Reservation Request

In-Person Worship During Covid-19

We are grateful for the many ways that you have been patient and understanding as our staff, task force, and Session have diligently worked to provide a safe in-person worship experience. The guidance on this page will be updated as we move forward, to keep you informed and help you to prepare for returning to the sanctuary when you are comfortable doing so.

We strongly encourage anyone who is 65 and older, who is immuno-compromised or experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 to please stay home and continue to worship with us virtually. 

What will the worship service be like?

Please know our worship staff is committed to creating a spiritually meaningful service for all who are gathered. The worship will follow a different format that will limit the amount of congregation participation. There will be organ and vocal music, but there will be limited speaking and no singing by the congregation. Offerings may be made upon dismissal in the Narthex, online, or sent through the mail.

WPC will be practicing social distancing throughout this modified worship service. Everyone attending in-person worship will be required to wear a mask, so please bring a mask with you. However, if you forget, fear not: we will have masks to provide for you!

Members of our task force put together this quick video to help explain the safety measures we have put in place and to help you to visualize what to expect. 

How can I participate?

We are asking that each week you register your intent to attend worship to ensure safe spacing. Click on the reservation request button below to complete and submit the form. On the preceding Thursday, the church staff will review all requests and send to you a reservation confirmation (or our regret, if we have run out of space).

In-Person Worship Reservation Request
Reservation requests must be made by 9am each Thursday.
Confirmation emails will be sent out by Thursday afternoon. 

If your plans change, we ask that you call the church office to cancel your request. You can also call the church office during office hours at 757-229-4235 to register.

How should I prepare?

Below is a quick summary of what to expect. Please download the Participation Guide for a thorough outline of the process.

• Make sure you have a confirmed reservation. 
• Please plan to arrive by 10:45am.
• Enter through the Prince George Street parking lot door, wearing a mask.
• There will be many signs and ushers to help with directions and social distancing.
• The ushers will greet you, note your arrival, and usher you/your family to your seats, where bulletins will be waiting.
• Upon conclusion of the service, ushers will guide all participants, in socially distanced intervals, to the Richmond Road doors for exit. 

In-Person Worship Participation Guide (PDF)