A Word About These Guidelines
Bishop Holston affirms these Best Practices for in-person worship and other gatherings, compiled by a team of South Carolina United Methodist pastors and laity.
This resource has been updated to reflect the latest guidance from public health officials, placing a greater emphasis on what we now know to be the primary mode of transmission – airborne particulates – as opposed to surface contact.
Churches and congregations are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant in keeping themselves and each other safe and healthy until a vaccine is widely available.
Social Distancing
Individuals or households stay 6 feet apart.
Masks & Glasses
Masks should cover mouth and nose.
Consider eye coverings.
Small Numbers
Safer than large numbers of people.
No Singing
Of any kind – choir, soloist, congregation.
No Shared Meals
Distribute box meals for take-home.
Communion
Use single-serve elements.
Maintain 6-foot social distancing at all times.
Vaccines
Strongly encouraged, when available.
Spacing
No more than one person per 36 square feet.
Air
Outside is safer than inside.
If indoors, use best filtering possible.
Short Gatherings
Safer than long gatherings.
Hand Sanitizer
Provided at all gatherings.
Hand Washing
Continually encouraged.
Restrooms
Use only for emergencies.
Confined space + poor ventilation = unsafe.
Flu Shots
Strongly encouraged.
Social Distancing
Individuals or households
stay 6 feet apart.
Spacing
No more than one person
per 36 square feet.
Masks & Glasses
Masks should cover mouth and nose.
Consider eye coverings.
Air
Outside is safer than inside.
If indoors, use best filtering possible.
Small Numbers
Safer than large numbers of people.
Short Gatherings
Safer than long gatherings.
No Singing
Of any kind –
choir, soloist, congregation.
Hand Sanitizer
Provided at all gatherings.
Hand Washing
Continually encouraged.
Communion
Use single-serve elements.
Maintain 6-foot social
distancing at all times.
No Shared Meals
Distribute box meals for take-home.
Restrooms
Use only for emergencies.
Confined space + poor ventilation
= unsafe.
Vaccines
Strongly encouraged, when available.
Flu Shots
Strongly encouraged.
