Dear Church Family -

I thought it would be important to connect with the congregation again this week about the rise of Omicron cases nationally and in our community. Although there does seem to be some good news emerging about Omicron's severity relative to Delta and other variants, it is very worrisome to see case numbers continuing to rise. We know that the sheer number of cases will continue to strain the healthcare system, adding stress to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, and diminishing the quality of care available to everyone in need of medical attention. It is so important for all of us to put our household health and safety first, and to make choices that are mindful of consequences for the people around us.

Let us pray together this week, especially, for the healthcare workers in our lives. So many of us know medical professionals at Duke, UNC, and other clinics in our area who are now working under difficult conditions and who have been serving our community through nearly two long years of this.

I continue to attend regular public health with other clergy in our community, where we review data and discuss best practices for congregations. On Sunday, January 9, we will offer worship online and in person. For those joining us in person, we encourage spreading out to use as much of the available space as possible. We have a supply of high quality KN-95 makes in the narthex, so if you haven't been able to order your own recently please take one as you may need. Finding us online may be the best option for you to worship this week. If you are joining us online, I hope you feel the power of the Spirit keeping us all in covenant with one another.

We are told to expect Omicron cases to diminish rapidly once we hit a peak. God hasten the day!

In faith, hope, and love -



Rev. Cameron Barr