Throughout the past several months, the common theme around here has been “I can’t wait to be back together again in worship!”  Well, the wait is over! Get excited because we’re


TOGETHER AGAIN FOR SUNDAY SERVICES

BEGINNING OCTOBER 4!

RSVP HERE


A careful plan for coming back together in person has been developed in compliance with the MN Department of Health and CDC guidelines. If you are comfortable attending in-person services, check below for information about some new processes and procedures that are in place. We will be meeting at 9am and 11am with a current capacity of 250 people per service. 


We encourage anyone who isn't quite ready to come back to enjoy the livestream of the services happening on Faceook or after the fact on-demand here on the website. When you are ready to come back, we're ready to have you! 



The health and safety of our congregation is a priority for us, and as such, was part of the decisions we have made. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment where people feel ready to connect with God. For this reason, we have laid out guidelines below that we believe are necessary to be followed based on the info given to us by the MN Department of Health and CDC. We will amend these guidelines appropriately in the days ahead. Thank you for following these guidelines for your safety, as well as the safety of others. Please note: while your well-being is a priority, there is always a risk for getting COVID-19 in a group setting. 


Check back in the coming weeks for new updates. 

  • Registration for Sunday will be open each week from Monday through Saturday (or until the service is full) for both the 9am and 11am services. Please register all who will attend with you. We are limited to a capacity of 250 per service. 


    After completing your registration, you will receive an email with your check-in barcode. Bring that with you Sunday.



    REGISTER HERE*.



    By registering for an in-person weekend service, you agree to the practice of social distancing, wearing a mask, and to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and Church of the Open Door. While Open Door is following a strict cleaning and sanitizing procedure, you are assuming the risk of contracting COVID-19 during your visit.


    (*Notes: You will need to login to YourDoor to register for services. If you can't remember your login info or are not a part of our database email info@thedoor.org.)

  • volunteers needed!

    We need your help to make this work! Let us know if you're willing to be a volunteer (opportunities include greeters, check-in, ushers, etc). If you are interested in volunteering reach out to Deb at draab@thedoor.org.

  • what to expect

    Weekly registration is required. You can RSVP HERE. 


    When Sunday comes, bring the confirmation barcode you received after registering, face covering and your own water or coffee with you to the service. Volunteers will scan your barcode and welcome you into the sanctuary for the worship service. Please plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to the service, and bring your air high fives, elbow bumps and air hugs to greet one another.



    UPON ARRIVAL

    • Aim to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to the service start time.
    • You will be greeted as you walk in by our Welcome Team. 
    • Please observe social distancing at all times, maintaining a minimum of six-feet from others. We ask you to do this as a courtesy and out of respect to those around you. For the time being, we'll plan to give "air-hugs" instead of direct personal contact. 


    MASKS

    Masks (or other face coverings) are required at all times for those ages 5+ (unless there is medical or health exemption). Types of face coverings can include a paper or disposable mask, a cloth mask, a neck gaiter, a scarf, a bandana, or a religious face covering.


    GATHERING PLACE

    • At this time the Coffee Cart, kitchen and drinking fountains will be unavailable.
    • Individuals will be asked to move outdoors for conversation following the service. 


    SANCTUARY

    • You will check-in as you enter the sanctuary. Have your barcode pulled up and ready to scan.
    • Ushers and staff will help you find rows marked for the service you are attending. 
    • Please leave 3 seats between you and others attending. who are not part of your group.
    • No offering plates will be passed. There are offering boxes placed in the back of the sanctuary or you can give online. 


    CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

    • All staff and volunteers will be screened for symptoms prior to serving on Sunday, according to the COVID-19 Screening Guidelines.
    • We will be sanitizing high-touch surfaces between services and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facility.
    • Please stay home if you are ill, are experiencing any symptoms or have been on contact with someone with a positive case of COVID-19. Join us via livestream instead.


    QUESTIONS? Email us at info@thedoor.org.


    (Please Note: While we are doing all we can to clean and sanitize, there is a potential for exposure to COVID-19 anytime you gather with a group of people.) 

  • Next Kids

    We will not be offering Next Kids for the first few weeks we are back in person. Watch this video to learn more about bringing kids with you to in-person services. 


    To bring your family to services at Open Door: 

    • Register yourself and everyone coming with you. Bring your email confirmation barcode with you on Sunday.
    • Masks or face covering of choice required for ages 5+ (unless there is a medical exemption). Please observe social distancing in the building.
    • We will provide coloring sheets. Feel free to bring any other quiet activities your kids enjoy.
    • The Window Room and Chapel will be open for kids who need more room to move while you watch the live stream of the service.
    • Viewing rooms at the back of the Sanctuary will be open for nursing moms and parents with infants for quiet cuddles. 

