As the COVID Delta-variant continues to rage in Colorado and El Paso County, COVID rules are evolving to try and maximize safety for all attendees of events at FCUCC while still allowing events to occur. The Reopening Task Force (The Virus Committee) met last Monday, November 8, and discussed COVID protection guidance updates. This guidance was discussed during the Council meeting on Thursday, November 11, and Council arrived at the following guidance for services and events. The policy is more technical than the past, but much is going on at the church and Council sought to address the many possibilities of events/activities in this policy. The following rules will remain in place until conditions change in the County and we see a decline in new COVID cases and hospitalization rates. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Church Moderator, Bill Kemp. 

Note: These rules only apply when the activity is conducted inside the church.

Policy Definitions:  

Church functions are defined as:

         Religious Services (Worship, weddings and memorial services)

         Regular Programming (Faith formation hour, choir rehearsals, youth, and committee meetings) 

Events are defined as:

         A unique or occasional activity in which a number of presenters or audience members may be people outside of our congregation

         Any activity not falling under church functions

         Performances (i.e. The Mystery, JWW Lectureship)

         Concerts or any other music events (i.e. Out Loud Concert, Organ concert)

If you are uncertain whether a function being organized should be considered an "event", please consult with the church office.

Scope: This policy governs only indoor functions in FCUCC buildings.

Masks: Masks are required to be worn over the nose and mouth by the audience at all FCUCC indoor functions.

Mask exception for performers:

Performers (e.g. musicians, speakers, bridal party) who are vaccinated and have a recent (2 calendar days), negative, COVID test are not required to wear masks while performing

Vaccination Proof is NOT required for Church Functions, as has been done to date.

Vaccination Proof Required for Events: 

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required at all Events. Attendees of an event must show their vaccination cards before being allowed to enter the church for the event. If not vaccinated, an attendee must show a negative COVID test taken within the last 2 days.

Food/Beverage:

No food and/or drink is allowed at any Function exceeding 20 people in attendance. Coffee during faith formation hour is still allowed.

Recent Outbreak: 

If members of a group organizing an event at FCUCC have an outbreak of COVID, further discussion with FCUCC Council or staff must occur before the event takes place.

This policy remains in effect until further notice.

This is all done to allow events to occur, while providing an acceptable level of safety. As always, consider your own situation when deciding to attend an event. Life and activities must go one and there are no guarantees.

The Christmas Mystery will be in person this year!

The 110^th Christmas Mystery Pageant of First Congregational Church WILL be held in person this year at the church, observing the church COVID rules specified above.  

Stay safe, get your booster, immunize your younger children, and enjoy the holidays.

UPDATED: NOVEMBER 19, 2021