COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS 

These precautions have been put in place to keep you and your family safe. Because SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is an airborne virus that enters through the respiratory system and attacks the vascular system and can cause disability and death, MLC adheres to the "Swiss Cheese" model of protections (see image below; some of the spellings used are different to U. S. English). Our HVAC system is inefficient, but the nave/chancel have high ceilings, we open the windows along either side of the nave when the weather allows, run ceiling fans, and use three HEPA quality air filters during services. 

1) If you or a family member are ill or believe that you or they may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home and self-quarantine. Contact your health care provider as soon as possible. 

2) Well-fitting, good quality masks are required to be worn by everyone above 2 yrs. old regardless of vaccination status. If you do not have your own mask, NIOSH approved KN95 and KF94 masks for adults and children are available free of charge on the table in the narthex. Occasionally we have a few donated NIOSH approved N95s. Please consider exchanging your less effective cloth or surgical mask for a quality mask that fits well and maintains a good seal; however, we recognize that any mask, properly worn, is better than no mask. (Your mask protects others, as theirs protects you. The better the quality and fit/seal, the better the protection.) The only time masks will be lowered is to take Holy Communion. Please keep your mask over your nose and mouth, the bottom secured under your chin, at all other times. Remember,  asymptomatic people are still contagious, and you may have been exposed and not know it.  

3) Pews are no longer blocked off, but physical distancing is strongly encouraged. 

4) Singing and talking at full volume is not necessary. Please make your responses quietly and sing softly behind your mask; projecting your voice to full volume, especially when singing, spreads more aerosols. It isn't necessary to lower your mask when speaking or singing.   

5) As mentioned above, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is airborne and windows will be open as the weather permits, and ceiling fans and HEPA quality air filters will be running during services, so please dress accordingly. If you need help purchasing warm clothing, including outerwear or "wraps", please speak to Pastor privately. 

6) Rather than passing offering plates through the congregation, to pay your tithe or make another type of offering you can: Click on the 'PayPal' link on the home page of this website; Mail it to Markham Lutheran Church, 3518 W. 160th St., Markham, IL 60428; Place your offering envelope in the "little church" bank in the narthex (loose currency goes to missions, so if you want your donation to be applied to the church budget, please use an envelope). Thank you.

7) As you depart the service, you're welcome to recycle your service bulletin and Communion "cup" in the bins provided.

8) All three bathrooms are open. The two bathrooms on the lower level are designated "Women" or "Men." A private, gender neutral bathroom is located on the main level and can be reached through the parents and children's room to the north of the narthex. 

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is very important at MLC. At this time we have modified our beloved tradition of coming up to the chancel and kneeling or standing at the altar rail to receive the bread in hand or mouth and drink from the Chalice (Common Cup). But we are still together and partaking of the Body and Blood of our Lord each Sunday.

1) Pastor presides at the altar in the sanctuary behind the chancel gates, facing the congregation. We are currently using pre-packaged, self-contained elements of real sacramental wine and wafer from World Communion Cups. which are served from the table at the foot of the chancel steps. (Non-alcoholic wine and gluten free wafers also available.) 

2) You will be invited to come forward to help yourself to the consecrated bread and wine. Please process up the center aisle, respecting other communicants' personal space, and return to your pew via the appropriate side aisle. (If it is easier for you, Pastor or the Assisting Minister will be happy to bring the elements to you. A pew neighbor can also pick up a packet for you when they go up so that you can participate with everyone else.)

3) After everyone has returned to their seats, you may lower your mask and Pastor will say, "Take and eat the body of Christ, given for you." Cross yourself and eat. Then Pastor will say, "Take and drink the blood of Christ, shed for you." Open your wine, cross yourself, and drink. Raise your mask.

4) Please hold on to your empty plastic "glass" and the lift off seals. A box will be available in the narthex for you to drop them in on the way out so that they can be rinsed and disposed of properly.