    Not ready to come back in person? Our Next Kids team sends out a weekly Sunday Next Kids @ Home resource that includes the Big God Story video, a lesson, activity and songs. Reach out to kids@thedoor.org to be added to the email list.

    We anticipate coming back to Next Kids on Sunday mornings in early November! Right now, we are assembling our amazing team of volunteers to serve with us at both the 9am and 11am service. If you’d be willing to serve with us on the Dream Team please email Annika (ajohnson@thedoor.org) and we will find the best fit for you!

PLANNING TO JOIN US IN PERSON?

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT!


MASKS REQUIRED*          SOCIAL DISTANCING          CHECKING IN


DON'T FORGET TO RSVP to attend!


If you are joining us in-person: don't forget to register online, bring a mask* and your own beverage.

*Those with medical or health conditions are exempt


FAQs

If there are other questions you have that aren't addressed on this page, email us at info@thedoor.org.



DO I NEED TO REGISTER?

YEP! We are limited to a capacity of 250 people so you will need to RSVP for each week you would like to attend. Registration for the following Sunday will be live on Mondays. RSVP HERE for yourself and all who are attending with you (including any children).


Please note: By registering for an in-person weekend service, you agree to the practice of social distancing, wearing a mask, and to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and Church of the Open Door. While Open Door is following a strict cleaning and sanitizing procedure, you are assuming the risk of contracting COVID-19 during your visit.



WILL THERE BE SINGING?

Yes! Those who wish to sing are invited to join us in worship as they feel comfortable while wearing a mask  or face covering and standing socially distant from others. 



WILL THERE BE NEXT KIDS?

We will not be offering Next Kids for the first few weeks we are back in person. Watch this video to learn more about bringing kids with you to in-person services. 



WHAT ARE YOUR CLEANING PROTOCOLS BETWEEN SERVICES?

We will be wiping down all high touch surfaces between services. We will be alternating the use of seating rows in the sanctuary. Each service will have its own set of rows to avoid shared seat use. 



WILL I BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK IF I ATTEND IN-PERSON?

Yes, we ask that anyone age 5+ who attends wear their mask or face covering of choice at all times. Types of face coverings can include a paper or disposable mask, a cloth mask, a neck gaiter, a scarf, a bandanna, or a religious face covering. We understand some medical and health conditions may prohibit one from wearing a mask. If that is you, you are still welcome to attend! 


Masks are no one's first choice and we understand that this can feel different or awkward for some of us. Yet out of humility, care and kindness for one another we can lovingly create a safe and healthy environment that allows more people to enjoy being together by wearing them. We're aware that some of us are older and some of us have personal or family health dynamics that are immune-compromised. This is a very tangible way we can live out the "for the sake of others" piece of our vision statement. Thank you for practicing this with us as we seek to care well for one another! But again, we understand some medical and health conditions may prohibit one from wearing a mask. You are still welcome to attend! 


If masks really aren't your jam, we'd love to have you join us for online services. We will be live-streaming both services. 



WILL THERE BE COFFEE AVAILABLE?

Sadly, at this time we will not be reopening the Coffee Cart. We hope to bring that back soon. In the meantime, feel free to bring your own beverage in a closed container.



WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES YOU ARE TAKING FOR THE IN-PERSON EVENTS?

  • Registration is required for each service and is limited to 250 people. 
  • Upon arrival you will be checked in. 
  • We will be spread out in the sanctuary. Please leave 2-3 seats between your party and others attending.  
  • Masks or face coverings should be worn at all times (those with medical and health conditions are exempt).
  • No food or beverages will be served at this time. Drinking fountains are also currently unavailable.
  • Hand sanitizer is available around the building.

We suggest that anyone who is at elevated risk or feeling uncomfortable with large gatherings continue to attend services online. While we are observing all of the appropriate safety guidelines for worship services, there is a possibility of contracting COVID-19 while attending. Open Door is taking necessary steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus and to protect those in attendance. However, we cannot guarantee we are preventing anyone from being exposed to or contracting COVID-19.



I TRIED TO RSVP AND ALL THE SERVICES WERE FULL. NOW WHAT?

No worries! You can still join us in a few other ways:

  1. LIVE on our Facebook page we will be streaming both the 9am and 11am services. 
  2. The Gathering@9: We deeply value creating a space for all our people to connect on Sunday morning and, therefore, we’re going to have a “virtual church” where we watch the 9am service together and then discuss it in small groups after the service from 10-10:30. Link to join by clicking the title. Email Rose to be added to The Gathering@9 group and receive the Zoom link.
  3. On-Demand: Like before COVID (can you even remember what life was like then?), we will be posting our services to the website so we can watch them after the fact. 



OTHER QUESTIONS? Do you have a question we didn't answer here? Email us at info@thedoor.org.