THE COVID PIVOT

While circumstances force us to adapt as a community, Jesus hopes that his followers would never pause their love for one another and neighbor. During 2020 we introduced several new ways to worship and fellowship together, including live-streaming, outdoor worship, ZOOM groups. and even phased-in a safe social-distanced indoor worship option late in the year. Our Senior Leadership Team (deacons and elders) continues to pray over these decisions as we enter into 2021 and attempt to make as many different worship options available so that people might find a space that works for them to continue to consider Jesus and worship his name.

As we closely monitor the guidance provided by the Governor’s Office, King County Public Health and the CDC, please stay personally informed and make wise decisions for you and your family. We know not everyone will make the same decisions, so please respect one another’s decisions for engagement in these unprecedented times.

CURRENT guidelines for churches:

1. Gather up to 200 people for OUTDOOR services on a church’s property.

2. Gather up to 25% of a room’s capacity (which is 50 in our facility) for INDOOR services.

If and when we can meet safely and responsibly we believe it is worth trying. Congregational worship has benefits that are sometimes hard to quantify but you know they are real because you can experience them and the Lord commands it. Of course these are unique circumstances, but we have found that continuing to find ways to meet together does fill us up in supernatural ways so that we can bless, encourage, and support other Christians and non-Christian neighbors who need it in these challenging times.

Having said that, we want to be VERY CLEAR: We will only meet in-person if we are confident that we can execute our safely protocols to such a degree that we present no serious health risk to ourselves or our neighbors.

ADAPTING OUR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

Here what you can expect for our in-person gatherings based on current government guidelines:

• 25% of the seats are available by registration only, on a first-come-first-served basis. 

• Everyone (over age 3) must wear a mask. We will have extras on-hand just in case.

• Temperature checks will be performed at the door.

• Before and After service community & fellowship will take place outdoors.

• We ask that you stay at least 6 feet apart from others not in your party at all times.

• We are creating a touch-less experience. There will be no coffee, food, or handouts. You are welcome to bring your own food & drink.

• Communion will be available as you enter in individualized cup only.

• When you register for a service, you are agreeing to our Sunday Service Guidelines.

• We are forcefully exhorting all those with COVID symptoms to absolutely stay home and participate online.

• Encouraging high-risk individuals to please participate online for your sake and others’ peace of mind.

• Conducting a health screening for all staff/volunteers those serving in any capacity on Sunday.

• Unfortunately there will no kid’s programing until further notice. Kid’s can attend and sit with parents in service.

MAKING THIS WORK FOR EVERYONE

1. Continuing Online optionS for those Unable or uncOmfortable with attending.

For any outdoor or indoor gatherings, we will provide and online option through out YouTube channel for those who feel more comfortable participating in that way.

2. Coronavirus SafEty Team:

We will have a team of people dedicated to keeping safety and cleanliness protocols which we have committed to in our seven-page plan. If there is any questionable decisions, we will error on the side of caution. If you’d like to help with this team click here.

3. Cohort (SMALL GROUP) ConnectionS REMAIN VITAL:

Our Church is not a just a Sunday service, but God’s people in the this city revealing the glory of God. One main way we do that at Sideris is through our cohorts. If you are not yet connected to a cohort click here to sign up. Cohorts will continue to be an important way to be connected and discipled during these unprecedented times, even as we begin to regather. Don’t miss out on the life-giving opportunities that come out of this special way of connecting , sign-up now.

4. Health & SAFETY AMENDMENTS TO OUR NORMAL SUNDAY ELEMENTS:

In order to protect ourselves and our neighbors from unnecessary exposure and risk, the following amendments will be made to our normal way of doing things on Sundays (see above).

CAUTIOUS PEACE

Though things will definitely look different for Sideris, the mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus to one another and to our city continues to be urgent! As we engage with one another, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our city, the prayer is that as the people of God we might adopt, model, and bless others with a disposition of cautious peace. 

• Cautious—in that we will take realistic steps to do our part in being mindful of the spread of this sickness and we take the welfare of our brothers and sisters in Christ very seriously.  

• Peace—in that Jesus and his gospel message empowers his people to continue to be a non-anxious people amidst societies that are highly anxious, apprehensive and fearful regarding many things, including the threat of infectious disease.

Sideris senior leadership is evaluating things on a daily basis. As of today, this is our plan. Please read any future emails as things might change rapidly. If you are not getting weekly emails, sign up for our newsletter here.

PRAY FOR GUIDANCE

We ask for your continued prayers, patience, and trust as the well-being of our community and city remains a top priority of church leadership. Please contact us with any questions you have and we will continue to update you as needed.

In times like these we are reminded of our dependence upon God for all things, including our health and peace of mind. As you consider how to engage with others during this season, please take to hear the words of Jesus:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”