A Note from the Rector: Re-Opening Worship - April 12, 2021
A Note from the Rector
Blessings this Eastertide! We will begin to re-open for in-person worship this coming Sunday, April 18, with the visitation of Bishop Marty. I know that all of you want to know what will be required, how it will happen, and what to do next. I need to ask for your patience while we continue to sort out just how we will proceed. Having been off last week after Holy Week and Easter, it is clear that all those involved in worship planning and support will have numerous adjustments to make in a limited amount of time. It is not as simple as just “returning to worship” and it won’t be for quite some time. We need to address what protocols will remain necessary (like social distancing, masks, number of people in the church and parish hall, and even outside) not to mention how we’ll keep a virtual presence on YouTube for those who aren’t able to gather in person. One step at a time.
In order to give us the greatest flexibility to adjust to changing from “all virtual” to a hybrid “physically gathered/virtual” worship, we need your help. For one, be prepared for things to be different. It will take several weeks or more to move to livestreaming so you will for a time see James doing his photographic recording within your view of the chancel area. For another, be patient, ready and willing to adapt. When the limited capacity of the church building is reached, worshippers will be directed to the Parish Hall to view the service via the tv screen, limited by physical distancing as well. We will not be using sign-ups in advance for now as it allows us to quickly shift should distancing requirements change on short notice. Lastly, remember that all are welcome, and love one another as Christ loves us, with respect and care. We all have differing needs. Some are vaccinated; some cannot be vaccinated; some are in the process of being vaccinated; and still others are uncertain about vaccination. While we will do what we can to reduce risk of catching Covid-19 in its various forms, we cannot eliminate the risk entirely and our church insurance does not cover an outbreak that might occur. Be wise. Stay home if you don’t feel well. Respect the dignity and well-being of your brothers and sisters as we gather.
I’ll be back in touch tomorrow and likely again later in the week with a couple of “Sticky Notes” from the Rector. Please keep an eye out for those as they will share more details as we go. Meanwhile, let us rejoice and give thanks for each and every day, held in the love of God, following the way of Christ, and enlivened by the Spirit as God continues to create and re-create! Blessings to all of you!
Faithfully with you on the way,
Terri+