A MESSAGE FROM OUR RECTOR
In recognition of the current rise in COVID cases both globally and locally, and in anticipation of our upcoming Christmas Eve and Christmas services, we wanted to let you know how we are thoughtfully approaching our worship together during this current stage.
St. Paul’s believes that worshiping in person at the church remains a vital part of the Christian life and also contributes to our social and emotional well-being. At the same time, we will do all we can to provide safeguards during our services and alternatives for those with health concerns.
First and foremost, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, including a booster shot, which can significantly lessen the impact of the virus and prevent hospitalization if a breakthrough infection occurs. Additionally, if you or a member in your household is feeling ill, please stay home and join our services online. Please note, that the current Omicron strain of the virus is much more likely to evade vaccination protection, which means that masks, distancing, and handwashing continue to remain very important for everyone’s health and safety.
This year we are offering three different Christmas Eve services (4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.) and one on Christmas Day (10:00 a.m.). Each service will have a maximum capacity that will allow for some level of distancing between households. There will be overflow space in the Scott Hall (the Parish Hall) if we reach maximum capacity and for those who would like to be in a space with a limited amount of people. We ask for your continued flexibility, patience, and understanding when you arrive at church, where ushers will help you find the best available seat either in the church or in Scott Hall (once we have reached capacity in the church).
Masks will be required at all times and must be worn correctly (covering both the mouth and the nose). We encourage everyone to consider wearing N95 or KN95 masks or double mask with a surgical mask below your cloth one to provide better protection, especially, if you consider yourself or a household member in the “at-risk” category.
As a reminder, all worship leaders and nursery staff are vaccinated. Our HVAC system has been updated to the highest filtration system it can handle. Communion will be given "touchless" and bread only.
All services except the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service will be live-streamed at www.stpaulsrva.org or facebook.com/stpaulsrva. We encourage anyone who does not feel comfortable attending services in person or who is not feeling well to join us online.
We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID in our region and if necessary, may need to make additional changes, which will be communicated by e-mail, on our website and through social media if more changes are made and precautions implemented.
Highlighting our current protocol mentioned above:
- There will be limited seating in the church and overflow seating in Scott Hall.
- Masks must be worn correctly at all times.
- Physical distancing is expected for all households.
- Consider watching online if you are immunocompromised or at high risk.
- Please stay home and watch online if you are experiencing any cold, flu or allergy-like symptoms.
Whether you join us in person or online, we hope that this Christmas season will bring us together. Even in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and these uncertain times, together, we come to the manger, we offer our gifts, and we join hearts and voices as we sing the angel’s song . . . Joy to the world, the Lord has come.
Peace and Christmas Blessings,
The Rev. Charles T. Dupree, DMin.
Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
