*UPDATED* Phase Three Extension Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry During COVID-19

posted on December 02

UPDATE (11/18/20): The Bishop and Cabinet urge pastors and church leaders to use the NCDHHS COVID-19 Alert system to monitor their county and to reconsider their decision to hold indoor worship, particularly if their county is “red."  All local churches are asked to use extreme caution in response to the recent rapid spread of the virus. Read the update here. 

11/12/20 - With Governor Cooper’s extension of Phase Three, along with the implementation of additional measures necessary to protect public health, the Bishop and Cabinet have also extended and updated their Phase Three guidelines for WNC United Methodist Churches. Please note, while worship guidelines remain the same as the original Phase Three guidelines, all other indoor gatherings should be limited to 10 persons or less.

As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to our Biblical mandate to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and our Wesleyan call to “do no harm.” In doing so, we seek ways to engage faithfully in worship, study, and ministry while ensuring the health and safety of our members and communities. 

We advise that all churches continue following CDC, state and local guidelines for indoor and outdoor gatherings, including handwashing, wearing masks, and observing physical distancing rules and group size limits.

Download the Phase Three EXTENSION Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry During COVID-19.

Find additional resources for continued ministry and church operations during COVID-19 here. 

Find up-to-date information on the spread of the virus in your area at the NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Dashboard.