CTK’s Response to Reopening

UPDATE ON COVID-19 POLICIES: 

With COVID numbers on the rise, we continue to ask that folks please register to attend on Sunday mornings. Whether you choose distanced or open, registering allows staff to know how many seats of each type we need.

  • There are two seating options:

    • Open, for those who are comfortable sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other households

    • Distanced, for those who would prefer to maintain six-feet distance from other households.

  • Distanced seating will be assigned, and our greeters will direct you to your seats in the outer pew sections. Open seating will be unassigned, in the center pew section.

  • Also, for the time being, we are asking that everyone continue to wear masks indoors during the service out of consideration for the comfort and well-being of others, including the many children in our congregation who are not vaccinated.

For more details on what the expect at an in-person service, please see below.

For families with children, please visit ctkcambridge.org/reopening-children for more information about children’s programming.

We understand that some in the CTK community are at higher risk, and not all will be ready to join physical services right away. We encourage each person to follow their own common sense and conscience, with the knowledge that they have the love and support of the CTK community as they make the best decision for themselves and those with whom they live. We are working to keep the whole church connected to worship and to one another through these changing circumstances.

What will a church service look like? .

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Safety Standards at a Glance

  • Masks are optional in the sanctuary. Communion servers will still be masked and gloved. Masking policies remain in place for Children's ministries.

  • There will be two seating options: Open, for those who are comfortable sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other households and Distanced, for those who would prefer to maintain six-feet distance from other households.

  • Distanced seating will be assigned, and our greeters will direct you to your seats in the outer pew sections. Open seating will be unassigned, in the center pew section.

  • Although there are no capacity limits in place, we do have a limited number of "distanced" seating spots.

  • Anyone who is feeling sick, exhibiting any of the following symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or has potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not attend services in-person.

Reopening Blog
Before Arrival

  • Anyone who is feeling sick, exhibiting any of the following symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or has potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not attend services in-person. Please contact the deacons or church staff if you are ill and in need of help.

  • We ask those who would like distanced seating, as well as those who would like to reserve space in the Nursery to continue to register in advance.

Upon Arrival

  • Face coverings are optional during the service, as well as for children and volunteers working with children in the Nursery or Children’s Worship classes.

  • Greeters will direct attendees who have chosen distanced seating to their seating area upon arrival.

  • Hand sanitizer will be at every entrance.

  • The water fountain will be off-limits, but the Poland Springs dispenser in the social hall is available for us.

  • Attendees can pick up a bulletin as they enter the sanctuary for the service. For those who prefer not to come forward during the Lord’s Supper, there are also pre-packaged communion elements.

During the Service

  • We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper each week. For more information about this decision, please see the pastoral letter to the congregation about the Lord’s Supper.

  • We will be passing the peace. We ask that six feet of distance be maintained for those sitting in the "Distanced" seating areas.

  • We will not be collecting a physical offering. We encourage you to continue giving online.

  • For those who may need to take young children out of the service, the livestream will be available in the social hall.

After the Service

  • So long as weather permits, we will have fellowship and refreshments outside following the service.

What can families with children expect?

  • Children under 5 can wear a mask at the discretion of their parents. Children under 2 should not wear a face covering.

  • Nursery is now open for children ages 6 months - 3 years, children must be able to sit on their own independently. The room will be open to 8 registered participants. Feel free to email Lara Kastelein if you have any questions.

  • Children’s Worship is open for children ages 4 through Grade 2! Registration is no longer required, but check-in will still happen during drop-off

  • There is a waitlist available for Nursery. Please recognize that we have limited space available and if you sign up and are unable to make it, please contact us as soon as you can to let us know.

  • Please visit ctkcambridge.org/reopening-children for information about other children’s programming.

  • For those who may need to take young children out of the service, the livestream will be available in the social hall.

  • We leave it to the discretion of each family to decide if their child can visit the restroom unaccompanied.

What about other ministries and activities?

  • For all other ministries (Adult Education, Bible studies, kids meet-ups, etc.), please contact ministry leaders or the office as to whether groups are meeting online or in-person, and for up-to-date information regarding protocols.