In-Person Worship Services
The decision to suspend in-person worship at St. Paul was made out of utmost concern for everyone’s health and safety. The recommendation from the task force, adopted by the Church Council on June 18, recognized that circumstances could change and might require a suspension of worship service.
The increase in COVID-10 positive cases in Madison County began in earnest July 6 and has been climbing since then, as indicated on the state’s website COVID-19 in Iowa.
The guidelines established in the task force recommendation to Church Council include the following benchmarks for resuming public gatherings, which were derived from CDC guidelines and published in Resuming Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life, a publication from the Ecumenical Consultation group.
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| Beginning Criteria
A clear downward trajectory in the number of reported symptoms, confirmed cases, and/or positive tests for COVID-19 for 2 consecutive weeks.
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Level 1
A clear downward trajectory in the number of reported symptoms, confirmed cases, and/or positive tests for COVID-19 for 2 more consecutive weeks.
Social Gatherings of up to 10 people |
Level 2
A clear downward trajectory in the number of reported symptoms, confirmed cases, and/or positive tests for COVID-19 for 2 more consecutive weeks.
Social Gatherings of up to 50 people |
Level 3
An ongoing downward trajectory in the number of reported symptoms, confirmed cases, and/or positive tests for COVID-19.
Social Gatherings of more than 50 with 6-ft distance and face coverings. |
| Except for: People over 65, individuals with serious underlying health conditions: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma and those whose immune system is compromised.
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Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing. |
The task force will continue to monitor Madison County’s trajectory and will consult guidance from Iowa and Madison County Public Health Agencies, as well as national resources to determine when we will be able to return to in-person worship.
Church office email: StPaulLutheranChurch@hotmail.com
Pastor Brian Mortenson email: StPaulPastor1941@gmail.com
Pastoral Emergencies: 605-351-0867
Church office phone: 515-462-4270
