LOCAL CHURCH PROTOCOLS

IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA CONFERENCE

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

EFFECTIVE MARCH 21, 2020

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

After consultation with government officials, Pastors, the Conference Lay Leader and the Extended Cabinet, Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño on March 18, 2020 gave the directive that the church buildings of the California-Nevada Conference should close immediately in an effort to align the Conference with the public health efforts to mitigate against the spread of COVID 19. 

However, it is understood that certain essential access to church properties for Pastors and designated Lay Leaders will be necessary.  The following is a list of protocols for Pastors and local church Lay Leaders in the continued and critical work of the Church.

Be aware that our insurance company has informed us that actions that defy state, county, or city orders can create potential liability for local churches.  Let us obey the laws of the land while finding new, faithful ways to be the Church.

Basic Safety Precautions

All must practice CDC safety precautions. We have included links to the appropriate CDC pages because information and around precautions are regularly updated:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/

Access to Church Facilities

Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers Assigned to Local Churches

• Pastors and CLMs may use their church office, but only for essential Church related work that cannot be done remotely or if pastors do not have the technology to do their work (sending emails, accessing the church database, using ZOOM or other platforms that require an internet connection for bible studies, worship or meetings ) other than at their church office.   
• Church offices and facilities may not be opened to others for such things as counseling or meetings.
• It should be made clear to church and community members that the church offices are not open.
• Pastors should limit their time in church offices as much as possible. 
• Even while working alone, Pastors should take all the precautions that are being highly recommended by health officials (e.g. washing your hands frequently, wiping down surfaces regularly etc.). 

Church Lay Leaders

• Worship and other lay leaders under the guidance of the Pastor may access church facilities in order to lead faith-based services that are provided through streaming or other technology.
• A Trustee should perform a weekly walk through of the Church building to assure that no leaks, damages or other physical plant concerns have arisen. 
• The Financial Officer of the Church may access the Church building bi-weekly to pay bills and to record financial data as needed. 
• Administrative personnel such as a Church Secretary, may be assigned to retrieve mail and phone messages.  Having phones forwarded to the phones of the pastor and others assigned to assist in responding to calls is highly recommended.  
• Some local churches host day care and /or pre-schools.   In some locales these have been determined as essential services and are therefore allowed to remain open.   If this appears to be the case, please report this to your District Superintendent and take steps to gain clarity regarding the liabilities involved in keeping such enterprises open. 
• Local churches may be asked to collaborate with governmental or community efforts to provide important services. Pastors are required to work with their District Superintendents before engaging in such collaborations.

Food Distribution

Charitable food distribution, including the efforts of local churches, should remain fully open and operational.

• As with other settings, carefully follow basic safety precautions to avoid

the spread of illness.

• Train volunteers on best hygiene practices including washing their hands

often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  

• Allowing family members receiving services to participate together is permissible.
• Reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.  
• Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.  
• Provide additional opportunities throughout the venue for persons to reduce the spread of the virus through hand washing or sanitizing stations.  
• Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.  

Funerals     

Funeral Homes in the Northern regions of California and Nevada are following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control.  These protocols are in place as of March 19, 2020 and subject to further change.  It should be noted that the CDC is recommending livestreaming funeral services in all states.  A representative list of the funeral protocols that funeral homes are now practicing is found below.

Pastors are encouraged to practice their best pastoral care of those who mourn the death of loved ones while considering the high importance of keeping families, congregations and individuals safe from the Coronavirus.

California

San Mateo County

• Direct burial or cremation.
• Only one to two family members can be present to witness burials. 
• Pictures or livestreaming of burials is acceptable.
• All funeral contracts are being handled via email and other electronic means.  
• No in-person gathering or meeting at funeral homes.

Alameda and Sacramento Counties

• Up to 10 persons can gather at a funeral home chapel, but all participants are required to observe social distancing and other safety precautions.
• Cremations or direct burials with later memorial services are recommended.

Nevada

• No more than ten people can gather for a funeral or graveside service. 
• All participants are required to observe social distancing and other safety precautions. Direct burial or cremation with later memorial services.