As reported two weeks ago, the Saint Luke's Session commissioned a Re-Gathering Task Force to anticipate, prepare, and propose safe in-person pilot gatherings for the Session to evaluate and approve. On Sunday, the Session unanimously approved the task force's proposal for a modified gathering of the Little Saints Preschool K & Pre-K classes starting next week.
Not surprisingly, SLLS began to prepare for fall classes almost immediately after the pandemic required closure of all schools back in March. Over these past months a team of experts has helped SLLS develop a thorough and detailed plan that ensures the school will be as safe as possible for students, parents, and teachers. The Session determined that because of the preparedness of the preschool, the excellent staff to oversee protocols, the positive trends in key local COVID metrics, the small class size, the deep community need for childcare, the necessity of the learning to be in person, and the success of other area preschool launches, that SLLS would be a logical first step for gathering.
This does not mean church is ready to "re-open," but it does mean that we are adapting, deliberately, as we learn more about safety, which is our top priority in this threatening time. We are only now at the beginning of "phase one" of regathering, during which Sunday morning worship, bible studies, and support groups will remain connected online.
The modified opening of SLLS Preschool will be carefully managed and monitored and the church will apply the learnings toward other small, safe pilot gatherings.
The Re-Gathering Task Force will next consider criteria for other such events.
Among things that will be considered are youth groups and a drive-in worship or FEAST experience.
Thank you for your understanding and patience while we carry ourselves faithfully, and in principled fashion, through this strenuous and wanting time.
Sincerely,
