Updated COVID Protocols at Akron First
As a church body we have been moving through the COVID-19 crisis as one family with a great sense of faith and fellowship. Our journey has been a most unusual one. Many of you have returned to our Saturday morning worship services and other church activities while others continue watching our online worship services, gathering in our “Church Connect” small groups, and finding other ways to be a blessing to each other.
Within the past week Governor DeWine has amended the state COVID-19 health orders to line up with the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control and announced the lifting of the majority of COVID-19 Ohio public health orders beginning June 2. The City of Akron and Summit County have taken similar steps. Churches, businesses, and private citizens have been granted the authority to determine the best practices necessary for the health of their communities and personal well-being.
Moving forward with scientific data, advice from health officials, and looking at the current conditions in Akron and Summit County, we have concluded that the best course of action for our church is to relax our COVID-19 protocols on several points and update our current practices. These measures strike a sober balance between caution and moving too fast, while taking the church from a posture of mandatory regulations to voluntary responsibility. It acknowledges the progress that has been made in the face of the pandemic while realizing that not all risks have been fully eliminated. We strive to continue to find the best way for our church family to worship together in a welcoming and safe environment. After prayer and further discussions, the following changes to our COVID-19 health protocols will be implemented over the next few months.
==Upcoming changes and timeline==
Effective May 29
* All church-sponsored actives will be mask-optional for those who have been fully vaccinated or are not required to wear a mask by existing Ohio health orders.
* Most pews in the Sanctuary will be reopened and available for use. A section of pews will still be available to provide for social distancing for those who feel that this offers the best and safest option for them.
Effective June 5
* All church-sponsored activities will be mask-optional for every individual on our church campus.
* Water fountains will be opened. Cups will be provided but please do not drink directly from the fountain.
* All Adult Sabbath School classes eligible to resume in-person on Saturday mornings. Your class Sabbath School leader will communicate with you the exact date when your adult Sabbath School class will begin meeting again in-person.
* Greeters will be in place for Saturday mornings and will resume activities such as passing out the bulletin.
* Usage of the Toddler & Mother’s room will begin with limited capacity.
Effective July 3
* All pews in the Sanctuary will be reopened and be available for use.
* Offering plates to be passed during the service.
* Saturday morning Sabbath School time extended from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Effective August 7
* Full usage of Toddler & Mother’s room
* Usage of Fellowship Hall for meals
We give thanks that our church has been blessed during this crisis and that the Ohio infection, hospitalization, and death rates continue to be on the decline. We will continue to evaluate the Covid-19 situation in our community and consult with medical professionals and church leaders as we move forward. In the meantime, we ask everyone to practice mutual respect and grace as we seek to love and protect one another.
