Please note that every person in attendance, regardless of age, requires a ticket in order to attend.

During this Stage 3 of the COVID-19 reintegration of in-person worship services, we will be limiting church attendance to less than 30% building capacity. For this reason, we ask all those attending in-person Sunday services to PRE-REGISTER. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

PLEASE READ these important details BEFORE REGISTERING:

Why do I have to complete the health self-assessment?

All staff, volunteers, and attendees are required to complete the Ontario self-assessment tool prior to coming. If you have any flu-like symptoms, if you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, or if you think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, then please stay at home. Volunteers and staff reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone exhibiting symptoms.

What should I do if I find out I am unable to attend after I have already reserved my tickets?

Since we have a limited number of tickets available each service, we ask that you please cancel your tickets if you are unable to attend. This will allow others to reserve the tickets and attend the service in your place. You can cancel your tickets by clicking on the link to manage your order, which can be found in the confirmation email.

Is there still an online service if I am uncomfortable with the on-site option?

Those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 complications are encouraged to join the online live stream on our Virtual Church page at 10AM on Sunday mornings for the foreseeable future. We recommend you refer to the Ottawa Public Health Guidelines on this matter (Guidance for Places of Worship).

Does The Met have physical distancing guidelines in effect?

You must be committed to following public health advice, which includes physical distancing at two metres (six feet) apart. Please exercise due diligence by practising physical distancing at all times.

Are face masks mandatory?

In accordance with the City of Ottawa Bylaw 2020-186, everyone is required to wear a face mask while they are in the church building, with some limited Bylaw exemptions.

Are there any special rules in place for parking at the church?

Vehicles should be parked in every second space to provide safe distance for people when they exit and enter their vehicles.

Are there specific doors I need to use when entering the church?

Separate entrances have been designated for each service venue. Enter through one of two entrances, depending on the location listed on your ticket. Entrances will open twenty minutes prior to the service.

• Sanctuary: East (main) entrance
• Chapel: West entrance
• Gym: Southeast entrance

How will the check-in process work?

As you enter, you will need to show your ticket (either a printed copy or on your mobile device) to the volunteers. Your registration lists your venue and it provides a contact tracing tool for us. You will be asked to confirm your answers to the questions from the Ontario self-assessment tool. If you are unable to provide satisfactory answers to these questions, then you will not be permitted to enter the building.

What should I do after I have been checked in?

Upon ENTRY you will be asked to SANITIZE YOUR HANDS at the designated hand-sanitizing stations, and thereafter you will continue to be seated. Take note of SIGNAGE and DIRECTIONAL ARROWS as you enter and walk through the building. When you enter the service location, the ushers will help you to find appropriate seating that will enable you to maintain adequate physical distancing. Please move to the middle of the rows as much as possible instead of sitting next to the aisles. Please ensure you leave a minimum of FOUR EMPTY SEATS BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS.

What parts of the building will be off-limits?

In order to ensure physical distancing, building access will be restricted to your selected service location with designated washroom facilities. We will not be able to offer the Library, Hub, or Café at this time.

Will there be any children’s programs running on Sunday?

We are not able to offer nursery or in-person Sunday School classes at this time. Sunday School classes and resources will continue to be offered online through our Virtual Church page.

Will there be singing during the service?

In light of updated provincial guidelines, there will be no congregational singing.

Are Bibles provided?

Pew Bibles and other handouts will not be available. Please bring your own Bible, notepad, and pen.

Can I return books that I borrowed from the church library before the pandemic?

Library books can now be returned by placing them in the labelled drop-off bins at the church entrances before or after the service. Details about the library reopening plans are coming soon.

How do I leave the building safely?

At the conclusion of the service, you will receive instructions for exiting the building. Please follow the instructions closely as you leave.

Can I stay and chat to people after the service?

We know there will be lots of excitement as we gather together. We ask that you refrain from socializing inside the building and maintain physical distancing.

What if guidelines change between now and Sunday?

It is possible that additional Ottawa Public Health guidance will be made available to us prior to Sunday, which may affect how we gather. Please check your email before leaving for the church in the event that we need to inform you of new information.

For the latest information, please visit metbiblechurch.ca/virtualchurch.