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An Update on ReOpening 

Greetings Peoples Church Family:
 
The Peoples Church Clergy, Staff, and Reopening Committee have been working diligently and prayerfully regarding the phased reopening of our church building. We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the Church Council approved the beginning of Phase 1 of reopening the Church.
 
Utilizing CDC Guidelines and guidance from the Government of the District of Columbia, the committee has designed phase one as a gradual beginning which will allow us to open in a safe and spiritual manner.
 
Phase One focuses on the virtual worship service, including allowing the ministers to pre-record in the designated spaces (Chapel and Garden), observe the sacraments of baptism and communion, the facilitation of weddings, and exploring small groups no larger than ten for worship or pastoral care opportunities on the church premises. Beginning this Thursday, October 15, 2020, and Thursday, October 22, 2020, limited numbers of members can attend the live l recording of segments of Sunday worship in the garden. Persons can register to attend the Thursday recordings of Sunday worship by calling the Church at 202-829-5511. Reservations for attending the live recording of portions of Sunday worship will be on a first come first serve basis. A confirmation email will be sent to registered participants. All persons must complete temperature checks, contact tracing forms, and utilize sanitation stations throughout the building. There will be single-person entry and ensuring that there are no more than ten people in the building at a time.  Phase one also includes a thorough plan for cleaning the church building. Our current method of disinfecting includes thorough cleaning multiple times a day of high touch points and surfaces by our maintenance team using EPA approved products.
 
The committee continues to meet weekly to weekly to discuss short- and long-term strategies for reopening the church facility.  In response to your thoughts on phase one members of the reopening committee will send out a survey to ascertain our needs for serving our members and wider community. Based on the success of phase one and the guidance of the government of the District of Columbia, phase two will tentatively begin in January 2021. The larger plan for the church tentatively encompasses six phases for re-entry. We have decided to take re-opening one phase at a time modifying the phased plans based upon the experience of the previous phase.  Our team is working with staff to make sure changes are made throughout the building and making sure that our new daily procedures match CDC guidelines. 
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact members of the Reopening Committee.  Committee members include: Robert Hendricks, Hampton Cross, Judith Howell, Arlene King-Berry, Bob Veiga, Monique Boddie-Neal, Helga Baskett-Tippett, and Carol Moseley-Gardner (Committee Chair).
 
We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our entire membership valuing the image of God in each of us. With this in mind, we will diligently and prayerfully work together for a safe and gradual re-opening of our beloved place of worship. 
 
 
Rev. Brandon C. Harris, Senior Minister
Rev. Mahogany Thomas, Executive Minister
Carol Moseley-Gardner, ReOpening Committee Chair 

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