CHANGES TO CHURCH COVID PROTOCOLS. The Regathering Task Force of Fauntleroy Church met on November 2 to discuss safety protocols in light of good care being taken by the congregation to lower risk, current scientific understandings of the COVID-19 virus and desires of the congregation as we move into colder, wetter weather and the Advent/Christmas season. Here are the changes that were decided upon:

1. After Sunday, November 14, we will move to increase sanctuary capacity by moving to a checkerboard seating arrangement that achieves a minimum three feet of distancing (more when possible). This new guideline will replace the former six feet of distancing we required.

2. Effective immediately, we will be returning to normal cleaning protocols in-between uses of the sanctuary other than Christmas Eve. On that night, because of the close timing of worship services, cleaning of high-touch surfaces will be engaged in between each service. If other occurrences of back-to-back worship services or events are scheduled, they will be dealt with similarly.

3. Effective immediately, small groups (20 or fewer) of church members and friends who are completely vaccinated will be permitted to eat inside if distanced from one another appropriately (at least three feet). This only applies to groups internal to the church/church members and friends, not outside groups or rental groups.

4. Masked singing by the congregation will now be allowed on the last song of the in-person worship service, but no earlier songs in the service (humming will continue to be allowed for those). While the Regathering Task Force is sympathetic to desires to return to singing, it is also recognized that many are still operating at higher levels of caution, and we wish to continue to carefully balance care for the congregation -- physically, emotionally and spiritually. Singing masked on the last song will hopefully provide us a meaningful experience while remaining relatively safe together, as those present will be able to leave before a significant length of exposure to any possible virus particles around them.

For more information, you can check out this video here