From the SEA Episcopal Regathering Team
Dear Beloved Community of SEA Episcopal Church,
Unfortunately the re-gathering for in-person worship has been delayed indefinitely, as directed by the Diocese per the new restrictions ordered in San Mateo and San Francisco counties.
Last Saturday, November 21st, a work party of many helped to prepare the building and grounds indoors and out in preparation for in-person worship. The sanctuary was cleaned, hymnals and prayer books were removed, spacers placed on the pews and on the floors, and hand sanitizing stations were added. The sanctuary is ready for in-person worship when we receive approval from the Diocese. Until then, we will continue our online services on Sundays.
Your Regathering Team,
Fr. Lisa, Ellen Jones, Dar Masamori, Randy Weaver
November 25, 2020
Updates from the Regathering Team
Re-gathering Update 11/18/2020
IMPORTANT UPDATE from your Regathering Team
Dear Beloved Community of SEA Episcopal Church,
Plans are underway and moving ahead for our first In-Person & Online service, to be held Sunday November 29 at 10:15 AM at South Campus. Given last week’s upsurge in Covid-19 cases in California, we will not be surprised if the County issues further restrictions, thereby delaying the In-Person aspect of Sunday worship. But for now, we are ‘preparing’ for both.
Preparing the Building and Grounds
A work day is scheduled for this coming Saturday (see above). Crews outside will spruce things up and the inside crew – Ellen, Lisa+, Dar, Jeanne – will arrange things for socially distanced worship, including an entry point where your temp will be taken, a visitor log recording your attendance (for contact tracing, if need be at a later date), printed bulletins on each marked seat (that you will dispose of when exiting). We will also have masks on hand for any who forget. You will only be able to enter with a mask.
Preparing ourselves for In-Person Worship
In an earlier email, we outlined in more detail the steps we will be taking to ensure best practices and protocols (listed below).
In addition, you will all receive next week an email asking about your intentions to attend in person or not on November 29, and if you are even thinking about it, you will be asked to complete at home a pre-screening questionnaire (linked image is at the bottom of this article). It does NOT have to be submitted or brought with you. The questionnaire is for your review and self-evaluation only and does not need to be printed or submitted to the church.
Protocols:
- Please do not come to a service if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you are in a vulnerable group, we are leaving it to your discretion whether or not to attend.
- Face Coverings are required and must be worn at all times while on church property. If you don’t arrive with one, a face mask will be provided for you.
- When arriving you will be directed to enter through the main entrance only.
- Proper distance must be kept between congregants not in the same family or “bubble group”.
- Your temperature will be taken before entering and you will be directed to a hand sanitizer station.
- Ushers will direct you to a pew where there will be bulletins to designate the number of people assigned to each row and where they should sit.
- There will be no passing of the Collection plate at the Offertory. There will be a stationary plate upon entering and another at the exit door. Contributions online through Tithe.ly will also continue.
For maximum ventilation purposes, the windows will be kept open during the services. Please keep this in mind and dress appropriately.
At the end of the service you will be asked to exit through the front side door out to the breezeway. There will be no beverages or food served. All socializing must be done outside with face masks on and proper distancing.
Preparing the Liturgy for In-Person Worship
During our first In-Person and likely for a few thereafter, we will begin our worship first with the promise to abide by the new protocols required. This covenant will be posted in a few places for reminders to those of us ‘on site’ that though we are back in the building, our movements are yet, restricted.
There will be no prayer books or hymnals in the pews. Bulletins will be on each seat, to be disposed of as you exit. Do NOT bring with you a bulletin or BCP or Hymnal.
When speaking or singing during the service, please use your “Inside Voice” and keep your head bowed slightly. Your mask is to remain on at all times.
Presanctified Communion Bread will be individually packaged and placed at each seat. Do NOT bring with you any bread you may not have already consumed.
With gratitude for the opportunity to begin the first steps for our coming together again,
Your Regathering Team,
Fr. Lisa, Ellen Jones, Dar Masamori, Randy Weaver
IMPORTANT UPDATE from your Regathering Team
Dear Beloved Community of SEA Episcopal Church,
Plans are underway and moving ahead for our first In-Person & Online service, to be held Sunday November 29 at 10:15 AM at South Campus. Given last week’s upsurge in Covid-19 cases in California, we will not be surprised if the County issues further restrictions, thereby delaying the In-Person aspect of Sunday worship. But for now, we are ‘preparing’ for both.
