Updates Regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic

May 20, 2021

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

More than likely, you receive this weekly mailing because you are not attending worship services at Zion, nor are you able to watch the services online, or receive our emailed notices about life within the community of Zion Lutheran Church.  Well then, I have good news. 

As promised, Council met this week to consider changes to our worship during the pandemic. Because our worshipers complied with the recommendation to be vaccinated, our survey indicates that our worshiping population is over 80% fully vaccinated. (Saturday 87%, Sunday 83%)! Therefore:

• We will require masks through June 2 in compliance with Governor DeWine, but not after that date.
• Restrained singing is allowed with masks on May 23rd and following.
• We have removed the rope barriers eliminating every other pew.
• We will stay with just two verses of the hymns and continue to speak most of the liturgy.
• We will begin using Assisting Ministers again as of May 30th.
• We will reevaluate using acolytes in the fall.
• We will continue to refrain from Passing the Peace and passing the offering plates.
• We will continue to commune using the continuous flow method with Pastor and the assisting minister sanitized, masked, and gloved.
• We will continue with one person as both lector and intercessor.
• We will not host a coffee hour at this time.
• We will change our sign from just worship times to inviting visitors again after May 23rd.
• We have returned Bibles and pew materials to the sanctuary.
• We will resume the weekly/monthly newsletter.
• We will continue offering the video service in its current format.

Pastor Duane A. Jesse

ZION on YOUTube

Of course, all this is subject to the ever-changing pandemic and advice of health professionals and will be reevaluated from time to time.

I am excited about this significant step back to our yet-to-be-determined new normal.  I hope that if you are able, you will return soon.  We can't wait to see you.

With you on the journey of faith,

Pr. Duane A. Jesse

---

GIVE at zionohio.org

---

Ohio Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

---

Subscribe to the Daily Word