The Omicron Variant

Dear friends,

As the Body of Christ, over the last two years we have had to constantly adapt to the changing circumstances of the pandemic as we seek to be faithful to our call to common ministry. The Omicron Variant is sweeping across our nation, and we will need to take the current status of the virus into account as we approach our January 22 session for Cohort 1.

Here's what we know so far:

• Our goal is for as many of us (in Cohort 1) as is safely possible to meet in person on January 22 at Christ Church Cathedral (our first host site).
• To that end, we have purchased enough KN95 masks for every attendee.
• The only time we will be unmasked is while eating, and we plan to use the great size of the Cathedral building to our advantage by physically distancing across the campus.

Bear in mind that this is the state of our current thinking, and we thank you in advance for your flexibility as we seek the best scientific advice while trying to build the best quality experience for you in this program. Our highest priority is your safety, followed by making the meeting time you have committed to worth your time.

We will continue to keep in you informed as circumstances evolved, as as always, we are praying for you every day. May your Christmas be safe, merry, and bright!

Pax,

Canon Whitney

New Prayer Resources

From Requiem or Renaissance Chaplain Sally Weaver:

Consider using the following prayer in a Sunday worship service (possibly during Announcements time) to initiate the work of the “Requiem or Renaissance” team.

Commissioning of the Team for “Requiem or Renaissance”

Gracious and loving God, bless this team of clergy and parishioners as they embark upon the Diocesan “Requiem or Renaissance” discernment process. By your design, none of us knows what lies ahead. We are certain, however, that when we call upon you for help, your Spirit will show us the way, leading us into this parish’s blessed future. Be with this team and the entire congregation in this discernment process so that we may follow faithfully wherever we are being led. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

Consider adding the following bidding to the worship service’s Prayers of the People to keep the “Requiem or Renaissance” team in everyone’s prayers. (The wording of the final bidding and the response may need to be modified based on the form of the Prayers of the People being used.)

Bidding for the “Requiem or Renaissance” Team during the Prayers of the People

Be with the “Requiem or Renaissance” team as they discern, with God’s help, the trajectory of this parish’s future. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.