Bishop Elaine Stanovsky has given her approval churches in our Episcopal Area to move into "Stage 2" of reopening, and with approval of the Church Council and our District Superintendent, Moran UMC is moving forward into our Stage 2 Plan. The requirements and guidelines of this "Church Stage 2" are different from those laid out by the State of Washington for "Phase 2."
This is a summary of what our ministry will look like during Moran UMC's "Stage 2" of reopening:
The suspension of in-person worship will continue, and our services will continue to be offered via livestream on Facebook and our church website. Those who do not have access to our live-streamed services will receive our weekly bulletin and sermon by mail.
Gatherings for fellowship, discipleship, and education will continue to be held virtually. No small group gatherings will be held on church property at this time.
Staff members and office volunteers will have the option of returning to the office on a limited basis each week, with staggered office hours. The office will remain closed to visitors. If you need to meet with Pastor Cody, please call or email ahead to schedule.
Essential Committee and Ministry Team meetings may be held outdoors if pre-approved by Pastor Cody and Sandy Westrand (Church Council Chair). Virtual meetings are strongly encouraged whenever possible.
Pastor Cody may meet with one person/household at a time for pastoral care and tech support/virtual engagement training.
Anybody who is on church property is asked to follow the guidelines posted at the building entrances regarding the use of masks, physical distancing, hygiene practices, screening procedures, and contact tracing.
We know that our church family is anxious to begin meeting together in person for worship, fellowship, and discipleship. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 numbers still on the rise in Spokane and across the state, it is not yet safe for us to do so. We will continue to monitor the situation in our city and region, as well as the advice of medical, governmental, and Episcopal leadership.
Your Reimagining Team will continue to meet regularly to update these guidelines and plan for future stages of reopening as we anticipate a return to in-person gatherings and for a "new normal" to emerge.
If you would like to read our full "Reimagining Plan" as it is currently approved for Stage 2, please click here.
How are these decisions made?
We have a "Reimagining Team" made up of congregation members and leaders that represent a diverse area of ministry throughout our church. This team has been meeting regularly since May to create policies and guidelines for an intentional, phased reopening process of our building to in-person gatherings. We are working to align our procedures with the guidelines provided by the State of Washington's "Safe Start Washington" plan, local guidelines provided by the Spokane Regional Health District, as well as the "Reimagining Life Together" guidelines published by our Episcopal leadership in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference.
This "Reimagining Team" consists of Priscilla Bowen, Harry Burcalow, Jeanie Cook, Mark Kamitomo, Dennis Kifer, Pastor Cody Natland, Kenny Orovic, Kevin Torres, and Sandy Westrand. As we meet, we have been taking into consideration the gifts and limitations of our physical spaces, risk factors, protective procedures, and ways to mitigate risks as we reimagine what life together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in the coming months.
If you have questions about this process, please contact Pastor Cody or our Church Council Chair, Sandy Westrand.
Moran United Methodist Church 3601 E 65th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223 | (509) 448-7102
Sunday Worship: Contemporary at 9:00am; Traditional at 10:30am
