Metro Atlanta is in a Low Community Level of COVID-19. Face coverings are no longer required indoors for all activities.
Redeemer COVID-19 Updates
If you choose to join us in-person for worship in our sanctuary on Sunday at 9 am or 11 am, the following information will help you decide whether you are comfortable returning and what to expect when you arrive on Sunday morning.
If you have questions about the current COVID-19 protocols, as recommended by the COVID Task Force and approved by the Council, reach out to a member of the Task Force or Council in Realm, send them using this form, or see the information available in the tabs below: Protocol Updates, FAQs, and resources from our COVID-19 Task Force.
BEFORE ARRIVING
If during the 48 hours prior to worship you have been feeling ill or believe you might have been exposed to COVID 19 in the past 14 days, please join us online for worship.
PARKING
Parking spaces in the lot immediately behind the church building will be reserved for anyone with physical challenges.
All others are invited to park in the 4th Street lot or the parking deck.
The 4th Street lot is now a paid lot (but free for Redeemer members/visitors). You do NOT need a ticket to park on Sunday morning. The lot does revert to a paid lot at 4 PM on Sundays. One of our safety staff will be present in the 4th Street lot in case you have any questions.
The parking garage will be open for free church parking on Sunday mornings. Please take a ticket when you enter the garage AND bring it with you. Our safety staff will be distributing the special stickers you will need to affix to your parking ticket in order to exit the lot after worship without paying the parking free.
UPON ARRIVING
The wearing of face coverings is optional for all indoor activities while onsite. If you wish, one can be provided to you. While social distancing is no longer required, please respect the comfort level of your neighbors. Ushers will be present to assist if you have any questions.
Please continue to use the Prayer Request form at the bottom of the Online Worship page or our Prayer Wall for any prayer requests that you may have.
An offering will be taken or you can use our Give link above to donate online.
DURING WORSHIP
The wearing of face coverings is optional, regardless of vaccination status.
The balcony will be reserved as a mask-required zone for those wishing additional protection.
You are encouraged to participate fully (kneel, stand, speak responses, etc.). Our music will be led either by our organist and a fully vaccinated choir or by our jazz trio.
HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate Holy Communion in our sanctuary during our worship services. All are invited to Christ’s table.
Communion will be distributed at the front of the sanctuary. Gluten free and regular bread will be offered as well as pre-filled cups of grape juice or wine. Used cups can be placed in the receptacles in the side aisle as you return to your seat.
Current COVID-19 Protocols at Redeemer
We continue to welcome our adult and youth to return for study, service, and fellowship along with worship. Rooms may be reserved using the Online Room Reservation Form or by contacting Seth by email, sbrown@redeemer.org. We strongly encourage all in-person groups to consider a “hybrid” option so that those not comfortable returning in person can participate as well. A staff member can assist in this. Rooms will be assigned according to size and technological needs.
There is no longer a requirement for volunteers, visitors and staff to sign in online when arriving at Redeemer. Instead, there is a paper sign-in sheet by the reception desk.
What are the current service times and formats?
Our 9am service features the music of our jazz trio and the 11am service features the Redeemer choir and organ.
Can I just show up Sunday morning for worship?
Yes, please come and join us.
Do I have to be vaccinated to worship in person?
No, you do not. We do strongly encourage all worshippers to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible to help mitigate the risk and spread of this virus within our community and to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Are face coverings or masks required?
At this time, the wearing of face coverings onsite is optional and left to personal preference. Knowing that individuals and families have varying needs at this time, the balcony is reserved as a mask-required area.
A mask can be provided for you upon arrival if you so desire.
How will Holy Communion work?
All are welcome to Christ’s table. Communion will be distributed at the front of the sanctuary. A pastor will distribute the host (bread – either regular or gluten free) by dropping it into your open hand. An assistant will serve pre-filled cups of grape juice or wine. Used cups can be placed in the receptacles in the side aisle as you return to your seat.
Will I be able to use the restrooms while at Redeemer?
Yes. Restrooms will be sanitized before each worship service.
Will hand sanitizer be available?
Yes. Hand sanitizer will be available in restrooms, inside entrances, and in other key locations.
Will Sunday School, Adult Classes, or Youth Lounge be open or held?
Most classes and programs are following a hybrid format: limited in-person attendance with masks and social distancing plus online participation with periodic outdoor events as weather permits (please see our Calendar). Please check with your class or program leader.
Will the nursery be open?
Yes, the nursery is open on Sunday mornings.
COVID-19 Task Force
Redeemer’s COVID-19 Task Force was formed in Spring 2020 and is made up of representatives from Redeemer’s clergy, staff, and members of the congregation. Together they have painstakingly reviewed the latest guidance from public health and medical experts, the ELCA and our Southeastern Synod, and the best practices put in place by comparably sized churches, businesses and civic organizations.
Redeemer COVID-19 Task Force Protocols:
- Lutheran Community Food Ministry Guidelines for Volunteering During Covid-19, effective 07/29/21. Click Here.
- Contact Tracing and Notification Procedures, effective 12/21/2020. Click Here.
- Building and Worship Protocols for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, effective 8/23/2022. Click Here.
Southeastern Synod ELCA COVID-19 Response:
- Southeastern Synod ELCA Covid-19 Response. Click Here.
Other Helpful Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website. Click Here.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Facts for the Black Community (video). Click Here.
