The Chapel at EMU - Cross and Resurrection

Information regarding "reopening" our Services on May 17 and following:

May 11, 2020

Dear members of Cross and Resurrection.
 

As our governor has now moved toward carefully opening up several large sectors of business and work, her latest Executive Order allows churches to resume in-person worship services (following published CDC guidelines).   From order (EO 2020-77) 16. Nothing in this order should be taken to supersede another executive order or directive that is in effect, except to the extent this order imposes more stringent limitations on in-person work, activities, and interactions. Consistent with prior guidance, neither a place of religious worship nor its owner is subject to penalty under section 20 of this order for allowing religious worship at such place. No individual is subject to penalty under section 20 of this order for engaging in or traveling to engage in religious worship at a place of religious worship, or for violating section 15(a) of this order.

At the same time, we clearly understand how devastating the COVID-19 virus is, especially to certain groups of people.  We want to continue to encourage care and caution, physical distancing, washing hands and doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. We are not going back to “life as usual” yet.

With that in mind, the elder team has decided to implement the following steps to begin resumption of our worship services:

1. We will open up the church building for the Sunday service, so that people who feel comfortable doing so, can come to the service beginning on Sunday, May 17. WE ASK PEOPLE TO CONTACT PASTOR at pastor@crossandres.org or 734-474-1626, if you have any questions about attending, We will  provide ushers to seat people in order to provide room for everyone. (we have overflow in the lobby if necessary.)
2. We will continue to live stream our services so that all can attend whether in person or via live stream. The Sanctuary will continue to be set up like a studio for the next month, as we transition.
3. Those who are a part of the population more vulnerable to severe effects from COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to attend via live stream.
4. Anybody who is sick or has recently had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay home.
5. People who are not in the same household should sit at least 6 feet away from each other (that’s 3 empty chairs and try to avoid sitting directly in front or behind non-household members).  Please do not approach anyone outside of your household closer than that distance for now.
6. It will be great for many of us to see each other and chat while observing physical distancing guidelines!  But, sorry – no hand shaking, hugs, or other physical contact yet! ☹
7. Masks are strongly encouraged (REQUIRED UNLESS MEDICAL OR OTHER EXCEPTIONS) when in the building, but those leading the service or music will not wear masks while leading except if distributing communion to others.
8. We will have communion for those who wish to partake.  We will provide the bread and wine using sanitary precautions and will not offer the Common Cup at this time.
9. We will not resume the after-service lunches at this time.
10. We will not resume Sunday School at this time.
11. We have stepped up sanitation of the building and will continue to do so. 
12. Unfortunately we will be limited in our time to fellowship following the service but we will continue the Zoom meeting for those online.

 We see this as “phase 1” of reopening public worship services and expect these procedures to evolve over time.  We ask that everyone abide by these procedures for now as we see what works well for us. This is an unprecedented time for us all.  May the Lord bless, keep, and guide us, Amen!

The Elder Team and Pastor Bryan

PLEASE NOTE our COVID-19 GUIDELINES:

Coronavirus concerns:  (Please read below as we work together to show our love for each other and our community)

COVID-19 Precautions at Cross and Resurrection – the Chapel at EMU

As Eastern Michigan University has closed to in-person classes for the year and the housing has been vacated until September we have changed our precautions to reflect the changing situation.  

The Governor has put in place a State of Emergency which we recognize as an important measure for us as individuals and as a church. We are here to serve those who are in need as per Executive Order: 2020-42 (COVID-19) section 11:

11. To work or volunteer for businesses or operations (including both religious and secular nonprofit organizations) that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.  

We are reminded of John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  This is an opportunity for us to trust in Jesus and be wise about how-to best love people who may become sick, overcome by fear, and uncertain about the future.

We have cancelled Pancakes and Waffles on Fridays as well as the Sunday lunches until the fall. Sunday School classes until further notice.

We encourage common sense and common courtesy to all who come into the building. If you are sick, please stay home. Wash your hands as often as you can. We will have hand sanitizer strategically placed around the building but encourage folks to use their own sanitizer lest we run out too quick. Please wear masks and use the disinfectant spray on the areas you touched. It is by the back door.

We will maintain an exceptionally clean building. Our custodian will continue to do his best to ensure the chapel is a safe and clean facility for us to use.

WE wait with great expectation for the Governor to announce changes to her  Executive Order and will be adapting as things change.

“Therefore I shall ask God to mercifully protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it . . . If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me, and I have done what he expected of me. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid person or place but will go freely.”  

--    Martin Luther, Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague  

This is a time for concern, but not fear. Our trust is in the God who knows how many days we have in our life, who loves us and died for us! He will continue to be with us. So, we take appropriate precaution, but ultimately our hope is in Him and in His name, we will run towards those who are in need of our care.

Pastor Bryan

(April 17, 2020)