Information About Indoor Services

Why have we chosen to gather indoors for worship services? 

When Covid began, Anchor Point elders and staff immediately began working together to ensure that we could still serve and care for you and our entire Anchor Point family. As you remember, we were completely online until June in compliance with MN state guidelines and in submission to the Lord. 

In June, we began outdoor services at our Fredenberg and Two Harbors locations. We were so thankful for the in person services and received much appreciation for them. Thank you! As these services were planned and held each weekend, the staff and elders began discussing and praying about the fall, when colder weather would no longer allow for outdoor services. We decided to hold out through October, as weather permitted. 

As we come into November, and after 8 months of not meeting indoors, the elders and staff look forward to gathering again indoors for worship together at our Lakeside and Fredenberg locations. 

Here are two reasons we have decided to gather indoors for worship services: 

First, because we can. According to our state governor and MN state guidelines, all churches in our state are freely permitted to gather indoors so long as covid protocols are followed. We are thankful for this! What is more, churches across our state have already been gathering indoors. 

Second, because we should. We need one another now more than ever. We need to worship God together for a short time once per week. Many in our family have been isolated and alone more than others, and so for mental, social and spiritual health meeting with others to worship the Lord is a huge need. Furthermore, we know that when Covid started we were coming out of winter, but now we are entering it. This makes the opportunity to meet together even more important. 

If you are not yet ready to attend a service due to personal convictions about Covid, that is just fine! This is why Anchor Point will continue to provide our prerecorded services and sermons. Many in our body, however, are longing to worship with others again as MN safety guidelines are followed which is the full commitment of Anchor Point leadership and volunteers. So, because we can and because we should, we are creating this opportunity to meet for those who feel comfortable doing so. 

Here’s the main things you need to know about our indoor services. 

Service Locations and Times: 

Lakeside location has two services at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Fredenberg location has one service at 9:00 a.m.

Two Harbors location is still under construction. Those who normally attend that location, we kindly ask you to come to Lakeside until the Two Harbors location is ready. 

Prerecord Option: For those of you not yet comfortable to come to an indoor service, prerecorded will continue to be happily offered for you. 

Kids Programming: Indoor services will begin with family friendly services. We encourage you to come as a family. Our desire is to offer nursery (ages 0-4) soon, but this is subject to volunteer availability. If you would like to help and be a part of our exciting kids ministry team, please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with Jill Bruno: jill@anchorpointchurch.org

Services will be about an hour long and have a 50% max capacity. 

Covid basic protocols:

As we move back indoors, the elders and staff want you to know the basic protocols to be followed. Each of these is in compliance with MN state guidelines and in submission to the Lord. 

  1. We will require masks. The exception to this is if you have a health issue that wearing a mask compromises. If you need one, masks will be provided as you walk in. Hand sanitizer stations are available in multiple locations. 

  2. We will not regulate mask wear. That is, you will not be pointed out or approached, but will trust it is for health reasons that you are not. 

  3. We will practice social distancing. 

  4. If you have had known exposure to Covid, we require you to remain home until you have been tested, or 14 days have passed. Please inform us as soon as possible if you have been exposed or have tested positive.

  5. Every other row in our worship centers are taped off to maintain social distancing. 

  6. Kids 5 and under are not required to wear masks. 

  7. Members of the same household must plan to sit together. 

  8. We will not take an offering in our services. Instead, offering will be done online through our website. A locked offering box near the main entrance will be available for those who prefer to give their tithe at a worship service. 

  9. Our services will be touch free–no coffee bar, programs, pens, or chair Bibles. Please bring these items with you if you’d like. 

  10. One person or family unit in the bathrooms at a time.

 Before entering the building, all elders, staff and volunteers will perform a personal self-assessment which includes a temperature check and answering the CDC recommended self assessment questions. If a staff or volunteer is experiencing symptoms or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 48 hours, they will not enter the building until tested or 14 days have passed. 

We can’t wait to see all of you and are excited to be able to worship our Lord and Savior together. 

Sincerely,

Anchor Point Church Elders and Staff