Important Notice: Youth Meetings to begin utilizing Indoor Areas
Greetings everyone. The Oak Ridge UMC Re-opening committee has deliberated very carefully about what to allow next for the youth ministry as it is getting very cold outside. The decision was made at this past Monday's meeting, with MUCH discussion and weighing of various factors, that the students could make use of the gym when needed at a maximum capacity of 25 total people, properly distanced, provided that Erin Bull, parish nurse, would directly oversee additional precautions to be put in place. This decision was not reached quickly or without much consideration. It was also a shared decision among the large and varied group who made up this committee on that evening. The church recognizes the very serious nature of the local situation in regards to covid cases (in fact they are continuing to hold off on worship services for the time being) but deemed us responsible enough to execute our plan safely. They believe the teenagers have great need for this kind of in-person program at the moment, and feel strongly that it can be done safely if we follow our guidelines carefully.

Erin has written up the new guidelines and expectations, and is backing our effort. She is willing to be contacted should there be any questions and need of reassurance of the safety of our measures. We should have these posted very soon and will direct you to them.

It's important to note that the gym space has a capacity for 600, with very tall ceilings, clean airflow from modern HVAC system, as well as the newly installed ionization technology which Erin has confirmed is an added layer of protection from the virus. We've deemed the 25 person limit is thus sufficient in a space such as this, provided we maintain distancing (which you will see in the guidelines).

We plan to utilize both the gym and the parking lot/pavilion based on both weather and program needs of each week. Certainly as it becomes lighter in the evenings (and, eventually, warmer) we will be in a better place to spend a greater amount of time outside. Even on the weeks where the gym is utilized for the majority of our time, there will be significant breaks from the gym spent outside as well. We will hold to our normal schedule of 5:30-6:45 for Middle School and 7:00-8:15 for High School.

We understand that there will be some who are uncomfortable with this opportunity, and support every family's discretion in this. We feel this is the only way to retain an in-person option. We will remain offering Wednesday Night Bible Study on Zoom for High Schoolers and continue to extend the opportunity for Micro Home Groups, which simply involve pairs (or more) of friends following a weekly reading plan on their own and contacting/meeting with each other to discuss. A middle school Bible Study Zoom can also be arranged for if there is sufficient interest, so please let me know your thoughts on that.

This Sunday we will begin our new format, by watching a stream of (VIRTUAL) RESURRECTION 2021 on the gym screens, with outside breaks for snacks and a short activity. Seating will be setup and spaced properly for youth arrival. Additional details and expectations for participants will be posted over the weekend and those who sign up will be directed to this information.

Thanks so much for your time and patience. The church is entrusting these students with a great responsibility (maintaining and complying with our guidelines) because we believe they can rise to it.
Sincerely,

Harrison
PS ... FLAMINGO FUNDRAISER IS UPON US -NOW! P - L - E - A - S - E review the information and S - I - G - N - U - P to help or just CONTACT me to learn more!!!!
"The Ridge" Student Ministries - ORUMC www.oakridgeumc.org/youth