time for all, resulting in much pain, anxiety, loss, and fear on many fronts and levels. However, there have also been many blessings along the way as life as we know it has, in many ways, been paused or altered. During this time, we have continued to experience God's loving presence and provision, responded by caring and loving one another in so many ways, and have had the opportunity and time to sort through our priorities as we move into the future. We have also learned how to connect and grow our church online, refocus on what it really means to be the church in the world, and make progress in living into Shalom’s future.
People have a wide variety of views on the pandemic and all the related issues. Nevertheless, our congregation has overwhelmingly approached this pandemic and the difficult decisions regarding our life together with grace, flexibility, patience, understanding, and love in unity as the Body of Christ by loving one another.
People will have a wide variety of reactions regarding the opening up of more things in the days and months ahead, especially as it has happened so suddenly and rapidly. After such a long time of living in this pandemic, for some this will be an occasion for relief and rejoicing; for others, a time of concern, fear, and social anxiety; and for others, a confusing mixture of many feelings. Our approach must acknowledge this and, as best we can, meet people where they are as we continue to care for one another.
People will also have a wide variety of feelings regarding what behaviors to resume and how quickly. We are committed to appropriately respecting and honoring one another and maintaining a safe environment into the future where we love one another and can "come as we are." This will allow space and time for each person to determine their pace for resuming (or not) such activities as hugging, handshaking, personal space boundaries and distancing, wearing face coverings, etc.
Moving forward, we should make every effort to guard against emphasizing the differences among us in ways that cause judgmentalism and unhealthy divisions, particularly regarding vaccination status and face coverings. One of our first steps will be to not require proof of vaccination status but instead operate in a climate of trust that individuals will be truthful and responsible within the Body of Christ, based on the biblical foundations noted above.
As we move forward there will be exceptions to these protocols especially related to those working with children or other vulnerable populations, or staff and leaders depending on context. Please know that we will make these determinations in the best interest of the Body. We will be very attentive to the real and complex issues facing vulnerable persons (such as those who are immunocompromised or cannot receive the vaccination for some reason) and families with children for whom the vaccine is not yet available or has only recently become available.
We will refer to face coverings and physical distancing as OPTIONAL in order to emphasize that people may be choosing, for a variety of reasons, to continue to wear face coverings or maintain some physical distance regardless of vaccination status. Please do not make any judgments based on a person’s choices in these matters.
Even after the threat of this pandemic passes, we will continue to emphasize healthy behaviors (handwashing and staying away if you are sick, for example) and offer alternatives where possible (such as Communion distribution options) that keep people as safe as possible, while acknowledging that there is a certain amount of risk inherent in just being together and living life in this, and any, season.
With all of this in our minds and hearts, we will continue to resume activities and consider options when possible, prayerfully, thoughtfully, and intentionally. These protocols are intended to guide us through June. However, it is important to remain flexible, as we will be constantly monitoring and reassessing and, if necessary, revising these guidelines.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 NIV
Pastor Ken Greble
Pastor Jonathan A. Heierman
May 26, 2021
Shalom's Covid-19 Latest updates
In light of the current public health situation and the high priority we place on the health and safety of our congregation and community, we will be temporarily changing many of the ways in which we operate. You will see in other portions of our website that various events have unfortunately needed to be postponed or paused. We assure you however that despite these changes our church is not 'closed' and that we will continue to offer ministry that provides a sense of hope, peace, and stability in the midst of this uncertainty and fear. Below are some of the ways that we are adjusting our ministry for the time being. Please remember that online giving opportunities are always available.
Live-Stream Sunday Worship
Rather than gathering in person on Sunday mornings, we are instead sharing live-streamed worship services on Zoom. These services can be watched live at 6:00 am each Sunday. They are complete with engaging music and meaningful sermons. We very much hope you can join us for worship in this new and exciting way! Please follow us on our Facebook page for breaking news - shalom_life
Sunday Parking Lot / Outdoor Worship
Join us Sunday morning at 9:30 am. as we welcome you to outdoor parking lot worship! You'll enter the Shalom parking lot and receive information and communion elements (If Needed) from a volunteer. Then you'll be directed to your parking lot space. You'll be able to listen to the entire service on your vehicle radio as the worship progresses. You also have the option of sitting outside on our campus and listen through the PA system speakers!
