MOUNT OLIVE’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

What We’re Doing

Limiting contact: As we gather in worship, we have identified a few simple ways that we can limit contact. Until further notice, Mount Olive will:

• Place wooden offering boxes in the narthex to receive offerings, rather than passing offering plates during the service
• Temporarily suspend the use of friendship registers in the pews
• Eliminate hand-shaking by pastors and greeters
• Allow communicants to stand rather than kneel at the communion rail, to receive the wafer dropped into one’s hand (no wafers on the tongue)

Keeping clean: Throughout the weeks ahead, we will do as much as possible to maintain a clean and safe campus. We are increasing our efforts, including:

• Regular cleaning of surfaces such as door handles, pews, counters and railings
• Frequent hand-washing by pastors, ushers, and communion assistants
• Providing hand sanitizer in our worship and gathering areas

What you can do

Make worship choices that are best for you: While we are still committed to gathering as a Christian congregation, it is important that you carefully evaluate the risk to yourself and others:

• If you are feeling sick, stay home. Avoid close contact with others.
• If you prefer a smaller worship crowd, attend the Monday (6:00 pm) service.
• If you cannot attend worship, watch the sermons online at https://www.mountoliveappleton.com/sermons/ or on Mount Olive’s Facebook page.

Follow guidelines offered by national and state agencies (cdc.gov)

• Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze

Assist your congregation and community: As you care for your own health, you can help us care for one another:

• Donate hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes for our use in worship and at our school
• Continue to support our ministry through your prayers and offerings (donate by mail, through the GivePlus+ app or online at: https://www.mountoliveappleton.com/donate-online/)
• Keep the pastoral staff informed of those who are sick or in need of pastoral care

Pray: God invites his people to call on him in every trouble. Join with us in praying continually, particularly for the health of our community, the safety of all the afflicted, the efforts of local, national, and international leaders, and the well-being of all those who are engaged in combating this disease. “Our Father in heaven...your will be done.”

Serving you in Christ,

The Mount Olive Pastoral Team

March 2020