I flinch every time I read or hear Governor Justice refer to the 41 outbreaks of Covid-19 that have happened in churches. I am grateful that none of them have happened (as far as I know) in any of the churches in this presbytery. It makes me want to knock on wood, though, because I’m concerned that it could happen to one of us. (...)  As the infection numbers and rates rise throughout the state and throughout the nation, I think we need to suspend in-person worship again for the foreseeable future. However, that’s up to each Session. I do not have that authority. (I kind of wish I did, but as I often say, “I’m not the bishop.”) Here's why...

Next year’s Festival of Faith, featuring Diana Butler Bass, will be March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. In addition to Butler Bass' keynote and workshop, several other workshops will be offered, and committee chairs, presbytery staff, and others interested in presenting one should submit a workshop application by Monday, so the Planning Team, at its meeting in late November, can review them and select those to be offered in March.

While families have been unsure when their children might have in-person instruction this fall, they have been reassured they are in a safe environment at Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. Aside from designated online school instruction each morning, students who are also members of the church have been able to engage with others and volunteers in faith-friendly activities while wearing masks, using hand sanitizer often and social distancing — all part of COVID-19 safety recommendations.