Wednesday daytime worship
We will have two worship experiences on Wednesday. At 1 pm. in our worship center (In-Person Protocols followed). This service is only 30 minutes long designed to share prayer, scripture readings, short message on the gospel, music and communion will be shared.
Confidential Survey
As physical distancing guidelines are slowly being relaxed, we are thoughtfully and carefully praying and planning for a gradual return to in person worship and ministries here at Shalom. It is clear that this return will not happen all at once, but rather will be a process over the weeks and months ahead. Below you will find a survey which includes various questions related to your current feelings about returning to regular church activity. We very much value your time and input as we continue to move forward as a community. Click the link below to take the survey.
Confidential Anonymous Survey
In this, and all matters related to our life together, we will continue to be guided by the Great Commandment to love God and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40), Paul's admonition to have the same attitude as Jesus by being concerned about others above ourselves (Philippians 2:1-5) and seeking to live out the Fruit of the Spirit in all that we do (Galatians 5:22-23). By living out our faith with these biblical understandings the Christian church is better able to avoid exercising personal freedoms and instead act first out of loving concern and care for our neighbor.
As a church, we have never been closed, and the varying protocols we have operated with throughout this pandemic have been developed with love and concern for the safety and wellbeing of our neighbor, particularly those most vulnerable, utilizing current scientific data, trends, and statistics of Covid19 in our local area, the recommendations of our Synod, and the guidance of the CDC, as well as other local, state, and national government entities. As God’s people, we have done an exceptionally fine job with all of this, and have remained flexible throughout, allowing us to adapt to the fluid realities of addressing a pandemic, something in our lifetimes that we have never done before to this extent as a world, nation, community, church, or family.
This has been an enormously long, difficult, and challenging time for all, resulting in much pain, anxiety, loss, and fear on many fronts and levels. However, there have also been many blessings along the way as life as we know it has, in many ways, been paused or altered. During this time, we have continued to experience God's loving presence and provision, responded by caring and loving one another in so many ways, and have had the opportunity and time to sort through our priorities as we move into the future. We have also learned how to connect and grow our church online, refocus on what it really means to be the church in the world, and make progress in living into Shalom’s future.
People have a wide variety of views on the pandemic and all the related issues. Nevertheless, our congregation has overwhelmingly approached this pandemic and the difficult decisions regarding our life together with grace, flexibility, patience, understanding, and love in unity as the Body of Christ by loving one another.
People will have a wide variety of reactions regarding the opening up of more things in the days and months ahead, especially as it has happened so suddenly and rapidly. After such a long time of living in this pandemic, for some this will be an occasion for relief and rejoicing; for others, a time of concern, fear, and social anxiety; and for others, a confusing mixture of many feelings. Our approach must acknowledge this and, as best we can, meet people where they are as we continue to care for one another.
People will also have a wide variety of feelings regarding what behaviors to resume and how quickly. We are committed to appropriately respecting and honoring one another and maintaining a safe environment into the future where we love one another and can "come as we are." This will allow space and time for each person to determine their pace for resuming (or not) such activities as hugging, handshaking, personal space boundaries and distancing, wearing face coverings, etc.
Moving forward, we should make every effort to guard against emphasizing the differences among us in ways that cause judgmentalism and unhealthy divisions, particularly regarding vaccination status and face coverings. One of our first steps will be to not require proof of vaccination status but instead operate in a climate of trust that individuals will be truthful and responsible within the Body of Christ, based on the biblical foundations noted above.
As we move forward there will be exceptions to these protocols especially related to those working with children or other vulnerable populations, or staff and leaders depending on context. Please know that we will make these determinations in the best interest of the Body. We will be very attentive to the real and complex issues facing vulnerable persons (such as those who are immunocompromised or cannot receive the vaccination for some reason) and families with children for whom the vaccine is not yet available or has only recently become available.
We will refer to face coverings and physical distancing as OPTIONAL in order to emphasize that people may be choosing, for a variety of reasons, to continue to wear face coverings or maintain some physical distance regardless of vaccination status. Please do not make any judgments based on a person’s choices in these matters.
Even after the threat of this pandemic passes, we will continue to emphasize healthy behaviors (handwashing and staying away if you are sick, for example) and offer alternatives where possible (such as Communion distribution options) that keep people as safe as possible, while acknowledging that there is a certain amount of risk inherent in just being together and living life in this, and any, season.
