Author: ZCC

COVID-19 community transmission levels in Boone, Hamilton, and Marion counties have risen to “medium,” according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) website. I want to remind everyone that ZCC has, throughout the course of the pandemic, followed the recommendations of the CDC regarding masking and other preventive measures, and we will continue to do so. Here is what the CDC says about COVID prevention in “medium” transmission areas:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms

At the “medium” level of community transmission, we do not need to reinstitute a mask mandate. However, please keep in mind that we do have persons in our faith community who are immunocompromised, and they will most likely be masking. Also, remember that if our community transmission level rises to “high,” we WILL have to reinstitute masking. I hope that does not happen, but I will monitor the situation and let you know if that necessity arises.

Thank you for all you’ve done over the last few years to keep us all safe!

Blessings,
Pam Erickson, President

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zionsville Christian Church has followed CDC guidance. New CDC guidance has been issued that is based upon the COVID-19 Community Level, determined for each county in the US. The current CDC COVID-19 Community Level for Boone County is “Low.”

CDC’s guidance on prevention steps for COVID-19 at a Low Community Level is this:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.
• People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Given this new guidance, we believe that our church family members should now make their own decisions about masking when indoors at ZCC.

Beginning Sunday, March 6, we will no longer require masks in the church building. When making your decision whether to mask, we ask that you consider your own health status, your comfort level, and the vulnerability of those around you (we have congregants who are immunocompromised, over 65 and in poor health, and under 5 who cannot be vaccinated). Although CDC does not specifically require it, we also suggest that social distancing be observed if you are not masked.

Please note that this guidance will change if the Boone County COVID-19 Community Level changes, and we will keep you informed.

As most of us know, the CDC guidelines have been updated re: masks. 
ZCC leadership is taking the new CDC guidance into consideration as to what that means for our life together.

Please stay tuned for ZCC’s updated mask-wearing guidance.

Following CDC recommendations, ZCC requires masks to be appropriately worn (over mouth AND nose), regardless of vaccination status, while inside ZCC facilities.

At the recommendation of our medical advisors, we will discontinue coffee service in the Gathering Space.

See cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Following CDC recommendations, ZCC requires masks to be appropriately worn (over mouth AND nose), regardless of vaccination status, while inside ZCC facilities.

See cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant and the rise of cases in Boone County and surrounding counties, it is advisable for all of us regardless of vaccination status to mask during Sunday in person worship services. Hence, beginning this Sunday, August 8, all in person worship attendees are asked to mask and remain masked through the entirety of the worship service.

Though this is unwelcome news, ZCC has consistently followed the recommendations of healthcare and government officials throughout this crisis so as to protect ourselves and others from the spread of the virus. We continue to do so.

See cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.

At the board meeting of July 19, the ZCC Board has modified the Face to Face plan. We are still mindful of the fact that children under the age 12 are not yet vaccinated, and that the new Delta Variant is highly contagious and that there are still things we do not understand about this virus. As a result we have made the following adjustments to our plan.

EFFECTIVE NOW:

1. Everyone masks (regardless of vaccination status) when entering the building, greeting one another, singing and attending classes. It will be OK to drop masks during worship when sitting in worship, or drinking coffee. We will ask people to still social distance.
2. Self service of snacks and coffee are now allowed.
3. Church school and other program life will begin again in September (with the exception of nursery, which will be again reviewed at the September board meeting). Current adult classes that are meeting shall wear masks and try to distance in their space.
4. We will still continue with self-service communion and an offering basket in the narthex.
5. Outside groups may now use the facilities, following social distancing and mask protocols.
6. As a board, we will continue to monitor infection rates, and adhere to CDC and Pediatric association guidance.

Because we love children:

• Wear a mask when: Walking, Talking, and Singing (regardless of vaccination status).
• You may drop the mask when drinking coffee or just sitting in worship.
• Space yourself in classes, sanctuary, and gathering space.

We rejoice in the new guidance from the CDC – individuals who have been fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks or practice distancing at indoor or outdoor gatherings.

Throughout the Pandemic, at ZCC, we have done our best to listen to science and trusted experts in how to keep people safe and to care for one another’s being.

We are a community of both vaccinated and unvaccinated people; and we are especially mindful of those who are not yet eligible for vaccination, especially our children.

As we celebrate the CDC’s new guidance, the Indiana State Health Commissioner is still recommending masks where larger groups include both vaccinated, unvaccinated, and immunocompromised individuals.

At this time, we will continue to require masks for worship.

Remember: 

• Worship at 10 a.m.

• Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

• Masks Required.

• Safely, Socially Distanced Seating.

• Gathering Space Closed

Note:  There is a possibility that WISH-TV joins us for worship.

Tomorrow, May 9th, we will officially enter Phase 2 of our “Face-to-Face” Plan. Beginning this week, Rev. Tyler will hold ZCC office hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., is available by appointment, and is available via phone and email.

This Sunday, we return to in-person, safely-distanced and masked “Face-to-Face” worship!  It is sure to be a fantastic day, as we will celebrate commitment Sunday of our “Gathering Together, Moving Ahead” Capital Campaign.

Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

We can’t wait to see you there!