Since returning to in-person worship, we have implemented several COVID-related health and safety protocols, including required masking, social distancing, and individual communion kits. Going forward, these protocols will remain in place. We’ve also added some updates to our original guidelines. We remain committed to doing as much as possible to help you make the decision to participate at Brentwood in the way that is best for you.
If you plan to attend activities in person, please keep the following updates in mind.
Temporary worship times and location
Since we are temporarily worshiping in the Fellowship Hall with services at 9AM and 10AM, please use the south doors next to the children’s playground. This entrance and area is fully accessible, with no steps or stairs. If you attend the 10AM worship service, we kindly ask that you do not enter the Fellowship Hall until 9:55 to allow for social distancing. [More details at this link on temporary worship times and location.]
Better masks
While masking helps protect others, data shows it also offers a measure of protection for those wearing masks. In relation to the Omicron surge, early data suggests that KN95 and N95 masks offer significantly better protection than cloth masks and loose-fitting surgical masks. We highly recommend you use these masks whenever possible. Masks are required at all times while indoors at Brentwood.
Communion
In order to allow everyone to stay masked during the entire worship service, we are temporarily asking participants to take their communion packs with them in order to partake at home. During services, we will offer a communion blessing, but we will wait to share in communion until we are in our own spaces. Think of it as “communion to go.” Not ideal, of course, but one small thing to help us get through these times as safely as possible.
Congregational Singing
We receive lots of questions about singing. For now, congregational singing is allowed, so long as you wear your mask and sing softer than you normally would.
Vaccination
If you’re eligible to get vaccinated, we highly encourage you to get vaccinated. If you’re vaccinated, we encourage you to get boosted. Unvaccinated individuals will bear the brunt of Omicron-driven infections, but initial study of Omicron suggests that breakthrough infections are more common for vaccinated individuals. However, fully vaccinated individuals who’ve received booster shots are most likely to avoid severe illness. A higher vaccination rate also reduces community spread and universal vaccination would help squelch the emergence of new variants—so please continue to encourage vaccination among your friends, family, and colleagues.
Standard Protocols
Standard protocols remain in place:
- Please self-screen before attending. If you have any symptoms of illness (COVID related or not), please show love for your neighbor by staying home until you feel better. Consider taking advantage of at-home testing kits if they’re available to you.
- Face coverings are required while inside the building, except when speaking as a leader during the worship service.
- Maintain social distancing in worship. Only sit next to others in your household. Households should try to stay at least two arm lengths apart from others on the same row. Do your best to arrange seating so that you are not sitting directly in front or behind those sitting in front and behind you.
- Please do not closely congregate inside the building, either before or after service. Outdoor social interaction is welcome.
- Restrooms are open, but please do not congregate in them.
- Coffee and refreshments will not be served, nor will we have printed bulletins or name tags.
Entry and Exit
- Since we are temporarily worshiping in the Fellowship Hall, please use the south doors next to the children’s playground. This entrance and area is fully accessible, with no steps or stairs.
- If you attend the 10AM worship service, we kindly ask that you do not enter the Fellowship Hall until 9:55 to allow for social distancing.
- Individual communion packets are available when you enter the building.
- Please do not closely congregate inside the building, either before or after service. Outdoor social interaction is welcome.
- Households should try to stay at least two arm lengths apart from others on the same row. Do your best to arrange seating so that you are not sitting directly in front or behind those sitting in the pews in front and behind you.
Children’s Church (see map below for locations)
- Children gather in the Fellowship Hall then go to Children’s Church. They’ll be dismissed from worship toward the beginning of the worship service. (Children are also welcome to attend the entire worship service; Children’s Church is an option for those who prefer it.)
- Children’s Church is upstairs. Pre-K thru 2nd grades go to Room 16; 3rd thru 5th grades go to Room 17.
- Nursery is available in Rooms 12 & 14.
- Everyone working with children has been vaccinated.
Sunday Schools
- Youth group Sunday school meets in Room 17.
- Adult Sunday school meets in Room 10.
Thanks again for helping us stay safe and love our neighbor!
