Message from the Stake Presidency on the Resumption of Sacrament Meetings

Dear Members of the St Paul Stake,

Our Stake has received authorization to return to church meetings under Phase 1 guidelines. This means that Sabbath Day meetings may resume at the meetinghouse with up to 99 individuals, following local government regulations. We will begin by holding Sacrament Meetings only (no 2nd hour meetings). Some other meetings and activities during the week have also been approved. Additional details regarding the start date (and times) and implementation of all meetings will come from your individual units. 

As a Stake we desire to have a consistent approach to our Sacrament Meetings.  While individual units have flexibility in the planning of meetings, the following items apply to all units: 

1. Prior authorization to administer the Sacrament at home has concluded. Individuals may visit with their unit leader for continued approval on a case by case basis. 

2. We strongly encourage all to provide their own mask and to please wear them.

3. Only designated areas of the building should be used (no classrooms, gym, etc).

4. Please sit by households and every other row, keeping a 6 foot space between.

5. Congregational singing will not happen during Phase 1. Bring your electronic device if you would like to follow along with the music, as hymn books will be removed. 

6. Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, elbow bumps, etc.

7. After the meeting is over, please exit the chapel and building in a quick and respectful manner while maintaining physical distancing. Cleaning will begin immediately.

In order to comply with Phase 1 guidelines and our local government, each unit has prepared a plan for administering the Sacrament in a safe manner. Some examples of the procedures in place include the requirement to wear masks, proper handwashing and sanitization, increased spacing of bread and water on the trays (with a separate tray for discarding cups), and using the vacant rows so the Sacrament is passed directly to the individual (no person to person passing). While adhering to sanitary guidelines there will be distractions during our Sacrament Meetings. Please focus on the Savior and the purpose of meeting and partaking of the Sacrament.

Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage those at higher health risk, or simply not yet comfortable with returning, to spend time at home in gospel study and prayer.  Please contact your Bishop or Branch President if you desire to receive the Sacrament in your home.  Anyone exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 (such as fever, coughing, headache, shortness of breath, etc.), has a pending test result, or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive, we ask you to please stay home until it is safe for you to return. 

We are grateful for this opportunity to gather together in Phase 1 and we look forward to the day when restrictions are no longer needed. Thank you for your continued faith and efforts to care for yourselves, your families and those to whom you minister. 

Sincerely yours,

David Pattberg

Richard Ertel

Daniel Ward

 

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You received this email because you made your email address available to your local Church leaders. It was sent by Robert Bunker, whose calling is Stake Executive Secretary.