Main Street Church and COVID-19
May 21, 2021
Dear Main Street Church Family & Friends,
Our Administrative Council has formally approved removing all COVID-19 requirements effective immediately. We request everyone follow CDC and MDH guidelines. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please know it will be encouraged but not required. We will hold off serving coffee or food at this time. We will continue to meet monthly and discuss next steps based on any surge in COVID-19 cases.
We thank you all for your patience and prayers as we journeyed through this world-wide pandemic. Please continue to pursue our vision to love God and love neighbor as we reach out to our community and beyond - one person at a time, one family at a time.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
Dear Main Street Church Family & Friends,
Our Administrative Council has formally approved removing all COVID-19 requirements effective immediately. We request everyone follow CDC and MDH guidelines. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please know it will be encouraged but not required. We will hold off serving coffee or food at this time. We will continue to meet monthly and discuss next steps based on any surge in COVID-19 cases.
We thank you all for your patience and prayers as we journeyed through this world-wide pandemic. Please continue to pursue our vision to love God and love neighbor as we reach out to our community and beyond - one person at a time, one family at a time.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
February 19, 2021
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
Our Administrative Council has formally approved February 21, 2021 @ 10:00 AM for reopening with in-person worship following guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health, Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders, and MN Annual Conference recommendations.
We will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk or are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
What we are doing to help promote good health:
We thank you for your patience and prayers as we make the transition back to in-person worship. Please continue to pray for the opportunity to demonstrate our love of God and neighbor.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
Our Administrative Council has formally approved February 21, 2021 @ 10:00 AM for reopening with in-person worship following guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health, Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders, and MN Annual Conference recommendations.
We will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk or are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
- Consideration of all in attendance
- A face covering
- Sign in and statement of good health
- Social / physical distancing of six feet
- Resist the urge to hug and shake hands
- No shared food or refreshments
- Support of the MSC COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
What we are doing to help promote good health:
- Extra face coverings will be provided if needed
- Sanitizing stations will be available upon entry / exit
- Social / physical distancing six feet and reduced capacity is set for the Worship Center – coaching on seating will be provided before services
- HVAC will be running two hours before and after services
- Nursery and Children's Church will not be available
- Options for online services will continue (Website, YouTube, Facebook, Podcast)
We thank you for your patience and prayers as we make the transition back to in-person worship. Please continue to pray for the opportunity to demonstrate our love of God and neighbor.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
January 26, 2021
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
Our Administrative Council has been meeting to discuss next steps with in-person worship. February 21, 2021 @ 10:00 AM was tentatively approved for reopening with in-person worship following guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health, Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders, and MN Annual Conference recommendations. The required COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and COVID-19 Safety Plan for Facility Use can be found on our website.
During this time of transition, we will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk, are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
What we are doing to help promote good health:
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
Our Administrative Council has been meeting to discuss next steps with in-person worship. February 21, 2021 @ 10:00 AM was tentatively approved for reopening with in-person worship following guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health, Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders, and MN Annual Conference recommendations. The required COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and COVID-19 Safety Plan for Facility Use can be found on our website.
During this time of transition, we will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk, are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
- A face covering
- Sign in and statement of good health
- Social / physical distancing of six feet
- Resist the urge to hug and shake hands
- No shared food or refreshments
- Gathering before or after service should be done outside the building
- Support of the MSC COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
- Consideration of all in attendance
What we are doing to help promote good health:
- Extra face coverings will be provided if needed
- Sanitizing stations will be available upon entry / exit
- Social / physical distancing six feet and reduced capacity is set for the Worship Center – coaching on seating will be provided before services
- HVAC will be running two hours before and after services
- Nursery and Children's Church will not be available
- Options for online services will continue (Website, YouTube, Facebook, Podcast)
- We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Wally Heidelberger, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, , Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
November 20, 2020
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
We know that many of you have been monitoring the latest news regarding COVID-19 across the country and specifically in MN. This week, Bishop Ough has requested all Minnesota United Methodist Churches move to virtual worship. You can read the letter here.
Our Administrative council met this week and agreed this was the best action to take help slow the spread and keep our congregation safe. This means we will move to virtual services beginning Sunday, November 22, 2020. We will continue to meet monthly to review and determine when we may resume in-person services.
