102 E. 2nd, PO Box 159, Hartford, SD 57033, US
Safety Guidelines
Per CDC recommendations:
- We will continue to offer an online option for worship, and we encourage those who feel ill or who otherwise feel comfortable worshiping online to continue to do so.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be placed at each entrance to the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
- All doors will be propped open to limit the number of times they are touched.
- We will be marking off sections in the Sanctuary to allow 6 feet between families.
- We ask that you wear a mask if it is safe for you to do so. If you do not have one, we will have some available for you when you enter the building.
- We will have an usher by the elevator wipe down the buttons with a sanitizer after each use.
- We will be shortening the service, as according to CDC guidelines the length of time spent in a poorly ventilated space (such as an older sanctuary) can increase the chances of infection.
- We will be removing the hymnals, Bibles, and other items from the pews as they are difficult to disinfect between uses. Everything necessary for worship will be projected on the screen.
- For the time being, we will not print bulletins, but will put announcements and other items on the Church’s website. Those announcements will also be projected on the screen.
- We will not pass anything during the service.
• Offering plates will be placed at the entrances to the sanctuary.
• Prayer requests should be shared with Pastor Seth before the service through email or a note.
• To record our attendance, please share your name(s) with our ushers as you enter.
- Communion will use pre-packaged elements, to limit physical interactions. For those worshiping online, these would be available for pick up the week prior to that service.
- We ask that you refrain from singing in the sanctuary, as studies indicate that singing projects particulates containing the coronavirus beyond the 6 foot range even with masks.
• As alternatives to singing, you could hum the tune, or speak the words of the song.
- We ask that you refrain from physically touching other guests, and instead use other means of expressing greeting and signs of peace.
- At the end of the worship service, we will release our guests beginning from the back pews.
• We will have sanitizing wipes available, and ask that one representative of each family take responsibility for wiping down their space after the service.
- We will not have a fellowship hour or other classes until further notice.
-We are also exploring the idea of outdoor worship, which would free us from certain restrictions.
COVID-19 Response
SOCIAL DISTANCING
We encourage everyone to practice social distancing, and limit their social interactions as much as possible. Understanding the inconvenience and frustration this may present, please contact us if you need assistance with picking up groceries or other supplies. Pastor Seth and others in the Church would be happy to assist you in this area.
Online worship
In order to support social distancing efforts in our community, we are suspending our in-person worship until further notice.
On Sunday mornings, we will livestream our worship service using Facebook Live on the Church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HartfordUnitedMethodistChurch/). Once that service is concluded, the video will be shared on this website under the tab labeled "This Week’s Service" at the top of the page for those without access to Facebook. We will also upload a written copy of Pastor Seth's sermon on that page.
Student activities
Our policy is that whenever West Central Schools are closed, we cancel our regular children's programs, including Sunday School and our Wednesday LOL program. Once the schools reopen, we will resume our regular programming as well.
Cleanliness & hygiene
We encourage everyone to continue practicing healthy habits, such as washing hands, sanitizing often-used surfaces, and wearing masks while in public. One other suggestion is to say the Lord's Prayer as you wash your hands. By the end, your hands will be clean and you will have made a helpful connection with God at the same time!
Finances
Even though we are suspending our worship, there are still ongoing financial burdens of ministry including paying staff and other bills. If you feel so led and would like to financially support the church's mission and ministry in the midst of this pandemic, you may send such contributions through the mail, or take advantage of our electronic giving system through Vanco by using the "E-Giving" tab above.
Check the facts
We also encourage everyone to pay close attention to the recommendations of the CDC and other authorities. Social Media is filled with misinformation and fear-mongering. Please check the facts with reputable sources before sharing.