Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
I am happy to let you know that we can begin to meet again for in-person worship, beginning this Sunday, May 2. As I announced last Sunday, the Swiss government now allows congregational singing led by non-professional musicians. We are so grateful that we can begin to worship with one another again. Of course, we know that for some, it is not yet the right time, and we recognize everyone must make their own decision as to when they will return to worship in the sanctuary.
For those who will be joining us for worship now, here are some things to be aware of. First, you must register in advance, as indoor gatherings are still limited to a maximum of 50 people, including children and infants. Here is the link: https://ibcz-sunday-service-the-key-to-success.eventbrite.ch
You can also access the link from our website and Facebook pages. You will need to include your contact information. If you would like, you can register to have that information stored so you do not have to enter it again after your first login. Our greeters will be at the door to ensure that only those who have pre-registered enter the sanctuary – unless fewer than 50 people pre-registered.
For now, we can offer in-person worship only the first and third Sundays of the month (May 2 and 16, and probably May 31 since this is a five-Sunday month). We have a limited number of people working on the support teams (worship, tech, ushering, and greeting), and so we are not yet able to staff the services every week. We anticipate we will be able to offer weekly, in-person worship services sometime this summer. (If you would like to volunteer to help out in one of those areas, please let me know!)
You will be able to register for a worship service beginning on the Monday preceding that service. So you can already register for our service on May 2, and you will be able to register for our May 16 service beginning Monday, May 10. It is not possible to register for services further down the road, but only for the next service.
Everyone one in the church building must be wearing a mask, except for those who are speaking or leading in singing while they are doing that. Also, we must maintain appropriate social distance between families/individuals.
As we begin to meet together for worship, please continue to keep the IBCZ family and ministries in your prayers.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob