EH Family,

2020 has been quite the year! Our congregation continues to look towards ways for us to transition together as a congregation. We have experienced the blessing of technology, drive-thru and outdoor events, and outdoor worship.

You continue to be living miracles proving that “gathering together” is more than a Sunday in-person event. You have stayed connected by postcards, emails, social media, and patio conversations. Thank you for continuing to be the church even as the building has been closed.

It has been a delight to see the building open for use to small groups and the preschool & PDO. We send thanks to all the volunteers and staff who continue to move us forward while endeavoring to “do no harm”. It is with great joy that we share news regarding our indoor worship.

Please note that we will continue to offer online worship. Our steps towards worshiping in the building are not the right steps for all of our members. You are encouraged to use wisdom when considering when and where you worship. Pastor Daniel wants you to “Go where you Grow”.

We will be operating at a reduced capacity and will continue to follow the recommended CDC and United Methodist Church guidelines.  Your safety is our top priority! Our indoor worship will begin on Sunday, September 20, 2020.

We will have two services, one in the Sanctuary (Traditional) at 9:00 am and one in the Family Life Center (Modern) at 10:30 am. Entry for the Sanctuary service will be only through the front doors. Entry for the Family Life Center service will be only through the doors by the retaining wall.

The decision to have an Family Life Center service means the end of our outdoor worship. So, please join us this Sunday at 9:00 am for Communion and our final outdoor worship service.

Thank you for your hospitality and your care toward one another.

-The Transition Team

Welcome Back Information

WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAY MORNING
●Face masks will be required.
●Signage about checking for symptoms and wearing your mask will be displayed throughout the church.
●The services will be shorter lasting approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
●Enter through the front Sanctuary doors, which will be propped open to make entry easy.
●Expect to be greeted by our awesome staff and volunteers, but with air high fives and waves vs. our typical handshakes or hugs.
●Ushers will assist you with finding a seat to ensure and to maximize seating.
●We welcome you to bring your own beverage in a spill proof container. We will not be serving coffee, tea, or snacks.
●As the weather gets cooler, we ask you to please keep your fall jackets with you in the sanctuary.
At this time we will not be utilizing the hangers in the Narthex or Family Life Center.
●We will have one-time use quiet bags available for the children and the sanctuary will be family friendly as possible.
●We will continue to provide an online service presence.  Please join us at facebook.com/elkhornhills

WHAT WE’RE DOING TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY
●Recommended distancing guidelines will be in place, including reduced seating capacities.
●Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the building.
●We will require all attendees to wear face masks in an effort to keep everyone safe.
●All doors will be open with the exception of bathroom stalls.
●All high-volume areas will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in between services.
●Restrooms will be available and frequently cleaned and disinfected.
●No water fountains will be open or usable.
●Paper bulletins or other materials will not be distributed.
●Offering plate will not be passed. You can give online at ​https://www.elkhornhillsumc.org​ or we will have stationary boxes where your offering can be dropped.
●We have purchased prepackaged communion elements.  Our ushers will hand them to you as you are being seated on Communion Sundays.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
●If you don’t feel well or have health concerns, please stay home and join us at facebook.com/elkhornhills
●Please wash your hands often and use sanitizer when possible.
●Maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and other guests.
●We encourage you to check your temperature before attending church.
●Refrain from touching your face with your hands.