Summer is here and life is slowly resembling pre-pandemic days!  We are still signing in as we enter; we have not
resumed our passing of the peace; the collection plate is still at the back of the Sanctuary; and when we celebrate communion, we have individual servings delivered to you in your spot.  Other than that - we are returning to "normal" - we have bulletins; we are singing; there are no taped off pews; we have leadership meetings downstairs; and after the service we gather downstairs for coffee, goodies and fellowship.  Folks who are not fully vaccinated should be following CDC guidelines:  maintaining distance and wearing a mask.  All folks are encouraged to have masks on hand, ready to use, should we be blessed with the presence of children.  It has been a long 18 months - if you are missing our online presence, contact me (mobile 838-200-8601) to receive a digital version of the service.

Blessings!
Pastor Kristi

     We did it! We have made it through the darkest days of the COVID -19 Pandemic and we are officially re-emerging to our new normal.  For Alplaus UMC, this means that we are open to in-person worship and we still sign in (should there be need for contact tracing) and we wear masks to and from our seats and while we are singing.  We have re-instituted a "low key" coffee hour with coffee and minimal snacks downstairs after the service.  Some things are still different, and I don't mind these new things, but I expect we will talk about them at the next Church Leadership meeting (after the service on 7/11):  we use the screen and projector instead of bulletins and for hymn lyrics; we still have taped off pews but I believe we can open to full capacity (space is suggested for singing); the offering plate is still at the back of sanctuary for folks to make use of on the way in our out and for Holy Communion; we have been bringing the elements to each person in the pews and waiting so that we can all partake of the same loaf at the same time.  Another change that could be longer term is the use of the UMH on CD as we do not have a pianist/organist and have not yet decided to resume that search.  I expect recommendations may come from the 7/11 Church Leadership meeting to the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).  It seems like a lot of change when I type it all down, but I am at a point now where our current Sunday morning routine feels "regular". 

If the changes described here feel like something you too can get used to please join us!  We will start our "Summer Time" Sunday Worship  on July 11 - service starts at 9:30am, and the online version will be posted to Facebook and to the "Video Message" page of the Alplausumc.org later in the day.  If you have comments, questions, hopes, or ideas to offer to the next Church Leadership meeting you may email me at umckristi@gmail.com, or message me via the "Alplaus United Methodist Church" on Facebook. 

Whether we see you in-person or you see us online, I do hope that you find a way to stay connected with this community of faith that loves you and treasures you!
Blessings!
Pastor Kristi