Preparing the Building and Grounds
A work day is scheduled for this coming Saturday (see above). Crews outside will spruce things up and the inside crew – Ellen, Lisa+, Dar, Jeanne – will arrange things for socially distanced worship, including an entry point where your temp will be taken, a visitor log recording your attendance (for contact tracing, if need be at a later date), printed bulletins on each marked seat (that you will dispose of when exiting). We will also have masks on hand for any who forget. You will only be able to enter with a mask.
Preparing ourselves for In-Person Worship
In an earlier email, we outlined in more detail the steps we will be taking to ensure best practices and protocols (listed below).
In addition, you will all receive next week an email asking about your intentions to attend in person or not on November 29, and if you are even thinking about it, you will be asked to complete at home a pre-screening questionnaire (linked image is at the bottom of this article). It does NOT have to be submitted or brought with you. The questionnaire is for your review and self-evaluation only and does not need to be printed or submitted to the church.
Protocols:
- Please do not come to a service if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you are in a vulnerable group, we are leaving it to your discretion whether or not to attend.
- Face Coverings are required and must be worn at all times while on church property. If you don’t arrive with one, a face mask will be provided for you.
- When arriving you will be directed to enter through the main entrance only.
- Proper distance must be kept between congregants not in the same family or “bubble group”.
- Your temperature will be taken before entering and you will be directed to a hand sanitizer station.
- Ushers will direct you to a pew where there will be bulletins to designate the number of people assigned to each row and where they should sit.
- There will be no passing of the Collection plate at the Offertory. There will be a stationary plate upon entering and another at the exit door. Contributions online through Tithe.ly will also continue.
For maximum ventilation purposes, the windows will be kept open during the services. Please keep this in mind and dress appropriately.
At the end of the service you will be asked to exit through the front side door out to the breezeway. There will be no beverages or food served. All socializing must be done outside with face masks on and proper distancing.
Preparing the Liturgy for In-Person Worship
During our first In-Person and likely for a few thereafter, we will begin our worship first with the promise to abide by the new protocols required. This covenant will be posted in a few places for reminders to those of us ‘on site’ that though we are back in the building, our movements are yet, restricted.
There will be no prayer books or hymnals in the pews. Bulletins will be on each seat, to be disposed of as you exit. Do NOT bring with you a bulletin or BCP or Hymnal.
When speaking or singing during the service, please use your “Inside Voice” and keep your head bowed slightly. Your mask is to remain on at all times.
Presanctified Communion Bread will be individually packaged and placed at each seat. Do NOT bring with you any bread you may not have already consumed.
With gratitude for the opportunity to begin the first steps for our coming together again,
Your Regathering Team,
Fr. Lisa, Ellen Jones, Dar Masamori, Randy Weaver
SEA Episcopal Covenant for Regathering in-person Worship
Our Covenant for Re-gathering in Worship
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I promise, with God’s help and to the best of my ability, to abide by the guidelines of SEA Episcopal Church for participation in the life of our congregation according to the re-gathering phase in which my congregation is authorized to carry out its mission and ministry.
In fulfillment of our Baptismal Covenant, I will strive to:
Love my neighbor as myself
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I promise, with God’s help and to the best of my ability, to abide by the guidelines of SEA Episcopal Church for participation in the life of our congregation according to the re-gathering phase in which my congregation is authorized to carry out its mission and ministry.
In fulfillment of our Baptismal Covenant, I will strive to:
Love my neighbor as myself
- Wear a mask or scarf over my nose and mouth at all times in church buildings, except momentarily to receive the sacrament or lead worship through an assigned speaking part.
- Only attend worship and receive communion if I am healthy and non- symptomatic with the novel coronavirus or any other transmittable disease that could compromise the health of another congregant;
- Make no physical contact with people beyond the members of my own household.
- Maintain a six-foot or more distance from others in the congregation.
- Respect any requests for distance, masking, cleaning, to ensure the safety and comfort level of others, even as restrictions are reduced.
- Trust and support the decisions of our congregational leaders.
- Stay connected with others in my community by telephone, email, video chat, or mail.
More Regathering Updates
Re-gathering Update 9/3/2020
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Re-gathering Update 8/27/2020
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Re-gathering Update 8/20/2020
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Regathering in Person Plan on Hold.
