SOV council shares the eagerness of many to hold in-person Sunday services once again. We have reviewed CDC, State of Oregon, and ELCA guidelines and have developed a plan which we believe follows these guidelines. An online Zoom of the service will be provided, recognizing that we have many members who may consider themselves at risk, and seeking to include all that we can each Sunday.

It is important to remember, however, that if you are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, the CDC has specific recommendations and guidelines including, but not limited to, stay at home if possible.  We suggest you continue to follow their recommendations. You can find more information on their website cdc.gov/coronavirus

We will hold outdoor services on the lower-level concrete patio behind the church starting Sunday, August 16th. There will be one service at 10 AM. We plan to hold in person services for the month of August and use this as a trial to evaluate whether to move forward with offering in-person services. For now, services will be limited to a total of 25 congregants, plus Pastor, musicians, and AV tech. The folding chairs will be set up with at least six feet between family groups. You will access the downstairs using the sidewalk on the east side of the building (by the sheds).  There will be chairs set up on the deck for anyone unable to go down to the playground. If you do have mobility issues, please let us know so that we can accommodate as best as possible. For the time being, if the weather is inclement, an email will be sent, and in-person service will be canceled – Zoom service will be held instead.

Face masks will be required at all times. If you do not have one, there will be some at church.  We plan to use single-use bulletins so please take yours with you and recycle at home. All signing will be limited to soloists. Congregants can hum along. Also, as friendly as we are, remember: no hugs and handshakes at this time. While the restrooms will be open, please make yours at home your last stop before you head to SOV.  If you do need to use one at church, the space is limited so only one person at a time.  There will be cleaning supplies in the restroom so you can disinfect any surfaces you have touched before you leave.  Other frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.  At this time, the kitchen will be closed so there will be no coffee hour.  Finally, please check your temperature before you leave your house to make certain you are fever free. Again, we will be reevaluating certain aspects of the service plan as we try it out for the month of August.

For contact tracing purposes, you must register before attending service. To register, please contact secretary@sovlutheran.com. Registration is first-come, first-serve.