Yesterday afternoon, I attended an MCC webinar, with over 70 churches represented; the webinar focused on how & when we start the process, planning & preparation of reopening our church. I will be attending another on Monday afternoon.
In light of the new CDC guidelines issued yesterday, regarding the wearing of masks, I wanted to let you all know that this process HAS already been started at God’s Acre.
Given the amount of reorganization, cleaning, supply preparation and other logistics needed, we are hopefully looking at reopening by early August. This date will need to be flexible, but that is our aim. The date will also depend on the numbers of fully vaccinated people; our aim is to reopen once there is at least 70% (or more) of fully vaccinated people in Marion County.
I am monitoring the figures on a daily basis - currently the uptake of vaccinations, throughout Florida and more locally: Marion County 33%, Alachua County 36%, Citrus County 37%, Lake County 43%, Levy County 39% & Sumter County 61% is quite low. We need to be looking at at least a 70% coverage rate.
Things WILL be different when we start in-person worship again; we will need to follow new protocols AND to start with at least, you'll need to register for one of the limited number of seats, if you'd like to attend in-person worship.
We will also continue recording our services for people who live out of state, and those who do not feel comfortable returning just yet.
We will also need to continue to wear masks, in our small sanctuary, and there won't be any singing. Other new protocols will be announced closer to re-opening.
As MCC is an open and affirming church, we will find it difficult to discriminate between those who are or are not vaccinated. It will challenge the values that we have upheld in UFMCC over the last 50+ years.
The plan IS in process and we will keep you updated. We will be holding an online Zoom forum very soon, so please keep your eyes open for further bulletins. We are so looking forward to seeing everyone in person again.
In the meantime, we need to maintain social distancing - we must continue to wash our hands and help to stop the spread. Please hold me & the board in prayer, as we work to reopen God's Acre MCC safely.
In Christ,
Rev. Janice
Rev. Janice Bowker
Senior Pastor
God's Acre MCC
