COVID-19 FAQ
Before Attending In-Person | During In-Person Worship | Contact Tracing
We realize that you may have a lot of questions, and we want to give you the most updated answers to allow you to make the best decision for you and your family when it comes to participating in worship over the next few months. If you have a question that's not addressed here, please email us at [email protected].
Let us prepare ourselves with all the uncertainties, with all the needs, to cling to him and him alone — as we see this new thing (Isaiah 43:19) he is doing in our lives, in our city and in our church.
Know Before You Go
What will limited capacity, modified services look like?
We're offering a hybrid Sunday worship service (in-person and online) each week at 10:30 a.m. Registration is no longer required to attend in person, but we will continue offering two sections for seating. The orchestra (the downstairs level) will be for those who are vaccinated, and are comfortable with no social distancing and no masks. The balcony (upper level) will be for those who are not vaccinated or those who would prefer to remain socially distanced with masks. If you have children, who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, they can still sit with their parents in any section.
Do I have to register to attend service?
No, registration is no longer required. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the service will begin at 10:30 a.m. We'd love for you to join us.
Can I invite a visitor? Will there be room for them?
Absolutely! Inviting friends, family, neighbors or coworkers is encouraged.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Update: As LSQ Kids resumes in-person programming in the Social Hall (downstairs below the Auditorium), we are asking everyone, whenever you're downstairs, to wear a mask, which includes the restroom areas, the Sunday Service teams area or when dropping off/picking up your child(ren). Thank you for helping us care for our families in this way.
Wearing a mask is optional for individuals who are fully vaccinated (two weeks have elapsed since your final dose or single-shot dose). Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or desire to continue wearing masks will do so. Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible, and under the age of 16 who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, may accompany and be seated with a fully-vaccinated parent.
What additional cleaning and disinfection measures will you take?
CDC guidelines will be followed, and frequently touched surfaces (such as door handles, pews, countertops and bathrooms) will be wiped down before and after service. Hand sanitizer will be available for use throughout the building.
Will we have access to the restrooms?
Yes, the restrooms will be open. However, restroom capacities will be limited, so please follow the markers and signage that will be on display.
Will those seeking wheelchair assistance have access to the sanctuary?
In order to follow necessary social distancing protocols, those seeking wheelchair assistance must arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of service, so an LSQ Operations worker and Ethical Culture staff member can assist them into the sanctuary. If you have further questions about this, please email [email protected].
What if we still don’t feel comfortable returning at this time? Will livestream be available?
That is perfectly ok! We strongly encourage individuals who are immunocompromised, considered to be high risk, unwell, unable or uncomfortable attending in-person services to stay at home and participate online via livestream.
What to Expect on Sunday
What time should I arrive?
The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. The doors will open at 10 a.m.
Will you pass out printed bulletins?
Yes, but you can also access a digital version via the Redeemer app.
Will LSQ Kids be offered?
Programming will resume on Sunday, September 19. If you have any questions about this, please email [email protected].
Where can I park my stroller?
Since we will not have access to the YMCA, stroller parking will be available downstairs in the Nursing Mother’s Room (located between the Social Hall and women’s restroom). Families will be responsible for transporting/carrying their own strollers and using the appropriately designated stairwells.
How will you take up the offering?
Yes, we will have an offertory time during our service each week, so you will be able to give tithes and offerings in person as you feel led. You can also give online here.
Will you be serving communion? If so, are the elements allergy-friendly?
We plan to partake of the Lord's Supper each month on the first and third Sundays. You won't have to leave your seat to partake as our Communion team will distribute the elements at the designated time during the service. The wafer is gluten-free.
Will there be a Coffee Hour? Can I have food and beverages during service?
Coffee Hour resumes on Sunday, September 19. We hope you'll stay after service to engage with others in our church family. Additionally, you will be asked to finish or discard any food or beverages before entering the building. In the Auditorium, only beverages in a capped bottle will be permissible.
Contact Tracing
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 after attending service?
If you test positive for COVID-19, your medical professional will let you know the proper reporting procedures. However, if you test positive for COVID-19 by Tuesday of that week after attending worship on Sunday (use the date of the test and not when you received the result), please email [email protected]. Doing this will help us coordinate care for you while you are ill and, if necessary, notify the other Sunday service attendees about the potential of exposure.
Will I be notified if someone who attended service tests positive for COVID-19?
Yes. In connection to the above question, we will notify Sunday service attendees about potential exposure as needed whenever we receive news of a positive COVID-19 test result.
Keep in mind, if you attended service with the sick person but followed all safety measures of social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) and kept your mask on at all times while indoors, the possibility of exposure is minimal.
Before Attending | During Service
Learn More
General COVID-19 News
Return to our main COVID-19 landing page by clicking the button below.
Receive Care and Assistance
During this season, we want to pray alongside you and provide resources and care. If you are in need of prayer, financial assistance or any other need, we'd love to hear from you.
Virtual Worship on YouTube
We understand that you might not feel comfortable returning to Ethical Culture as soon as we return, which is totally okay. We'd love for you to connect with us from your home, so we'll continue to offer our weekly worship service on YouTube.