Re-gathering Update 8/13/2020
The team got together Wednesday, there's no new date yet from the Diocese. We are looking to late Fall for possible in-person worship. In the meanwhile we are adding more fellowship opportunities online in Zoom Rooms and inviting anyone who’d like to be part of the online worship services, so please come forward - music, lectors, LEMS - all are encouraged to try this out to fill our online gatherings with as many voices and faces from the SEA Episcopal community as possible.
Re-gathering Update 8/5/2020
Large congregations who had facilities and plans to re-gather outside have begun to do so (they still have to keep gathering limited to under 25). SEA Episcopal did not submit an outdoor worship plan. We are working with our "renters" who have made proposals to gather outside and we hope to allow them to do so, soon. We are awaiting Diocesan approval.
Large congregations who had facilities and plans to re-gather outside have begun to do so (they still have to keep gathering limited to under 25). SEA Episcopal did not submit an outdoor worship plan. We are working with our "renters" who have made proposals to gather outside and we hope to allow them to do so, soon. We are awaiting Diocesan approval.
Re-Gathering Update 7/29/2020
Isolation is perilous for people in recovery. We learn that our sobriety depends upon keeping connected to sober people, being accountable to others, being of service to others. Some people in recovery attend one or more meetings a day. Many people attend several meetings a week.
With quarantines, self-isolation, and lock-downs spreading in response to the COVID-19 virus, and with many in-person support groups ceasing to meet as ordered, other sinister viruses can spread as well: powerlessness, loneliness, anxiety, fear, shame, all the hurts and harms that fuel addictive behaviors.
Rev. Anne McKeever, Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Diocesan Recovery Facilitator has begun compiling this collection of online/virtual recovery support resources. It’s just the beginning. If you know of resources, please share them with Fr. Lisa. Learn who might need frequent check-ins by phone. Let’s work together to stay as healthy as possible in these tender times.
Here's a list of resources:
Online meeting links:
12 Step Online Meetings
Addiction Recovery Guide Online Meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Alanon Family Group 12 Step Forums
Alcoholics Anonymous Online Group
Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup Directory
Gamblers Anonymous Locations
Overeaters Anonymous Find A Meeting
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Recovery Organization Websites:
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families
Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup
Overeaters Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Online/Digital Recovery Support Resources
Isolation is perilous for people in recovery. We learn that our sobriety depends upon keeping connected to sober people, being accountable to others, being of service to others. Some people in recovery attend one or more meetings a day. Many people attend several meetings a week.
With quarantines, self-isolation, and lock-downs spreading in response to the COVID-19 virus, and with many in-person support groups ceasing to meet as ordered, other sinister viruses can spread as well: powerlessness, loneliness, anxiety, fear, shame, all the hurts and harms that fuel addictive behaviors.
Rev. Anne McKeever, Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Diocesan Recovery Facilitator has begun compiling this collection of online/virtual recovery support resources. It’s just the beginning. If you know of resources, please share them with Fr. Lisa. Learn who might need frequent check-ins by phone. Let’s work together to stay as healthy as possible in these tender times.
Here's a list of resources:
Online meeting links:
12 Step Online Meetings
Addiction Recovery Guide Online Meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Alanon Family Group 12 Step Forums
Alcoholics Anonymous Online Group
Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup Directory
Gamblers Anonymous Locations
Overeaters Anonymous Find A Meeting
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Recovery Organization Websites:
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families
Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup
Overeaters Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Online/Digital Recovery Support Resources
Re-Gathering Update 7/23/2020
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
The Diocesan Task Force is reviewing each congregation’s plan submitted in June. Given Gov. Newsom’s recent orders to pull back on group gatherings and the plans for now to begin the academic school year remotely, not in person, it is likely SEA Episcopal will not be worshiping in person until September at the earliest. We will keep you updated on a weekly basis. In the meantime, please pray for the nation, the state and our local communities that the other side of this curve will come into sight, soon. When we do re-gather, we, as a community will be praying together to abide with God’s help by the new protocols to keep our holy spaces where we gather free from Covid-19. We will make make this communal commitment at the first in-person service and in all following before The Peace. Below is the Covenant we will pray on that glorious day when we are together again in our church building.
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
The Diocesan Task Force is reviewing each congregation’s plan submitted in June. Given Gov. Newsom’s recent orders to pull back on group gatherings and the plans for now to begin the academic school year remotely, not in person, it is likely SEA Episcopal will not be worshiping in person until September at the earliest. We will keep you updated on a weekly basis. In the meantime, please pray for the nation, the state and our local communities that the other side of this curve will come into sight, soon. When we do re-gather, we, as a community will be praying together to abide with God’s help by the new protocols to keep our holy spaces where we gather free from Covid-19. We will make make this communal commitment at the first in-person service and in all following before The Peace. Below is the Covenant we will pray on that glorious day when we are together again in our church building.
