Outdoor Worship

Outdoor Worship has been suspended by the Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia due to the surging rate of COVID throughout our Diocese. Please stay tuned for updates. There will be no outdoor worship beginning Sunday, December 13, until further notice.

When we resume services, read below for what to expect.

You must register to reserve one of the 14 spots on the lawn, either online or by calling the parish office. Registration will open each week on Tuesday morning at 10 AM, and close on Friday at noon. If registration is full or closed, we have space available in an auxiliary area where social distancing guidelines will still be maintained. We will do our best to accommodate those who have not registered on a first come, first served basis. If you register by noon on Friday, you will receive a confirmation email of your registration on Friday afternoon.

What to Expect

In accord with the CDC and Diocesan guidelines, masks must be worn by all in attendance over the age of two at all times. We will have masks available for use as needed.

Distancing guidelines must be observed. Upon arrival, each household will be directed to their own pre-assigned umbrella or spot in the auxiliary area. Participants must remain in their designated area for the duration of the service.

Please bring a blanket or folding chair to use during the service as we will be on the lawn. (We will have a limited number of chairs available for those who need them.)

In the event of cancellation, you will be notified 2 hours before the service. Please call the parish office with any questions.

What Parishioners Can Do

Know When To Stay Home: We encourage you to stay home if you are not comfortable with in-person gatherings for whatever reason. We especially want to encourage you to stay home if you fall into the “at risk” category. We realize that this is a personal decision and we will respect each other as we each make our own individual choice. We ask that you stay home if you have the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of sense of smell or taste, flu symptoms. Please self-quarantine for 14-days if you have traveled to a high risk area as defined by CDC or if you have been exposed to COVID-19.

• Face mask
• Blanket or folding chair to use during the service
• Bug spray
• Download the service bulletin on a mobile device prior to arriving, as desired. (Paper bulletins will be available.)
• We suggest wearing comfortable (and light) clothing and sturdy shoes for your own comfort during outdoor worship.

When You Arrive: We will practice social distancing between people of different households by a minimum of six feet. We have measured out the distance between umbrellas on the lawn, which will reinforce the distancing requirements. We will refrain from physical contact (shaking hands, passing the peace, and laying on of hands or blessings).

Check-in with the usher at the welcome table to receive your umbrella assignment and pick up a bulletin.

Children and Youth: We are still considering how and when we can safely provide Sunday nursery care and Children’s Chapel. Until then, children must remain with parents at all times.

Singing: There will be no congregational singing at this time.

What We Are Doing

Resources Provided: As masks are required, we will have extras available for those who do not bring one. Hand sanitizer will be available.

New Practices: There will be no passing of offering baskets or shared use of Bibles or Hymnals. Offering baskets will be located at the welcome table. Bulletins will be available for pick up at the welcome table. No coffee or snacks will be provided.

We encourage you to use the restroom at home before coming to worship. The restroom adjacent to the Ivanhoe St. entrance will be available, and sanitized by a staff member after each. If the restroom is already in use, please wait on the sidewalk until it has been sanitized and made available.

Staff and Volunteers: There will be a team of trained greeters and ushers to help people navigate safely around the grounds. We will keep a log of staff and volunteers serving each week to use for contract tracing, as needed.

Facility Preparations: Materials used will be cleaned following each worship service.

Response Plan: We have a response plan for if and when someone is exposed to or has contracted COVID-19 through a St. Michael’s gathering. The response plan will be initiated to prevent further spreading of the virus.