May 15, 2020

Dear Residents of Wayne County:

From the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, under the terms of the governor of Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order, churches have been exempted along with essential services from the order. At the time the order was given about 8 weeks ago, best practices for mitigation were still relatively unknown. The PA Dept of Health announced last week that the mitigation strategy successfully flattened the curve, and now the state is gradually reopening. 

Although not obligated to close, many congregations throughout the state and country have willingly participated with the suspension of public services, or restructured them as online video events, out of respect and love for our communities. So, it is also out of respect and love for our communities that many congregations will implement safe social distancing practices when our congregations begin to restart public services again.

As a courtesy to our community and people, we believe it is helpful to communicate in this way so that, when churches begin to publicize a return to public worship, our county will know we intend to be responsible partners.  While each congregation will determine the best timing to launch these public meetings again, we want our community to be confident that each church will evaluate how best to protect and care for those who choose to attend or continue to participate remotely.

Sincerely,

the Pastors of

Beach Lake Free Methodist,

Canaan Bible Chapel,

Cornerstone Bible Church of Forest City

Faith Baptist of Tresslerville,

First Baptist Church of Hollisterville,

Grace Episcopal Church,

Grace Ridge Church,

Hamlin Assembly of God,

Heritage Reformed Church of Waymart,

Honesdale Community Church,

Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Tabernacle Bible Church,

Wallenpaupack Church,

White Mills Community Church