Re-entering the Church!
The time is drawing near when we will be able to “go to church” again.  To be sure, there has not been a single Sunday that we have not gathered together to praise and worship our God.  However, it has been a long time since we gathered in person, in our church buildings.  We are about to take our first carefully planned and safety-minded BABY STEPS to returning to our sanctuaries for worship.  We all look forward to when we can worship without restrictions, but at first we must be especially cautious, to protect the most vulnerable among us.  Please note the following protocols (based on guidelines from Bishop David Bard) for getting started.  We are counting on your cooperation.
 
When Going to Church

  • Arrive wearing a mask and plan on wearing it for the duration of the service (until you have returned to your car).  If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided.
  • Upon entering the building, please do not approach within six feet of anyone.
  • Please follow the usher’s instructions as to where to sit.  Many pews will be closed.  Please do not move to “your spot.”  We must maintain 6 feet spacing between people (those from the same household may sit together).
  • Please know that there will be no congregational singing at this time.
  • Please use hand-sanitizing stations upon arrival and before leaving.
  • Please leave the church while maintaining the six ft. barrier & still wearing your mask.
  • Please know there will be no food or beverages served.
 
Reasons to NOT Come to Church

  • If you are especially vulnerable, due to age or medical conditions.
  • If you are feeling ill in any way (not just what “seems like” Covid-19).
  • If you cannot or will not observe the safety protocols.
  • If you have recently (within 14 days) been exposed to someone with Covid-19.
  • If you have recently (within 14 days) been in a crowd of people who did not practice social-distancing, and you did not practice social distancing either.
  • If you do not feel safe, yet.  We are trying to make things as safe as possible, but it is still up to you whether to take the remaining risk to attend church with others.
 
Everyone involved with this is hoping the day will come when we don’t need restrictions anymore.  We all look forward to talking and eating and hugging and shaking hands and singing together.  However, we are not there yet.  Please know that you are loved and respected by your church family.  None of these precautions are intended to make anybody feel unwanted.  But, because we all love each other, we all need to take the steps necessary to not just keep “me” safe, but also the most vulnerable among us.  At present the intention is to welcome people to attend church first at 11:00am at the Praise Center in Whitehall, on Sunday, July 12, 2020.  The first day for worship attendance at the 9:00 service in Montague is intended to be Sunday, July 26, 2020.  Watch for updates as situations may change.
 
 
Thank you from your Leadership Team.  Contact Pastor Mike at (231) 631-4712
or pastormikeriegler@gmail.com with any questions.

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A Message from your Church Secretary

 If you have had any recent updates to your address or phone number, please e-mail Tara at whitelakeunitedmethodist@gmail.com
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Building Use

Due to the current health crisis, all building use has been temporarily restricted. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact Tara, Church Secretary, at 231-894-5789.