We thank you for your support, patience and prayers during this pandemic. Please continue to pray for our community and those doctors and nurses on the front lines. Remember, you are the church whether we meet in a building or online. May God keep you and your family safe.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover,
Pastor Ralph Holbrook
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
We know that many of you have been monitoring the latest news regarding COVID-19 across the country and specifically in MN. This week, Bishop Ough has requested all Minnesota United Methodist Churches move to virtual worship. You can read the letter here.
Our Administrative council met this week and agreed this was the best action to take help slow the spread and keep our congregation safe. This means we will move to virtual services beginning Sunday, November 22, 2020. We will continue to meet monthly to review and determine when we may resume in-person services.
We thank you for your support, patience and prayers during this pandemic. Please continue to pray for our community and those doctors and nurses on the front lines. Remember, you are the church whether we meet in a building or online. May God keep you and your family safe.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover,
Pastor Ralph Holbrook
| covid-19_congregational_update_20201120_v1.0.pdf |
July 31, 2020
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
As previously communicated, our Administrative Council has been meeting to discuss next steps with in-person worship. At our last meeting, August 2, 2020 @ 10:00 AM was approved for reopening within the guidelines established by Minnesota Department of Health and Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders. The required COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and COVID-19 Safety Plan for Facility Use can be found on our website.
During this time of transition, we will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk, are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
What we are doing to help promote good health:
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
Dear Main Street Church family & friends,
As previously communicated, our Administrative Council has been meeting to discuss next steps with in-person worship. At our last meeting, August 2, 2020 @ 10:00 AM was approved for reopening within the guidelines established by Minnesota Department of Health and Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Orders. The required COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and COVID-19 Safety Plan for Facility Use can be found on our website.
During this time of transition, we will continue to provide online services. If you are at high risk, are unable to wear a face covering, we recommend you stay home and continue taking in the online experience. Please make wise decisions regarding church attendance based upon your situation.
What will be required of you when arriving for in-person worship service:
- A face covering
- Sign in and statement of good health
- Social / physical distancing of six feet
- Resist the urge to hug and shake hands
- No shared food or refreshments
- Gathering before or after service should be done outside the building
- Support of the MSC COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
- Consideration of all in attendance
What we are doing to help promote good health:
- Extra face coverings will be provided if needed
- Sanitizing stations will be available upon entry / exit
- Social / physical distancing six feet and reduced capacity is set for the Worship Center – coaching on seating will be provided before services
- HVAC will be running two hours before and after services
- Nursery and Children’s Church will not be available
- Options for online services will continue (Website, YouTube, Facebook, Podcast)
- We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
July 14, 2020
As previously communicated, our Administrative Council has set Sunday, August 2, 2020 as a tentative date for reopening. Whether we are able to open then, or at a later date, we will need your help!
What we need from you to help us open:
The Administrative Council will meet again on Thursday, July 30 to review progress and determine if we are on schedule to move forward. This will include a review of the COVID-19 pandemic situation along with CDC, MDH, and Minnesota Annual Conference of UMC recommendations. During this season please keep in mind, we are on virus time, not our time. Also, all plans to reopen are subject to change based on the current and changing conditions within our church and community.
We continue to lead holding to the three simple rules that guide us as United Methodists: We are a people that do no harm, do all the good we can, and we stay in love with God and neighbor. Here are the steps we are pursuing after our latest meeting on July 9th:
We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
As previously communicated, our Administrative Council has set Sunday, August 2, 2020 as a tentative date for reopening. Whether we are able to open then, or at a later date, we will need your help!
What we need from you to help us open:
- We must establish a cleaning team to help sanitize before and after gathering. This team will wipe down chairs, doors, door handles, and other high touch areas before and after services. If you are willing and able to help, please reach out to our Administrative Council. We cannot re-open unless we are able to have a sanitization team in place.
The Administrative Council will meet again on Thursday, July 30 to review progress and determine if we are on schedule to move forward. This will include a review of the COVID-19 pandemic situation along with CDC, MDH, and Minnesota Annual Conference of UMC recommendations. During this season please keep in mind, we are on virus time, not our time. Also, all plans to reopen are subject to change based on the current and changing conditions within our church and community.
