TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Chapel has reopened for in-person worship services.
“Now that the base is back to [Health Protection Condition] Bravo Plus, we are back open,” said Wing Chaplain Maj. Chris Reeder. “We are excited and ready to welcome our parishioners back. However, we do encourage those with underlying health issues to make an informed decision before they choose to return to in-person services.”
Reeder said while the doors have reopened, there will still be safety guidelines in place.
“Masks will still be required while in the chapel and everyone will be socially distanced,” Reeder said. “No one will be admitted without a mask.”
Due to safety for the youngest parishioners, Reeder said the children’s ministry is still on hold.
“Until we can get a better idea of how to do a COVID-safe children’s ministry, we’re going to hold off on reopening that portion of our services,” Reeder said.
Other guidelines include:
- Door 6 on the east side of the building will be the single point of entry.
- With social distancing, seating in the sanctuary will only be available for 36 family groups consisting of one to three people.
- Overflow seating will be available in the balcony.
- The Cry Room will be open for one family per service. It will be available on a first come first serve basis. Parents are asked to bring toys from home and sanitize the room after each use.
- Socializing in pews before, during and after the mass or service is discouraged.
- Volunteers will sanitize areas before and after each service.
- There will be no Bibles or hymnals in the pews, so parishioners are encouraged to bring their own Bibles.
- There will be accompanist, but no choir or group singing.
- Fellowship with coffee and donuts is still suspended.
Mass is held at 5 p.m. Saturday evening and 9 a.m. Sunday morning. The Protestant service is at 11 a.m. Sundays.
Daily Mass will resume March 22 and will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A Protestant Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 9 a.m. April 4 at the chapel.
Those who are unable to attend can still watch the services on the chapel’s Facebook page.
For more information, visit www.tinker.af.mil/resources/base-chapel.