COVID-19 Update May 19, 2021

Dear members and friends of the First Church Community,

The First Congregational Church of Greenwich seeks to be a welcoming and hospitable faith community to all, and we strive to live out this mission in our relationships, our rituals, and our practices. The last year was a particularly challenging year as the clergy, staff, and lay leadership of First Church made every effort to maintain a welcoming, enriching, and safe atmosphere in the face of a global pandemic. As we continue to move forward and make changes to how we interact and put our faith into practice, we, as a Re-Opening Task Force, hold firm to our commitment to be a place where all are truly welcome.

We are excited to announce the following guidelines and protocols, effective immediately, as they help us to regain some of what is comfortable and familiar. At the same time, we recognize that many of the people we want to welcome back to in-person activities do not have access yet to the vaccine. We feel these new procedures take into consideration our commitment to hospitality and the continued safety of all within our community.

Worship Services, Memorials, & Weddings:
• Masks must be worn at all times while indoors at First Church.
• Capacity increased to 200.
• Congregational singing and praying permitted.
• No advanced seating registration required.
      o Seating available on a first come, first served basis.
      o We will continue to distance at our increased capacity.
• Advanced or day of check-in required for contact tracing purposes.
• Health screens and temperature checks no longer required.
• Mask optional outdoor community hour resumes.
      o In case of inclement weather community hour will be cancelled.
      o Bring your own drinks/refreshments.

First Church Office
• Masks must be worn at all times while indoors at First Church.
• Doors will remain locked during business hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) to protect the health and safety of the First Church Preschool.
• Visitors and guests permitted by appointment only.
      o Entry and Exit through the Church Office doors only.
      o Sign-in required.
      o Health screens and temperature checks no longer required.

Group Meetings
• Masks must be worn at all times while indoors at First Church.
• Indoor meeting capacity increased to 200.
• Outdoor meeting capacity no restrictions.
      o Masks are optional at all outdoor meetings
• Starting June 14, 2021 groups may reserve space to meet during, and after, regular business hours.
• Effective immediately, until June 14, 2021 groups may only reserve space to meet after 4:00 pm.
• Sign-in required for all groups.

Informed Consent
• The following shall be prominently posted in all meeting spaces and be included in all online registration forms.
COVID-19 is a serious and highly communicable disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Although the First Congregational Church of Greenwich asks all attendees to observe certain precautions, there is no assurance of protection from exposure to COVID-19 at First Church events. The risk of exposure to COVID-19 is voluntarily assumed by all attendees.

Respectfully,
The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Re-Opening Task Force