Re-Gathering Update 7/16/2020
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
A new item has been added to the online giving link, "Regathering Fund" for miscellaneous expenses.
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
A new item has been added to the online giving link, "Regathering Fund" for miscellaneous expenses.
Re-Gathering Update 7/8/2002
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
Anyone interested in becoming a LECTOR or ACOLYTE or USHER who has not before served in this capacity please let us know so that we might include your name on the rotation schedule we are creating for re-gathering sometime in August. No experience necessary. In this first phase we have increased needs for USHERS and LECTORS so we can abide by the distancing protocols for public worship. Thank you for considering. For LECTOR or ACOLYTE contact Dar Masamori; to serve as an USHER contact Randy Weaver.
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
Anyone interested in becoming a LECTOR or ACOLYTE or USHER who has not before served in this capacity please let us know so that we might include your name on the rotation schedule we are creating for re-gathering sometime in August. No experience necessary. In this first phase we have increased needs for USHERS and LECTORS so we can abide by the distancing protocols for public worship. Thank you for considering. For LECTOR or ACOLYTE contact Dar Masamori; to serve as an USHER contact Randy Weaver.
Re-Gathering Update 7/1/2020
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
The re-gathering team heard back from Canon Abbott Bailey that the Diocese has received plans from all churches in our Deanery, so they are beginning their review. We should be hearing from one of the team members in about a week for some follow-up questions. Holy Seed should be allowed to resume worship when we are cleared, provided their plan meets all of the necessary requirements.
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
The re-gathering team heard back from Canon Abbott Bailey that the Diocese has received plans from all churches in our Deanery, so they are beginning their review. We should be hearing from one of the team members in about a week for some follow-up questions. Holy Seed should be allowed to resume worship when we are cleared, provided their plan meets all of the necessary requirements.
Re-Gathering Update 6/23/2020
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
Plans are underway for the congregation of SEA Episcopal Church to resume in-person worship. The first order of business was to submit our Regathering Plan to the Diocese. This has been done and we are now waiting for approval. Once we have Diocesan approval we will proceed to work out the details. All regulations and protocols from the CDC, State, County and Diocese will be followed to keep our congregants safe and well when we begin to meet in person again. The first phase will include one Sunday service at 10:15 beginning in early August. We will continue to broadcast this service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable coming into the church building. All other services and meetings will continue to be held virtually.
Current Worship And Gathering Guidelines from the Diocese
The following summarizes the current worship and gathering guidelines for the Diocese of California with a few minor updates that are underlined. The guidelines will remain in effect until further notice.
GATHERING AT CHURCH FOR WORSHIPGatherings of 10 people or fewer are permitted to conduct recorded or livestreamed services at the church, with the following additional restrictions:
From the SEA Episcopal Re-Gathering Team (Ellen, Dar, Randy, Lisa+)
Plans are underway for the congregation of SEA Episcopal Church to resume in-person worship. The first order of business was to submit our Regathering Plan to the Diocese. This has been done and we are now waiting for approval. Once we have Diocesan approval we will proceed to work out the details. All regulations and protocols from the CDC, State, County and Diocese will be followed to keep our congregants safe and well when we begin to meet in person again. The first phase will include one Sunday service at 10:15 beginning in early August. We will continue to broadcast this service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable coming into the church building. All other services and meetings will continue to be held virtually.
Current Worship And Gathering Guidelines from the Diocese
The following summarizes the current worship and gathering guidelines for the Diocese of California with a few minor updates that are underlined. The guidelines will remain in effect until further notice.
GATHERING AT CHURCH FOR WORSHIPGatherings of 10 people or fewer are permitted to conduct recorded or livestreamed services at the church, with the following additional restrictions:
- Please use the minimum number of people needed to make worship functional.
- It is recommended that people that over the age of 65 or in any other vulnerable category refrain from participating on worship teams. This is for their own safety. (see the CDC’s guidelines for people who are at higher risk for severe illness here). **Please note that San Mateo County guidelines recommend that people over 50 refrain from in-person gatherings.**
- The gathered should be the same group of people from week to week to minimize the number of people in contact with each other.
