Oct. 15, 2020 — Today the Return to In-Person Worship Work Group, established by Bishop Lewis, placed three new documents on its conference web page including a modest revision to the Technical Assistance Manual. This is now the third revision since the TAM’s initial release in June. The three significant changes in this version include:
1) a provision for the use of paper bulletins when they are placed by masked and gloved volunteers 24 hours before the service,
2) guidance for Sunday school classes that want to meet at times adjacent to worship, and
3) a clarification on distancing seating in pews to ensure 6 feet of separation.
In addition the Work Group has posted guidelines for recording and streaming sessions to encourage best practices in these settings. Also there are some new ventilation recommendations.
The Work Group continues to meet regularly to review and consider revisions based on the feedback of United Methodists from all across Virginia. We are grateful for the perseverance of our churches and other ministries through this pandemic.