Covid-19 Updates: May 2022

Covid-19 Updates

May 12, 2022

Hello Peddie family:
The following information is from the three Boards and the church leadership.
In accordance with information from CDC and the State of New Jersey, the leadership met and reviewed
our Covid-19 protocols.


Please note the following:
• Mask mandate will continue throughout the premises.
• All officiating individuals may remove their mask while performing their functions to ensure clarity.
• All pews restrictions will be removed. The blue tapes will be removed.
• Members are still encouraged to keep safe distance, sitting individually or as family unit.
• Temperature check and registration upon entering the sanctuary are suspended.
• Extra masks, sanitizers and gloves will still be provided.
• All are encouraged to perform temperature check prior to coming to church.
• Preferred modes of greetings will continue to be contactless, fist or elbow bump. However you
can exercise your option for more intimate greetings.
• Non-vaccinated members are encouraged to get their shots.


February 24, 2021

Dear Peddie Church Family,

May the Lord fill you with overflowing grace during this Lenten season.

In light of the steady improvement in the COVID-19 situation, the NJ state has recently increased the limit for indoor religious services to 50% of the seating capacity.  (Our sanctuary, including the balcony, can seat 500 people.)

We believe that the time is ripe for regathering this Sunday, February 28, for those who desire to attend the worship service in person.  We invite you to join the in-person service if you feel comfortable.

Live streaming of our worship service will continue, and you can still participate in worship from home.

Please be mindful that COVID-19 is still a real concern, and continue to observe social distancing and wear masks for everyone’s safety.

In Christ,

–Pastor James and Peddie Church Leadership

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December 11, 2020

Dear Peddie Church Family,

Peace and joy to you in this Christmas season!

In light of the ongoing high rate of COVID-19 infection in Newark, we advise you to stay home and participate in worship through live streaming until further notice.  Only those leading in worship and supporting live streaming will be present in the sanctuary.

We look forward to our annual Christmas Cantata this Sunday, December 13. To be prudent, we kept the Cantata simple and short.  With the presence of the Holy Spirit, it will be a glorious and joyous celebration of the newborn King. Thanks to Sister Carol, all the vocalists, instrumentalists, readers, and the tech team for their beautiful offerings to the Lord.

May the joy of the newborn King be your strength!

In Christ,

–Pastor James and Peddie Church Leadership

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December 4, 2020

Dear Peddie Church Family,

May the peace of Christ that transcends all understanding be with you.

In light of the continuing high rate of COVID-19 infection in Newark, we advise you to stay home this Sunday and participate in worship through live streaming.  Only those leading in worship and supporting live streaming will be present in the sanctuary.

For our monthly Communion this Sunday, let us prepare our hearts and minds to partake the Bread and the Cup in a worthy manner.  Please prepare a small piece of bread (or cracker) and a small amount of grape juice.

During this Advent season, let us wait on the Lord with anticipation of the new things He is doing in our lives.

In Christ,

–Pastor James and Peddie Church Leadership

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November 26, 2020

Dear Peddie Church Family,

Happy Thanksgiving!

In light of the Mayor’s advisory urging people to stay home Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, December 4 (10 days), we advise you to stay home this Sunday, November 29, and participate in worship through live streaming.

Only those leading in worship and supporting live streaming will be present in the sanctuary.

May the Lord protect you and your family under the shelter of His wings, may the light of Christ shine upon your home and gatherings, and may your heart overflow with thankfulness for what Christ has done for you.

In Christ,

–Pastor James and Peddie Church Leadership

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Dear Peddie Church Family and Friends,

We are deeply grateful to our Great Shepherd for His presence with us even as we walk through the valley of shadow of death. We continue to pray that His goodness and mercy would protect us and guide us as we take a step forward.

With the leadership of Minister Tina, the reopening committee decided unanimously to proceed with regathering of our congregation on Sunday, September 6, for worship. Being mindful of our congregation’s safety and well-being, we are proceeding prayerfully and cautiously, relying on the Lord to guide us and taking all possible precautions.

Live streaming of our worship service will continue here through the homepage on our website (peddiechurch.org). Whether you choose to stay home or come to church, you will be able to participate in worship.

Health Concerns

For the well-being of yourself and the congregation, we ask you to stay home and worship online if you have any health concerns or symptoms:

  • temperature above 99.0 F
  • preexisting medical conditions
  • elderly
  • recently visited states that are on the NJ quarantine list
  • exposed to anyone who recently tested positive for COVID-19

According to the NJ state directives, we are allowed to open at 25% capacity, which is about 125 people (using the balcony). We anticipate roughly 50 people, which is well below the limit.

COVID-19 Protocols

For those who are coming to church, please follow the protocols for the safety of everyone.

  • Wear masks inside the building.
  • At the check-in table:
    • Temperature is taken as you enter the building.
    • Your name and contact information are recorded for contact tracing.
    • Gloves are available for those who would like to use them.
    • Disinfect your hands with hand sanitizers (on the table and wall-mounted).
  • Greet without touching (no hand shaking, hugging, or elbow touching)
  • Sit only on designated spots to maintain social distancing.
  • Families are allowed to sit together.
  • Up to two persons are allowed in the restroom at a time.
  • No socialization after the worship service.
  • Wash or disinfect your hands before leaving church.

We also would like to assure you that

  • The sanctuary and all touched surfaces are disinfected on Saturdays.
  • Targeted disinfection is done immediately after the Sunday service.
  • The sanctuary is ventilated on Saturdays and Sundays to replace the indoor air with fresh air from the outside.

As we put our trust in the Lord, we pray that the Lord would keep us safe in His dwelling, hide us in the shelter of His sacred tent, and set us high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5).

In the service of Christ,

–Pastor James, Minister Tina, and the Reopening Committee