- Creating a second team is encouraged to help disperse the workload. The same guidelines listed above apply for this team.
- The Rector, Vicar, or other Priest-in-Charge should check in with all participants before each worship service. Verify that everyone is feeling well and not experiencing symptoms such as fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath.
- Thermometers (ideally touchless) should be available to check the temperatures of the worship team, if they haven’t checked their temperature before leaving home.
- Any participant who has symptoms of any kind should be directed to leave the premises and seek medical attention.
- All those involved in in-person worship should maintain the social distancing requirements of 6 feet or more.
- Mark or otherwise exact the spaces participants will occupy and enable them to adhere to these spaces.
- Scientific studies suggest that a six-foot distance between singers is NOT enough. As we await more detailed singing guidance from health officials, please work creatively to create as much distance as possible between singers and others. Mark or specify spaces for each singer to occupy and enable them to adhere to these distanced spaces.
- Clergy and singers should also explore barrier options to reduce virus spray, such as lightweight masks and clear acrylic face shields.
- Make sure your worship space is well-ventilated (open windows, doors, etc.).
- Please ensure that everyone in the church is in visible possession of a mask, scarf, or other face covering.
- All those in the gathering must wear their face coverings at all times, EXCEPT when speaking as the officiant or celebrant, or singing as a member of the choir. Masks may be worn at all times, even when speaking as the officiant or celebrant, or singing as a member of the choir if preferred
- Those with frequent speaking roles, such as the officiant, must clearly maintain social distance at all times that their faces are not covered.
- Masks must be worn when there is any risk of coming within 6 feet of any person.
- There is to be NO distribution of communion, even among a small group gathered We will resume communion when it is deemed safe for ALL present.
- There should be no Virtual Consecration, drive-by Eucharist, or “Take-Home Eucharist” per guidelines from the Presiding Bishop (click here).
Re-gathering Update 9/22/2020
SEA Episcopal’s plan for regathering has been approved for Outdoor gatherings of 25 or fewer for the purposes of worship or fellowship. Plans are underway to avail ourselves of the opportunity to come together in the coming weeks with hopes of launching something before Advent. Stay tuned. Also of note is the approval of Eucharistic Visitors to take pre-sanctified communion (bread) to those unable to join online services. We will begin celebrating the Eucharist in late October with a special liturgy that sanctifies the bread for this purpose. If you are or have been a Eucharistic Visitor for SEA Episcopal before or if you would like to be trained to be a part, please notify Dar Masamori in Slack or email [email protected].
To add your name to the list of those who would like to receive communion at home by a SEA Episcopal Eucharistic Visitor, please email Fr Lisa at [email protected].
SEA Episcopal’s plan for regathering has been approved for Outdoor gatherings of 25 or fewer for the purposes of worship or fellowship. Plans are underway to avail ourselves of the opportunity to come together in the coming weeks with hopes of launching something before Advent. Stay tuned. Also of note is the approval of Eucharistic Visitors to take pre-sanctified communion (bread) to those unable to join online services. We will begin celebrating the Eucharist in late October with a special liturgy that sanctifies the bread for this purpose. If you are or have been a Eucharistic Visitor for SEA Episcopal before or if you would like to be trained to be a part, please notify Dar Masamori in Slack or email [email protected].
To add your name to the list of those who would like to receive communion at home by a SEA Episcopal Eucharistic Visitor, please email Fr Lisa at [email protected].
Re-gathering Update 10/29/2020
On Sunday October 25th we had our first Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. If you have not picked up your bread yet, they're in individual baggies, labeled with names of those who RSVPd to pick them up. The bread is meant to be consumed during the Sunday worship service.
On Sunday October 25th we had our first Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. If you have not picked up your bread yet, they're in individual baggies, labeled with names of those who RSVPd to pick them up. The bread is meant to be consumed during the Sunday worship service.
Re-gathering Update 11/4/2020
A Letter from your Regathering Team
Dear Beloved Community of SEA Episcopal Church,
It is with great excitement that we announce Bishop Marc has authorized the inside regathering of congregations in the Diocese of California. Those regathering congregations must have a Diocesan-approved plan in accordance with all CDC, State, and County guidelines.
SEA Episcopal’s regathering plan has been approved and we are now planning our first In-Person & Online
service for the First Sunday in Advent, November 29 at South Campus. At this point, we realize that there will be individuals and families that are not yet ready to take this big step. This is totally understandable, and we want to reassure you that we will be continuing to stream on Facebook and provide a Zoom Room for the primary 10:15 AM Sunday Service for those unable and/or not desiring to attend in person.
