Dear Christ Church family,
Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
When you leave home, social distancing is evident almost everywhere.
It is not easy. Many of you are painfully distanced from grandchildren or your parents. Most of us are in great need to an embrace, much less a handshake.
But the sacrificial work our community has done β by the grace of God, closing schools, restaurants, and shops, and ceasing physical attendance at church, coupled with renewed attention to handwashing and disinfectant, are making a difference in Tyler!
Far fewer people contracted the Novel Coronavirus over the past two weeks than in the beginning of April. And to this moment, in a county with over 250,000 people, Smith County has suffered only three tragic deaths from Covid-19.
Over the coming weeks, Tyler and Christ Church will begin to re-open.
The federal, state, and local governments, and the Diocese of Texas have all issued guidance that will help us navigate gathering once again for worship in our historic downtown nave and in Carr Hall at Christ Church South.
Much is uncertain, but a few things are clear.
First, our core commitments as Christians are to love God and to love our neighbors. Therefore, we will do everything possible to ensure that people will not contract the novel coronavirus when they worship in the buildings.
To that end, when we re-open our campuses for worship, we will observe these protocols:
- If you are ill or have symptoms of the Wuhan virus, please stay home.
- Families will be seated at least six feet apart.
- Everyone will need to wear a face mask to worship (be creativeπ).
- The door handles, pews, chairs, and altar rail will be disinfected after each service.
- Only one family will enter a bathroom at a time.
- Everyone will enter and exit the respective worship space through a single door.
- Retired parishioners and those with heart or respiratory issues need to worship at home for a while longer. Worship will continue to be live-streamed for your convenience.
- We will share Holy Eucharist of bread without the wine.
- We will exchange the peace without touching.
- Sunday school classes, the nurseries, and church offices remain closed for now.
We will have to live with Covid-19 until a proven medical remedy is widely available. The re-opening of Tyler, of America, and of the world will proceed cautiously in phases. But by the grace of God, the Lord will continue to shepherd us through these challenging days.
We cannot know what we will face over these coming months. But take comfort in the promise of Psalm 28.10:
βThe Lord is the strength of His people, a safe refuge for His anointed.β
May God continue to bless you, provide for you, and walk you safely through this time of trial.
I cannot wait to see you again!
Faithfully yours in Christ Jesus,
