Update as of March 1, 2022
The Back-again task force has developed a plan for unrolling the restrictions that we have been using the past two years.
March 2 – Masks required moves to masks recommended for all; All committees and teams welcome to meet in person if desired
March 6 – Distributed Sunday School resumes; Contact tracing ends; Pew pad usage restarts
March 13 – Ushers and greeters resume serving; Offering plates passing resumes
March 20 – Lectors and acolytes resume; Ropes removed from left front pews
March 27 – Assisting Ministers and Communion Assistants resume; Full communion distribution resumes
April 3 – Coffee hour resumes; Unrestricted fellowship meals resume
A number of decisions need to be made by individual committees, teams and groups as to what and when they are comfortable resuming in keeping with these recommendations.
This is the first significant releasing of restrictions since August 2021. We will need to keep an eye on the infection rate as we move into the future which could require renewing appropriate restrictions. But for now, we are thankful for all you have done to help Zoar get to this hope-filled place.
The Back-again task force
Please continue to monitor your weekly Announcements for the most up-to-date information on our COVID-19 practices
Update as of January 6, 2022
In the face of skyrocketing COVID-19 infections in Perrysburg, the rest of the ropes have returned to the pews in the sanctuary, and communion has returned to the pre-filled cups.
Several recommendations: We are urging anyone who feels ill or might have been exposed to COVID-19 to stay home and worship via the Facebook live stream.
- Please remember to wear your mask, especially at Zoar to help keep our neighbors safe.
- If your group can meet by zoom this month and the next, please consider that alternative.
Update as of June 22, 2021
People of Zoar – after conversations with leadership we have decided on a gradual “opening” of worship practices. As (it seems) the Pandemic is lessening, and more people are vaccinated we are able to return to a new normal. Here are some highlights:
- We will continue to use the pre-filled Communion chalices this weekend and next. But on July 10/11, the Pastors will distribute bread (either a loaf or wafers) and the wine in small glasses will then be available. At this time, we are not planning on using the intinction method.
- The ropes will come off the pews July 24/25.
- August 7/8 we will no longer have people sign in as they arrive but will pass the pew pads during worship. However, at this point, we will not pass the Offering Plate, but worshippers may place their offering in the plate as they arrive to worship.
- We will resume the ministry of Lectors, Assisting Ministers, and Ushers on the weekend of August 14/15.
- Sunday School and JAM Time will begin September 12.
Thank you for your vigilance, your health-care, your support, and your presence this past COVID-year! May our loving God continue to bless us as we move into the future.
Pastors Tim & Paul
Update as of May 21, 2021
Out of care and concern for the neighbor, as well as recent recommendations from the CDC and Governor DeWine, Zoar is presenting a transitional plan to open more from our COVID-pattern. Zoar has been blessed this past year with health and hope, and with caring leaders who have guided us through these times. We will live into this plan for a month, and then review it, ultimately (if all goes well) returning to worship and activity at Zoar that we experienced before the pandemic.
Following the guidance, masks will be primary. Of course, those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine are no longer required to wear a mask. But in our community, we have those who haven’t received the vaccine, as well as those who are unable. Also, it seems now that since most of our senior members have been vaccinated it is our youngest group who are most vulnerable, those for whom the vaccine is not prepared. So, we encourage mask wearing in the building, for the sake of all our community. But it is not required as it has been since we opened in June 2020.
For worship, you may enter either in the glass doors off the Parking Lot, or the doors at the corner of Sandusky and Indiana. We will continue to keep a written account of who comes in our building, but we will no longer take temperatures.
Sanitizing is also important. We ask each person to be responsible to sanitize their own hands throughout the day, and throughout the building. At this point your offering will be placed in the plate as you enter the building. We will not “shake hands” at the beginning or during the Passing of the Peace. We also are working on how to safely open the Nursery for our littlest ones.
Of course, worship will continue to lift up the praise of Jesus and the joy of this community. Just being together is such an honor, so we will continue to celebrate this time in a way that is safe and respectful for all.
Zoar has also opened the Family Life Center to Funeral Dinners and other meals. The one change is that the servers will place food on the plates, as opposed to having each person touch all the serving spoons.
Brothers and sisters, these are both crazy times, and times filled with promise. As we work our way out of COVID, may we be filled with the joy and healing of our God of love, as God takes us into the future!
Pastor Tim, Pastor Paul, Zoar Council
Page: Zoar Lutheran Church
Groups:
Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom
Every Sunday at 11 AM, our Virtual Worship Service will continue to premiere on Facebook Live for viewing at any time. Hear prayers, hymns, the Gospel, a message from Pastor Tim or Pastor Paul, and a children’s message from Miss Amanda!
Each Tuesday, at 3:14 (the address of Zoar) you may visit Facebook to receive a prayer/devotion from Pastor Tim, Pastor Paul, Omaldo, or Amanda. This is a great time to center yourself during the week in God’s arms!
Pastor Tim has his Sunday School class (Digging Deeper) each Sunday at 2pm on the Zoom platform. Diane Ninke is presently offering a Bible Study on “Ephesians” on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Each Wednesday Morning @ 8 AM we have a gathering of those who look at the following Sunday’s Old Testament text. You may sign up for each of these, as you are able!
Contact Amanda (ahoyles@zoarlutheran.com) for other Zoom gatherings, such as Young Parents, Youth, and Sr. High.
Follow us at @ZoarLutheran and @ZoarLutheranYth
Keep safe, brothers and sisters! But also keep in mind the amaZing love of God that holds onto you in these days!