With all of this in our minds and hearts, we will continue to resume activities and consider options when possible, prayerfully, thoughtfully, and intentionally. These protocols are intended to guide us through June. However, it is important to remain flexible, as we will be constantly monitoring and reassessing and, if necessary, revising these guidelines.
- For outdoor events, both face coverings and physical distancing are optional, regardless of age or vaccination status. This applies to all events held on church property and for church events held offsite. However, for specific events, especially those involving young children or very vulnerable adults, where there is much close contact over a longer period of time, face coverings may be recommended or required for all participants and/or leaders.
- For worship and most other inside church events, face coverings and physical distancing are optional for those who are fully vaccinated. However, Youth and Family Ministry events will maintain current protocols involving face coverings and distancing through June, at which time this protocol will be reassessed. Also, for specific events, especially those involving young children or very vulnerable adults, where there is much close contact over a longer period of time, face coverings may be recommended or required for all participants and/or leaders.
- Worship and most other events will not require pre-registration, unless otherwise specified or needed due to the nature of the event. Public areas will not be required to be spray-sanitized between each event, though we may choose to do so on a case-by-case basis. Holy Communion will continue to be distributed while seated and using single serve packets, and the church nursery will remain closed through June, at which time these protocols will be reassessed.
- Some capacity limits, including blocking off certain pews or other space, will be maintained through June. This allows us to better accommodate those not yet vaccinated or who, for any reason, would prefer greater distancing.
- Coffee Center beverage service and food or beverage service at most other events (such as funeral luncheons, AA meetings, etc.) may resume July 1. Guidelines for food and beverage service with heightened attention to health and safety consistent with good food service sanitation protocols will be developed and communicated by July 1. In the meantime, we will continue to encourage participants to bring their own food and beverages.
- Signage throughout the facility will be used to remind people of: a) our commitment, above all, to be loving and caring for one another as Christians; b) the need to respect the differing responses and comfort levels to the relaxation of protocols and resuming certain activities; c) the importance of appropriate individual responsibility for choices and interactions consistent with our Christian faith; d) our continuing commitment to reduce risks and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all as much as possible and reasonable, including an ongoing emphasis on “common sense” health guidelines such as staying home when sick and regular hand washing; and e) the possibility that our protocols may need to be revised at any time in light of new information or Covid outbreaks.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 NIV
Pastor Ken Greble
Pastor Jonathan A. Heierman
May 26, 2021
Shalom's Covid-19 Latest updates
In light of the current public health situation and the high priority we place on the health and safety of our congregation and community, we will be temporarily changing many of the ways in which we operate. You will see in other portions of our website that various events have unfortunately needed to be postponed or paused. We assure you however that despite these changes our church is not 'closed' and that we will continue to offer ministry that provides a sense of hope, peace, and stability in the midst of this uncertainty and fear. Below are some of the ways that we are adjusting our ministry for the time being. Please remember that online giving opportunities are always available.
Live-Stream Sunday Worship
Rather than gathering in person on Sunday mornings, we are instead sharing live-streamed worship services on Zoom. These services can be watched live at 6:00 am each Sunday. They are complete with engaging music and meaningful sermons. We very much hope you can join us for worship in this new and exciting way! Please follow us on our Facebook page for breaking news - shalom_life
Sunday Parking Lot / Outdoor Worship
Join us Sunday morning at 9:30 am. as we welcome you to outdoor parking lot worship! You'll enter the Shalom parking lot and receive information and communion elements (If Needed) from a volunteer. Then you'll be directed to your parking lot space. You'll be able to listen to the entire service on your vehicle radio as the worship progresses. You also have the option of sitting outside on our campus and listen through the PA system speakers!
Wednesday daytime worship
We will have two worship experiences on Wednesday. At 1 pm. in our worship center (In-Person Protocols followed). This service is only 30 minutes long designed to share prayer, scripture readings, short message on the gospel, music and communion will be shared.
Confidential Survey
As physical distancing guidelines are slowly being relaxed, we are thoughtfully and carefully praying and planning for a gradual return to in person worship and ministries here at Shalom. It is clear that this return will not happen all at once, but rather will be a process over the weeks and months ahead. Below you will find a survey which includes various questions related to your current feelings about returning to regular church activity. We very much value your time and input as we continue to move forward as a community. Click the link below to take the survey.
Confidential Anonymous Survey