As of Tuesday, May 5, 2020, ALL SMALL AND LARGE GROUP GATHERINGS REMAIN ONLINE.
NOTE: Going forward we intend to follow civic authority mandates and health expert recommendations with regard to social distancing. However, we will prayerfully assess whether, at some point, they become unduly harmful to the work of God.
Romans 13:1 tells us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” We are still operating under the following Council motion: “Out of respect for our civil authorities and our love for our members and the community at large, St. Olaf Lutheran Church will refrain from any in-person gatherings of any size until the current state 'shelter in place' mandate is lifted."
On Tuesday, May 5, the Governor outlined a Proposed Five-Phase Plan for Reopening Illinois. Here are the highlights…
Phase 1 – Rapid Spread:
What it means: This phase takes place when the rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing.
When it begins: Every region has experienced this phase once already and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
What is allowed: Only essential businesses remain open.
Restrictions: Strict stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines are put in place.
Implications for St. Olaf: We operate as we are now. No in-person gatherings. All gatherings and services online.
Phase 2 – Flattening:
What it means: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory.
When it begins: This phase began in Illinois on May 1, when a modified stay-at-home order took effect. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May. (This is where we are now)
What is allowed: Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Residents can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing.
Restrictions: The stay-at-home mandate remains, and we are to wear a face covering when outside the home.
Implications for St. Olaf: We operate as we are now. No in-person gatherings. All gatherings and services online.
Phase 3 – Recovery:
What it means: The rate of infection among those tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and
the number of patients needing ICU beds is stable or declining.
When it begins: Healthcare regions that meet certain thresholds over the next few weeks will be able to move to
Phase 3. NOTE: The earliest a region can move to Phase 3 is May 29.
What is allowed: Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity
and other limits and safety precautions. All gatherings limited to 10 or fewer people are allowed.
Restrictions: Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
Implications for St. Olaf: Small groups (of 10 or fewer) may be able to meet, but larger groups and services will
remain on-line only. We could at this point incorporate more people leading our Sunday services. We will
prayerfully find ways to connect! This is likely to be the norm for this summer.
Phase 4 – Revitalization:
What it means: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital
continues to decline.
When it begins: In order to begin phase four, a region would need to see continued declines in its positivity rate
and hospitalizations and maintain surge capacity.
What is allowed: All gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes,
child care and schools reopen under guidance from the IDPH.
Restrictions: Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
Implications for St. Olaf: It’s possible Phase Four will be in place by this fall. The 50 person limit on gatherings will
mean all small groups can meet, but we still will be unable to meet all together in the sanctuary for services. We
may either continue online services, or offer multiple service times with fewer people in each service. We would
continue some social distancing practices and extra sanitization as needed.
Phase 5 – Illinois Restored:
What it means: With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases
over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing.
When it begins: The only way Phase 5 will begin is with a vaccine, or a widely available and highly effective
treatment, or with the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.
What's allowed: Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools, and places of
recreation can open.
Restrictions: New safety guidance and procedures will be in place reflecting the lessons learned during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Implications for St. Olaf: Full services resume! However, it may be a long time before a vaccine or treatment
is available. Be prepared this “new normal” to last at least into the fall - possibly through all of 2020.
God’s call to make disciples who KNOW and LOVE God and
KNOW and LOVE People is still our mission.
Prayerfully, we will follow God’s leading. We need His protection, provision, blessing, and guidance. But be encouraged!
God’s Church is being refined right now. He’s good, and we’re His! Keep your head up - we’ve got ministry to do together!
-Pastor Joshua, together with the St. Olaf Deacons and Council