Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
The Session met this evening and the main topic of discussion was when and how to resume in-person activities, particularly worship, at the church building. We know that you have many opinions and ideas on this topic, and that is reflected within the Session, as well. The one thing that we all agree on, however, is that we want to do what is best for Second Presbyterian Church, its mission, and its membership at this time.
The COVID-19 Task Force, responding to a request from the Session two weeks ago, presented a recommendation to the Session this evening. Following discussion and perfection of the recommendation, the Session has adopted the following policy with regards to resuming in-person activities at the church building.
On April 27
th
, the City of Knoxville and Knox County released their joint guidelines for a phased reopening strategy of the local economy. This is a three-phased model, with Phase One including more detailed information regarding reopening, while the other two phases serve as a broad framework that will be enhanced through a collaborative process with the community. The City of Knoxville and Knox County have established a set of benchmarks that must be achieved prior to Phase One, and benchmarks that must be achieved in each phase in order to move to the next phase. A
minimum
of 28 days will be spent in each phase, regardless of whether benchmarks are met. Phase One begins on May 1
st
, 2020.
Three (3) areas of our congregational life have been identified where a “reopening” strategy is needed at this time: worship, committees/groups, and the church office.
Worship:
We will continue the suspension of in-person worship services and continue holding only virtual worship services while the City of Knoxville/Knox County are in Phase One. Once there have been 14 days of sustained reduction in new Covid-19 cases in Knoxville/Knox County
and
when the City of Knoxville/Knox County have moved to Phase Two, the COVID-19 Task Force will make a recommendation to the Session on safely resuming in-person worship services.
Committees/Groups:
We will continue the suspension of in-person activities while Knoxville/Knox County are in Phase One and ask committees, ministry units, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other groups of the church not to meet in person. We
do
, however, encourage ministry units, committees, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other groups to meet via technology during Phase One, whether through Zoom, conference call, email, or some other means. Once the City of Knoxville/Knox County move to Phase 2, the Session will reevaluate resuming in-person church activities.
Office:
The Church Office will remain closed while Knoxville/Knox County are in Phase One and the staff will continue to work from home. Once Knoxville/Knox County move to Phase Two, the Church Office will reopen with the caveat that the congregation keep visits to the church office to a minimum, coming to the office in person only if absolutely necessary.
We hope that these decisions are clear and understandable. Essentially, as long as the City of Knoxville/Knox County remain in Phase 1, we will maintain the status quo. We will continue to meet weekly to discuss matters related to COVID-19 and may revisit any, or all, of the above policies at any time. If you have any questions or concerns about our decision, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Session or one of the pastors.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and wish each of you health and safety during this time.
In Christ,
The Session of Second Presbyterian Church
