RE-ENTRY INFORMATION
Our COVID-19 response has been fluid and will continue to develop. We will regularly update our guidelines as the situation changes. UPDATE as of Sunday, November 19:
As of Tuesday, November 17, Pennsylvania has mandated masks at indoor locations including churches. We have been advocating this guideline and now will be enforcing this mandate. You can find all of our guidelines, services times, dates, and information about what you can expect below. You will still need to register for these services.
We are also continuing online services at hfcinfo.com at 9 and 10:30 AM as well as on our YouTube channel.
What can I expect?
We have one service at 9 AM in the auditorium. You can park in the front or back parking lots. You may use the orange lobby doors from either parking lot.
We have another service at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary. You can park in the parking lot across the street, front parking lot, or lower front parking lot. You may use the main lobby doors or the green lobby doors.
Both the online and in-person services have the same worship set and teaching.
How will social distancing be maintained?
Registration is required so we can anticipate attendance. This is not a ticket system, nor will you need to check-in when you arrive. This will allow you to know if we have reached our cap of 150 people at 9 AM and 250 people at 10:30 AM. We will close registration when the service is full. Our online worship services will continue at 9 and 10:30 AM.
Social distancing will be practiced. We will rope off every other row in the sanctuary, carefully set up rows of chairs in the auditorium, and create an extra buffer between the people on the platform and those seated. Ushers will seat you as you arrive on alternating rows (filling in from the front to the back) and we will help make sure that seats are filled from the middle of the row so you will not need to step over someone already seated. Appropriate space will be maintained between different family units seated in the same row.
What safety measures should I expect?
In addition to social distancing, masks are required for anyone ages 5 and over (and will be provided if you need one). Because we will be in an enclosed space for a significant length of time and deeply desire to worship by singing, we are requiring masks to be worn. There are hand sanitizer stations throughout the building. Communion will be served by using individually pre-packaged elements that you pick up as you enter the worship space. We are not be passing offering plates, nor serving coffee and refreshments until further notice. There are white wall-mounted offering boxes at the rear of the sanctuary and a free-standing offering box at the doors of the auditorium as well as multiple online giving options. In addition, hugs, handshakes, and high-fives will not be a part of our greeting time. When a worship service concludes, we are asking people to move outdoors to greet and fellowship with one another.
What about KidStep, CORE, and Connect Groups?
Check out KidStep and CORE page for additional information about online and in-person options. Our Adult Connect Groups are also offering groups on Sundays and mid-week groups for men and women.
How do I know if I should stay home?
While we greatly desire to worship together with each of you in person, your safety, and the safety of our entire Hershey Free family, is of paramount importance. We also wish to respect the desires of each individual and family in choosing whether to join us in person or continue to worship online. If you or someone you live with has had a fever, cough, traveled, or been asked to quarantine in the last 14 days, we appreciate your willingness to stay home and help protect others.
