The Plymouth Re-Opening Committee continues to make progress on the important question of when to reopen the Church for in-person worship. Our most recent gathering with Rev. Dr. Brown and Rev. Bechtold helped us move toward that goal that we believe most of the congregation hopes for.  

We can share some important decisions now.  

• We are moving toward in-person Sunday worship in smaller groups in the coming months, dates and conditions to be announced soon. All services will be “hybrid,” that is, in-person and live-streamed for those wishing to participate from home.
• Worship will happen at first in Hildebrand Hall, which has adequate cross-ventilation. At the suggestion of the King County Health Department, we are installing air cleaners in Hildebrand to help filter the air as it circulates
• We have engaged a consultant for air tests in the sanctuary, which we presume has especially poor air circulation. The design of our sanctuary, with no windows nor cross-ventilation, is unique among many of the churches that have or will open soon to community gatherings. Not surprisingly, consultants are busy, and we hope this work will begin shortly.
• We hope to open the Church soon for gatherings of ministry and activity groups.
• The following protocols will be followed inside the Church building: Properly-worn masks at all times; proper distancing; no congregational or choir singing at first, with music presented by solo, small groups, piano, and other instruments.
• We emphasize that the Church cannot guarantee safety from the COVID-19 virus. The steps we propose are the best science-based way to mitigate the known risks, but each person and family must make its own decision about whether to participate in community worship. In addition, we understand that changes in the public health outlook, as decided by the King County Health Department, could require us to pull back from our plans to open the Church, perhaps on short notice.
• The Plymouth staff appreciates the many comments it has received so far. We will be soliciting broad input soon by way of a survey of the congregation.

-Sue Jones, Reopening Advisory Committee