Our COVID-19 Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked to protect one another and the wider community through careful research, adherence to CDC and the MN Department of Health recommendations and constant vigilance. A COVID-19 Adaptation Team was founded in 2020 to help guide the leadership of the church in the discernment of policies and practices. Throughout, we were guided by these values:

Who We Are In this Pandemic

  • We are recipients and bearers of God’s inclusive love.

  • We are the church now and will continue to be the church as things change.

  • We are all protectors of the physical and mental health of the congregation and the wider community.

  • We are adaptable, flexible, and responsive to the needs and circumstances as they change,

    acknowledging the unknown and the risks.

  • We are a web of relationships and those are a priority.

  • We are transparent in our communication so that the congregation is educated and informed.

  • We are guided by facts, seeking science-based guidance from the MN Dept of Health, our denominations

    (PCUSA and UCC), and research conducted by medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, etc.

  • We are accountable to one another, helping each other adhere to our commitments and practices.

  • We are committed to the sustainable stewardship of our resources (time, work, space, money).

  • We are followers of Jesus, who prioritized serving the most vulnerable.

We thank everyone for faithfully adhering to the church’s evolving COVID-19 protocols over the last three years. At its January 2023 meeting, the Session voted to change the church’s COVID-19 Protocols. Beginning on Sunday, March 5, 2023, masks will be welcome and recommended (but not required) in the building. Masks are recommended because we still want to prioritize the needs of those in our congregation who are vulnerable. There are a number of people who are immuno-compromised or live with someone who is vulnerable. We want to make worship especially accessible for as many people as possible.  All groups (church and outside groups) may choose to require masks during their activities. Mask expectations for groups and activities should be clearly communicated to participants ahead of time. All church members and building users are encouraged to follow the current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements for COVID-19.