Vaccination Requirement for In-person Worship

Vaccination Requirement for In-person Worship

In keeping with recent guidance from our Bishop that directs all congregations to be in compliance with local vaccine mandates, First Church will require proof of vaccination for all individuals, 12 years of age and older, attending worship services in person, beginning October 31, 2021. 

Proof of vaccination includes:

How will this work?

Each Sunday morning, a team will be ready for your arrival at First Church for worship and study. We will visually check your COVID-19 vaccination card, or mobile app to verify your vaccination status.

You will have the option of signing up at check-in to allow First Church to keep a record of your vaccination status so that in future weeks, you can just share your name upon arrival.

Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start worship on time. 

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can find the nearest pharmacy or clinic where vaccines are available using the link below.

Rationale & our commitment to accessible worship

We are painfully cognizant that such a requirement presses upon our commitment to radical hospitality (read the rationale from the Worship Committee here). However we also understand that taking this step will enable First Church to stand by our commitment to “do no harm” to the health and well-being of our community here in Seattle and King County. This step is also in line with our shared desire to lower case counts and reduce community transmission, in order to allow for more freedom for our community, and for our congregation in worship, in particular, the chance to resume congregational singing.

In implementing this requirement we remain committed to making worship accessible online so that anyone who is unvaccinated can still participate.

We are also committed to taking steps to reduce barriers to vaccines. We will make information about local vaccine providers available, and will assist with transportation to vaccine appointments if needed.

For further reading: