Dear Beloved of Palm UMC:

We are excited for the possibility of gathering in person, outdoors, for worship, soon! We need to form a list of persons who expect they WILL come to worship on Sunday, November 8 at the Lozano residence (844 W Nebraska Avenue, Dinuba, CA). As you know the fire season continues to influence air quality so while we hope and pray to gather that day, we may have to change the date again. Having a list of people who expect to come will help usbe sure to reach everyone should we happen to need to suspend outdoor worship on October 11. We also will be requesting everyone who does come to provide their name and recent phone number so having the list ahead of time mostly completed will be helpful.

We also want you to be aware and ready to comply with all of the safety measures we will be employing:

• As you approach the gate to the backyard, you will be asked if you have had any symptoms that are frequent with COVID-19, such as fever, respiratory congestion or loss of smell, or if you know you have been in contact who tested positive for COVID 19. If you answer yes you will be asked to leave.
• Your temperature will be taken with a touchless thermometer on your forehead, having a temp over 100 will mean you will be asked to leave.
• You will be required to wear a face covering. There will be some available if you don’t have one with you.
• You will be asked to maintain a 6 foot distance from all persons not from your household while you are moving around and as you are seated. This means we cannot greet one another with touch but will wave, bow, or “air hug.”
  

There will also be posted protocols for using the restroom; using a disinfecting wipe on surfaces you touched and disposing of the paper towel after washing your hands outside of the restroom.

There is space to park in the driveway and surrounding yard area, as well as on the street outside. We will save a few of spaces closest to the gate for those with handicap tags.

We will have single chairs marking different “stations” where you and your household can set up your chairs (bring your own if you can or there will be some available.)

There will also be an opportunity to write down any praises or concerns to be included in the prayers on a card as you enter the backyard area.

We will not be singing live or doing any spoken call and response liturgy.

No, it is not quite the same as how church used to be. However, being together to worship can be a great experience if we all make these small sacrifices for the protection of all. 

We look forward to being together soon! In the peace of Christ, Pastor Michelle and the COVID Reopening Team

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORM. THIS HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED VIA EMAIL TO OUR CONTACT LIST. LIST NAMES OF ALL IN YOUR GROUP.