We are so happy to be able to meet in-person for worship services; however, we also feel the need to implement several procedures in order to create a safe environment where people can feel comfortable and confident about attending those services.  While having to issue policies for gathering with our church family and worshipping God seems strange, it must be done, for now, in order to protect one another.  So, think of these precautions as a way to love one another during a pandemic.

Here are the precautions we'll be taking and are asking you to take starting Sunday, June 7th (these will be adjusted over time):

• We will conduct two worship services (8:30 am & 10:30 am) each Sunday to create the space needed to observe social distancing practices.
• Because we want to keep large groups from congregating in the lobby, we ask that you wait until 8:15 am or 10:15 am before entering the building.
• Members need to choose a service by filling out an online form at alameda.church/services and attend only that service for now.
• Upon arrival at our campus, you are expected to sit only with your immediate family.  You will be asked to keep 3 chairs in-between each separate family/member unit.  (We will have ushers helping with seating.)
• We will be observing social distancing practices, so please do not hug, shake hands, or greet others in a way that involves touching.
• Please do not congregate in the lobby, and do not go into parts of the building that are closed.
• Pick up individual prepackaged communion cups/bread at the back of the auditorium before sitting down.  After the communion mediation, ushers (wearing masks & gloves) will collect trash, so that no plates are passed. 
• Make sure that your children stay with you and also observe social distancing.
• Attendees are encouraged to wear masks to our services and while we are singing.  Please bring your own if you have one; there will be masks available at the entrance for those who do not have one.
• Use the "Worship Center" entrance - all other doors will be locked.
• We will clean the building between services (in addition to before and after).
• You will be asked to exit our services by rows in order to maintain space between people.
• Limit the restrooms to one family group or two individuals at a time. 
• There will be no classes, Cafe, or attended nursery.
• As an extra precaution, please take your temperature before coming to Alameda.  If you have a fever, please do not come to worship services that day.
• Also, if you feel sick or have had a fever in the last 48 hours, please do not attend an in-person worship service.
• Hand sanitizing stations are available in the lobby.
• The temperature in the auditorium will be kept on the cooler side to help with ventilation.
• If you are among the groups of people who are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others, please stay home and join the live stream of our worship service.  This is a difficult request because everyone's presence matters to us, but this is for your own safety.

As time goes by, we expect to reevaluate and update these policies accordingly; but as we work our way through this pandemic, it is vital that we cooperate with one another, extend each other grace, and be proactive in loving our brothers and sisters by looking to their needs and not just our own.  One day soon, Lord willing, we will be able to put all this behind us.  Until then, let's stay safe, faithful, and positive.