We continue to lead holding to the three simple rules that guide us as United Methodists: We are a people that do no harm, do all the good we can, and we stay in love with God and neighbor. Here are the steps we are pursuing after our latest meeting on July 9th:
- We are finalizing protocols that follow the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines in accordance with the COVID Preparedness and Facility use guidelines required by Governor Tim Walz. We expect to have this completed by 7/30.
- We have ordered two sanitizing stations for the east and west entrance. These are expected to arrive by 7/30.
- We are investigating purchase of a cold sprayer and disinfectant to be used following services. This is expected to be completed by 7/30.
- We are ordering additional sanitizer bottles, sanitizing wipes, and spray bottles to assist with the cleaning process before and after use. This is expected to be completed by 7/30.
- We are following up with our Insurance Carrier to make sure we are covered in the unfortunate event that COVID-19 is transmitted at Main Street Church. This is expected to be completed by 7/30.
- As we seek to maintain the quality of both in-person and online service, we have ordered a new worship computer and software. This is expected to be completed by 7/24.
- We received a Dare to Reach Grant from the Minnesota Annual Conference for an additional camera and camera link device to aide in recording our worship. This is expected be completed by 7/24.
- We are setting up a sign-in process with Eventbrite to help track all guests who attend service on Sunday mornings. This is expected to be completed by 7/30.
We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
| covid-19_congregational_update_20200714_v1.1.pdf |
June 26, 2020
We know that many of you are looking forward to gathering again in-person as a church family and are wondering when that might happen. Although the current environment’s unpredictability makes that difficult to commit with certainty, our Administrative Council has set Sunday, August 2, 2020 as a tentative date for reopening.
As a faith community, we love you and take seriously the need to care for our community – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guiding our thought process in reaching this tentative date, and in further assessing the situation in the coming weeks, are three simple rules that guide us as a United Methodist Church:
Why have we landed on Sunday, August 2nd?
What will it look like as we move forward?
The Administrative Council will meet again on Thursday, July 9 to review progress and determine if we remain on schedule to move forward. This will include a review of the Covid-19 pandemic situation along with CDC, MDH, and Minnesota Annual Conference of UMC recommendations. During this season please keep in mind, we are on virus time, not our time. Also, all plans to reopen are subject to change based on the current and changing conditions within our church and community.
We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. We are also grateful for those who have provided feedback through our online survey and other means as we seek to move forward during this Covid-19 pandemic. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
We know that many of you are looking forward to gathering again in-person as a church family and are wondering when that might happen. Although the current environment’s unpredictability makes that difficult to commit with certainty, our Administrative Council has set Sunday, August 2, 2020 as a tentative date for reopening.
As a faith community, we love you and take seriously the need to care for our community – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Guiding our thought process in reaching this tentative date, and in further assessing the situation in the coming weeks, are three simple rules that guide us as a United Methodist Church:
- We are a people that do no harm. We practice physical distancing to minimize harm to others, especially the vulnerable.
- We are a people that do all the good we can. We care for the spiritual and physical needs of our neighbors, providing food, emotional support, and supporting our health care system.
- We are a people that stay in love with God. When we love God through prayer, praise, and worship, we grow in love of our neighbor. Love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable.
Why have we landed on Sunday, August 2nd?
- We are finalizing protocols that meet the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidelines which contain the following:
- policies and procedures that assist in the identification of sick staff and ensure they stay home;
- implementation of engineering and administrative protocols for physical distancing;
- staff and volunteer hygiene and source controls;
- building and ventilation protocols;
- cleaning and disinfecting protocols;
- drop-off, pick-up and delivery protections and protocols; and
- communications and training practices and protocols.
- We are seeking to maintain the quality of both in-person and online services. Our recent survey shows that there is continued interest in both formats at this time.
- We have been blessed to assist St. Francis UMC, and want to allow some time for this faith community to transition as well.
What will it look like as we move forward?
- We must establish a cleaning team to help sanitize before and after gathering. This team will wipe down chairs, doors, door handles, and other high touch areas. If you are willing and able to help, please reach out to our Administrative Council.