Keeping everyone connected to the community is our main goal. There are no other in-person services or meetings scheduled at this time but be on the lookout for announcements or additions as we roll out this phase of in-person gatherings. With regathering in sight, we need to inform you of the protocols that will be in place as we come together in person.
During the first few in-person gatherings we will be covenanting to abide by the new protocols now required:
Please do not come to a service if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are in a vulnerable group, we are leaving it to your discretion whether or not to attend.
Face Coverings are required and must be worn at all times while on church property. If you don’t arrive with one, a face mask will be provided for you.
When arriving you will be directed to enter through the main entrance only.
Proper distance must be kept between congregants not in the same family or “bubble group”.
Your temperature will be taken before entering and you will be directed to a hand sanitizer station.
Ushers will direct you to a pew where there will be bulletins to designate the number of people assigned to each row and where they should sit.
There will be no prayer books or hymnals in the pews. You may bring one from home if you like, but please do not leave it behind. You will be asked to either take your bulletin home with you or dispose of it in the recycling bin at the exit door.
There will be no passing of the Collection plate at the Offertory. There will be a stationary plate upon entering and another at the exit door. Contributions online through Tithe.ly will also continue.
When speaking or singing during the service, please use your “Inside Voice” and keep your head bowed slightly.
Protocols regarding the Holy Eucharist are still being worked out and information will be coming. For maximum ventilation purposes, the windows will be kept open during the services. Please keep this in mind and dress appropriately.
At the end of the service you will be asked to exit through the front side door out to the breezeway. There will be no beverages or food served. All socializing must be done outside with face masks on and proper distancing.
We are looking forward to seeing you in person again. Please help to keep this safe for all of us.
Your Regathering Team,
Fr. Lisa, Ellen Jones, Dar Masamori, Randy Weaver
A Letter from your Regathering Team
Dear Beloved Community of SEA Episcopal Church,
It is with great excitement that we announce Bishop Marc has authorized the inside regathering of congregations in the Diocese of California. Those regathering congregations must have a Diocesan-approved plan in accordance with all CDC, State, and County guidelines.
SEA Episcopal’s regathering plan has been approved and we are now planning our first In-Person & Online
service for the First Sunday in Advent, November 29 at South Campus. At this point, we realize that there will be individuals and families that are not yet ready to take this big step. This is totally understandable, and we want to reassure you that we will be continuing to stream on Facebook and provide a Zoom Room for the primary 10:15 AM Sunday Service for those unable and/or not desiring to attend in person.
Keeping everyone connected to the community is our main goal. There are no other in-person services or meetings scheduled at this time but be on the lookout for announcements or additions as we roll out this phase of in-person gatherings. With regathering in sight, we need to inform you of the protocols that will be in place as we come together in person.
During the first few in-person gatherings we will be covenanting to abide by the new protocols now required:
Please do not come to a service if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are in a vulnerable group, we are leaving it to your discretion whether or not to attend.
Face Coverings are required and must be worn at all times while on church property. If you don’t arrive with one, a face mask will be provided for you.
When arriving you will be directed to enter through the main entrance only.
Proper distance must be kept between congregants not in the same family or “bubble group”.
Your temperature will be taken before entering and you will be directed to a hand sanitizer station.
Ushers will direct you to a pew where there will be bulletins to designate the number of people assigned to each row and where they should sit.
There will be no prayer books or hymnals in the pews. You may bring one from home if you like, but please do not leave it behind. You will be asked to either take your bulletin home with you or dispose of it in the recycling bin at the exit door.
There will be no passing of the Collection plate at the Offertory. There will be a stationary plate upon entering and another at the exit door. Contributions online through Tithe.ly will also continue.
When speaking or singing during the service, please use your “Inside Voice” and keep your head bowed slightly.
Protocols regarding the Holy Eucharist are still being worked out and information will be coming. For maximum ventilation purposes, the windows will be kept open during the services. Please keep this in mind and dress appropriately.
At the end of the service you will be asked to exit through the front side door out to the breezeway. There will be no beverages or food served. All socializing must be done outside with face masks on and proper distancing.
We are looking forward to seeing you in person again. Please help to keep this safe for all of us.
Your Regathering Team,
Fr. Lisa, Ellen Jones, Dar Masamori, Randy Weaver