Church Opening Updates:

First UMC Sealy is taking small steps out of quarantine to resume worship in our sanctuary. With Governor Abbott’s and our County Judge's approval, our sanctuary is open for worship on Sunday mornings, with limitations. If you decide to come inside the sanctuary, we ask that you follow these guidelines/suggestions and please, please do your best to keep everyone safe.

1. On May 31 (Pentecost Sunday) ... If things continue to remain safe and our visitors remain healthy ... we will again hold our 8 am service. It will not be broadcast or recorded. We encourage those over 60 years of age to attend this service.
2. We will continue our 10 am service, but this will be a more contemporary experience. It will continue to be live on Facebook Live for those who prefer to worship from a distance.
3. Maximum attendance in our sanctuary is limited to 40 individuals at this time.
4. Social distancing is still mandated by the Governor and by medical leaders. So those who join us onsite are asked to wash their hands, use hand sanitizer, maintain six feet distances from each other. Family groups are allowed to sit together, but please maintain distances between groups. The six feet distance means that we ask you to keep empty pews between you and people sitting directly in front or behind you. Please be especially aware of distances as you enter and depart from worship. Masks are not required, but are very much encouraged.
5. There will be no choir. No gathered children’s time. An offering will be received, but the offering plates will not be passed. (Plates can be found near the front doors.)
6. Communion will be very different. The pastor will distribute communion to limit contact among members. If you do not feel comfortable receiving Holy Communion in the sanctuary, please contact Pastor Mike to set a time for you to celebrate separately, at your home.
7. We strongly encourage the at-risk population to watch or participate remotely. The at-risk population is defined as “those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.”
8. If at any time, you are are under the weather in any way, you are advised to please stay home.