WELCOME to indoor worship at First Congregational Church

We welcome you back to in-person worship! Please review and honor the following Covid safety protocols, which are offered with the intention of balancing diverse needs and opinions while calling Christian values of Community, Hospitality, and Care and Concern for the Vulnerable as our commitment to the common good. 

The Covid pandemic is not over… and safety protocols can be adjusted while centering the needs of all, with justice, equity, and the long-term health of the church as values that continue to guide accommodations in our ministry outreach. We have come this far by faith, and affirm that faith in the living God and one another will take us the rest of the way.

• KN95 masks are still required indoors and will be provided.
• Proof of vaccination for those ages 5 and older is required for participation in adult education and the Sunday worship service; please provide to the church office if you have not already done so, or bring proof of vaccination with you (Covid vaccine boosters are strongly recommended but not required). 
• Check in at the table in the lobby upon arrival (to confirm vaccination status)
• Childcare downstairs in the nursery is offered for children 5 and under (no vaccination required).
• Children 5 years old through 5^th grade are invited to Kid’s Community during the worship hour (Kids Community is not available on the first Sunday of the month; instead, vaccinated children are invited to the intergenerational worship experience in the Sanctuary).
• Seating in the sanctuary is socially distanced – look for the seating arrows on the pews to guide where you choose to sit.
• There is an occupancy limit of 35 in the Wheeler room for adult education classes (first come, first seated).
• There is not currently a formal social time or any food or beverage. We request that you not gather at the doors to the outside after the service, but welcome you to ‘mingle’ socially distanced throughout the church building or outside. We ask that you leave by 11:30 a.m. when church youth groups start.
• We hope to continue providing Sunday services via YouTube; congregational help recording the worship hour will aid in this endeavor.
• Please do not attend worship if you have any Covid symptoms (fever, chills, cough, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, runny nose, sneezing, new los of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).

Contact the church office if you have any questions. See you soon!

Covid safety protocols were developed by the FCC Covid Protocol Safety Committee which includes representatives from the church board and facilities committee, medical professionals, ushers, and FCC staff. This committee meets most Mondays to review current Lane County Covid community risk data (average daily new cases, positivity test rate, hospitalizations) and to adjust church Covid safety protocols as warranted. We also utilize local, state, and national guidelines, as well as materials shared by the UCC, specifically the Wisconsin Council of Churches Returning to Church analysis and recommendations.