Funeral Guidelines during COVID

UPDATED:  March 17, 2021

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St. John’s COVID-19 Funeral Protocols

• Please stay home if one of these apply

  • You have a fever / running a temperature of 100.4 or more

  • You are experiencing any symptoms such as: headache, runny nose, cough, sore throat, diarrhea/vomiting, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and/ or body aches

  • Anyone in your home is sick

  • You have been exposed to the Corona virus in the last 14 days and have not had a test confirming that you are not carrying the virus

• All rules will be communicated ahead of time to family members

  • Pastors will handle this task in their preparation meetings

• NEW:  100 people maximum in the worship space

  • Includes pastor and staff, including sound tech and organist

• All seating must be socially-distanced

  • Pews will be roped off indicating appropriate seating for guests

  • Children must sit with family

  • Signage regarding mask-wearing expectation will be posted on outside doors

  •  No personal contact of any kind (handshaking, hugging, etc.)

• Masks must be worn by all church staff, family, and guests

  • May be removed when speaking at microphone

• Music and hymns must be recorded but not sung

  • Live music can only be instrumental 

  • Organ, piano, guitar but no wind instruments

• Non -service activities

  • No food or luncheon inside church

  • No visitation at the church

  • Limited use of restrooms will be allowed

  • Outside of restrooms and the worship space the building will not be available for use of any kind

• Arrival / exit

  • Family may arrive 30 minutes prior to the service to coordinate with pastor, arrange flowers, other preparation

  • Guest arrival 10 minutes prior to service

  • All exit immediately after service

  • Traffic flow will be marked in the worship service

  • If maximum occupancy is exceeded a broadcast service into the parking lot will be offered as an alternative

• Family responsible for video recording service, if desired

• Pastors will strive for a 45 - 50 minute service

• Contact tracing

  • St. John’s will utilize a sign-up tool to collect attendance information ahead of time

  • Additionally, we will provide a form and collection box for handwritten contact information at the service