A Note from the Rector: What we're learning
A Note from the Rector - April 27, 2021
What we’re learning…
This past Sunday marked the first Sunday where every church in the Diocese of Montana held in-person services with the hybrid option of live-streaming or recorded with release later in the day. It was only our second in-person/YouTube hybrid Sunday service since we went online over a year ago. Bishop Marty mentioned in her visit with us that it is clear that re-opening is much more difficult than closing things down initially. Those who attend in person are accepting protocols for masks, spacing, no congregational singing, and air circulation that open windows provide. Hearing everything is difficult for some, especially with the windows open and masks on those who speak. For others, it has been cold even with coats and the heat on. And while Eucharist being celebrated is a joy, it is quite different being received outside afterward. Those who remain home are having to wait for the recorded service to be uploaded late afternoon on Sunday, and it less intimate than what pre-recording allowed us to do. But, for all of it, seeing others in person, knowing still others are online, and that all of us are continuing to make various sacrifices as a worshipping community speaks loudly. Thank you for that!
Here’s some of what we have learned so far. We don’t have the full volunteer capacity available right now as we had pre-pandemic. This affects everything from Altar Guild to Ushering to Vestry counting the Offering afterward. Some are waiting for vaccination or for the 2 weeks after vaccination to pass before considering physical gathering. Others still aren’t comfortable with the risks of indoor gathering. This means that our liturgy is currently being adapted to keep things as simple as possible. The Choir is 4-5 well spaced and masked with specific masks for singing. We solved the Parish Hall sound system problem that surprised us on the 18th so it was again working this past Sunday for overflow. There will be more learnings as we go so expect that week to week. We respect the needs and decisions of our members to attend in person or not as we begin to live into a new normal. The Staff and I will be meeting soon to consider a number of next steps together and will let you know as things change.
We have spent over a year wandering in the wilderness, and in many ways, we continue to do so. Pray for one another. Encourage one another while respecting decisions that will change week to week. Continue to be patient. As they say when investing money: we each have different risk tolerances and that is to be recognized and respected during these times. We are in this together and we will continue to journey alongside one another in all manner of ways. Take time to care for yourselves while you love one another so that you will be able to sustain that loving as we go forward. And over all, may God continue to bless this faith community so that we remain good stewards of all God has given to our care.
Faithfully with you on the way,
Terri+