- To provide names of those in attendance if a case of COVID-19 is connected to Main Street Church, we will use Eventbrite to sign up for Sunday morning worship services. More information on this (and what to do if you are for any reason unable to use this technology) will be communicated closer to August.
- Because we desire to do no harm to our those we know and love, all people in attendance must wear a face mask (unless unable to do so due to a disability) to protect others.
- We will maintain a physical distance of 6’ between families and/or individuals. We have removed many chairs in the worship center to help accommodate. This means we will be limited to 60 people in attendance.
- There will not be a gathering time with coffee or food before or after services.
- We will maintain an online option for those who are not ready for an in-person experience.
The Administrative Council will meet again on Thursday, July 9 to review progress and determine if we remain on schedule to move forward. This will include a review of the Covid-19 pandemic situation along with CDC, MDH, and Minnesota Annual Conference of UMC recommendations. During this season please keep in mind, we are on virus time, not our time. Also, all plans to reopen are subject to change based on the current and changing conditions within our church and community.
We would like to thank you for your patience and prayers as we discuss, pray, and discern where God is leading us next. We are also grateful for those who have provided feedback through our online survey and other means as we seek to move forward during this Covid-19 pandemic. Please continue to pray for our community. Now is an opportunity for us to be the church whether we are meeting in a building together or not.
In Christ,
Administrative Council
Dave Kalina, Adam Trampe, Brad Brunet, Julie Brunet, Wally Heidelberger, Debi Grover, Pastor Ralph Holbrook
| covid-19_congregational_update_20200622_v1.2.pdf |
May 22, 2020
As a faith community, we love you and take seriously the need to care for our community. Please keep in mind, in this season we are on virus time, not our time. In this moment, we are all in the early stages of an aggressive and evolving pandemic. it is clear the majority of our congregation cannot safely gather at this time. This means our online ministry will continue for the foreseeable future. It also means we look for creative and safe ways for us to be church together. We will be slow, intentional, and move forward only with steps in place to minimize risk, knowing that any gathering includes risk. We also acknowledge the sense of loss involved for all of us, which manifests in our desire to gather and 'go back' to what was.
Friends, we can look to what was or we can look to what God is doing today and in the future. This can also be a dynamic time for us to change allowing us to reach the vast majority of people in our community who are not attending any faith community today. It is a great opportunity for us to pursue the mission we have been given to share the good news with our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers - locally and globally.
Here at Main Street Church we have made many changes during this time to reach beyond the walls of our church by launching online services on YouTube, Facebook, Podbean and Town Square Television. We have also stepped up in our missional reach by offering groceries, face masks, prayer shawls, prayer, and more. We are also seeking the next significant ministry to reach our community in new ways.
We invite you to join us on our journey of healing for our broken world in this pandemic. Let's be the church in this time!
As a faith community, we love you and take seriously the need to care for our community. Please keep in mind, in this season we are on virus time, not our time. In this moment, we are all in the early stages of an aggressive and evolving pandemic. it is clear the majority of our congregation cannot safely gather at this time. This means our online ministry will continue for the foreseeable future. It also means we look for creative and safe ways for us to be church together. We will be slow, intentional, and move forward only with steps in place to minimize risk, knowing that any gathering includes risk. We also acknowledge the sense of loss involved for all of us, which manifests in our desire to gather and 'go back' to what was.
Friends, we can look to what was or we can look to what God is doing today and in the future. This can also be a dynamic time for us to change allowing us to reach the vast majority of people in our community who are not attending any faith community today. It is a great opportunity for us to pursue the mission we have been given to share the good news with our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers - locally and globally.
Here at Main Street Church we have made many changes during this time to reach beyond the walls of our church by launching online services on YouTube, Facebook, Podbean and Town Square Television. We have also stepped up in our missional reach by offering groceries, face masks, prayer shawls, prayer, and more. We are also seeking the next significant ministry to reach our community in new ways.
We invite you to join us on our journey of healing for our broken world in this pandemic. Let's be the church in this time!
Here are policies we have implemented to help ensure we are maintaining a safe & healthy environment.
| covid_19_preparedness_plan_main_street_church_v1.1.docx |
| covid_19_main_street_church_facility_use_plan_v1.1.docx |
| mdh_guidefaith_20200730.pdf |
