In-person worship services have begun on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.! The Sunday services are also broadcast on YouTube. After each broadcast, the services are available on-demand for you to watch when your schedule allows.
The installation and testing of our new HVAC system is complete, as is the “deep COVID-level” cleaning.
Click here to see our YouTube video broadcast channel.
Get the Sunday Leaflet before the service!
NOTE: The live-stream broadcast on YouTube will not display the words said by the congregation or the words to the hymns. Click here to see the Sunday Leaflet. It has all the words and music!
Re-Gatherng Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is SsAM working to keep people safe?
A: Although the restrictions by the CDC, Governor and Bishop have changed, we are requiring that masks be worn at all times (we have a supply for those who need one); we are requiring 6 feet between families rather than 3 feet. The seating in the sanctuary has been carefully mapped out to allow for distance between individuals/family groups. This means that some pews are not available for seating.
The new HVAC system in the sanctuary includes four iWave-C self-cleaning, bi-polar ionization generators for actively treating the building’s air quality. This is in addition to the four portable air scrubbers lent to SsAM by Delaware Choral Arts and professional cleaning which took place before opening. The hand-held disinfecting system is used throughout the building several times a day.
Sharing the Peace is from a distance and not our usual approach. Rather than “pass the plate”, the offering plates are in the front of the sanctuary so that you can place your offering there before the service or during the time of the offertory.
The whole service is in the leaflet so that no hymnals or prayer books are needed.
We encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated before returning, if they are eligible.
Q: Will we be able to sing?
A: The recommendation is that we limit our singing and continue to wear masks. Bottom line – yes, we are resuming our congregational singing. There will be fewer hymns, but it is time to get your vocal chords ready!
Q: How will we take part in communion?
A: Communion is in “one kind” (wafers only) and is distributed by Fr. David from the center of the chancel steps. Ushers will help you keep proper social distancing. Once you have received your wafer, please return to your seat to consume it. Gluten free wafers are available.
We are gathering again now that the HVAC system is complete and tested, and the entire church has been cleaned.
Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) have announced major changes to Delaware’s COVID-19 restrictions allowing for in-person worship. Bishop Brown has announced that congregational and choir singing is now allowed as long as social distancing and mask-wearing requirements are adhered to. Churches are now allowed to place prayer books and hymnals back in the church.
What does in-person worship look like at first?
- Churches may be at full capacity provided three-feet social distancing is adhered to. SsAM is being conservative with six-feet distancing.
- Masks will still be required indoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- No advance registration required but socially-distant seating will be set up and some pews will not be accessible.
- Greeters/ushers will help you, as needed.
- Leaflets will be placed at the ends of the pews.
- The passing of the peace must follow social distancing requirements.
- Two offering plates will be located in front of the seating so you can place your offering in the plate during the offertory; the greeters/ushers will present the offering at the end of the Offertory.
- Communion will be in one kind (wafer) only and will be distributed from a single station by the Rector.
- We will not have a traditional coffee hour, but we are investigating having a ministry host an outside coffee hour.
- Our air scrubbers will run before the service and every effort is being made to welcome you back to a safe environment.
- For those who prefer, the service can be watched live on Facebook.
