Regathering Update

New Philadelphia Moravian Church is not closed—even if the buildings are closed for this time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We can be creative about finding new ways to be the church even while not inside it!

Here are key parts of the regathering plan accepted by the Joint Board on July 9 along with plans for uses of the buildings by members and others and plans for worship and gathering.

• Reopening of the church building for in-person worship could occur up to 3 weeks after entering Phase 3 in North Carolina. Although North Carolina is currently under Phase 2, which limits the number of indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer and the number of outdoor gatherings to 25 or fewer, both with appropriate distancing and masking. Phase 3 may begin August 7 in North Carolina.
• Outside gatherings and special activities are tentatively planned for Sunday, August 16. (Watch for more information for a drive-in communion and a special lovefeast to follow.)
• Continued live-stream worship services at 10 a.m. each Sunday live-streamed on Facebook and available afterward on both Facebook and YouTube. You can use the links on newphilly.org to get to both New Philadelphia’s Facebook page and YouTube page.

How can we gather now (in Phase 2)?

• Outdoors with physical distancing (and masks if closer than six feet) with 25 or fewer. 
• Pavillon with 25 or fewer and physical distancing.
• Drive-in communions like those on May 31 and July 12 and August 16.
• Zoom, by email, by calling and writing notes of encouragement to members.

During Phase 2 and now through August 7 or the beginning of Phase 3, the buildings are not open for use by groups outside or within the church membership. (Exceptions were the Red Cross Blood Drivem an essential service and managed by Red Cross in June, and a memorial service held for Rosemary Stewart, wife of Rev. Arkon Stewart (in accordance with the exception for funerals provided in the governor’s executive order, and with approval of the Joint Board), on July 26.)

Sunday School groups or other fellowship groups who wish to meet outside at the church during Phase 2 should contact Rachel at rachel@newphilly.org to request a reservation (or click here) and to check on any changes or updates to this plan. Properties Committee receives requests for reserving church facilities.

Sunday School for children, middle or senior high school, or adults can meet on Zoom but not in the buildings until in-person services resume after the start of Phase 3. Middle and high school youth have had some activities outside with appropriate distancing. Sunday School classes have met outside or in the pavilion, distancing as appropriate in addition to using Zoom. (Those also should be scheduled with Rachel at rachel@newphilly.org.)

What are your ideas for how we can serve God in our community, for our neighbors, offer fellowship and study opportunities during this time of pandemic? Share them with Sam, Evie, Clyde, Board of Elders, Board of Trustees, and the Regathering Team. 

Even though there is no mass gathering cap on the people who may attend a wedding or funeral ceremony, receptions or visitations before or after weddings and funerals are subject to the mass gathering limit (10). Individuals are encouraged to follow the Three Ws to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19.” https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve/phase-2-faqs#are-weddings-and-funerals-allowed-to-be-held-in-phase-2