Westminster.jpg

News

Task Force Update

Session approved the Task Force recommendations to consider beginning in-person ministries the week of May 2, barring any significant uptick in numbers. The Task Force will meet again on 4/26 to reassess. While the numbers in Chester County are still not at levels we would like to see, our staff is fully vaccinated, the level of interest for in-person gatherings is increasing, and we believe we can do this as safely as anyone else. For the week of May 2:
  • Small groups could begin meeting. Masked and distanced. Individual groups should consider how to accommodate any who wish to participate but are not willing to meet in-person. Reservations/registration required.
  • As weather permits, small groups should consider outdoor gatherings – including in the courtyard – distancing and masks still required.
  • In-person Sunday worship begins on May 2, with officers and ushers only that day; registration required.
  • In-person Sunday worship opens to the congregation on Sunday, May 9, with limited numbers (approx. 80 in the sanctuary at each service), registration required. We will open Spellman Hall for overflow if numbers indicate. We do not have plans for in-person programs for children as of yet.
  • Worship will require masks and social distancing, regardless of vaccination status. There will be no singing by the congregation.
  • We recommend anyone with higher risks consider the wisdom of returning to worship in the beginning, since 40% of infections are asymptomatic and the rate of infection/new cases in the county is still at a high level. 
  • We will continue to keep Sunday services shorter than one hour.
  • In-person permitted for Wednesday chapel and Taizé beginning the week of May 2nd; same protocols aswould be allowed with the same protocols and limitations as Sunday morning worship.
  • Weddings and funerals would be allowed with the same protocols and limitations as Sunday morning worship.