Hello Church!
Last night we held our monthly Church Council meeting on Zoom. It works pretty well, although we all have tried to speak when our “mute” button was on. This however is better than thinking you’ve been muted only to find out that everyone else heard that embarrassing noise or comment.
The biggest question facing the Council last night was “when?” When will we get back in the building? When will we be able to worship together? The staff, Council and Worship & Music Team have all discussed this topic thoroughly. We still can’t give you a definite start date, as much depends on the health of the greater community. Here’s what I do know:
- Bucks County is scheduled to move to Phase Yellow on Friday. In terms of worship, Yellow looks a lot like Red for us. Yellow will mean that groups that gather are limited to 20 people, must wear masks and keep a healthy distance. Due to the size of our congregation, we have concluded that we will not worship in the building until we reach Phase Green.
- Bishop Davenport has asked that all congregations in the Southeast Pennsylvania Synod not worship “in person” until July 1 at the earliest. I am hoping that Phase Green will intersect with that July date, but we will have to wait and see.
- Worship will be different in Phase Green. We will still need to wear masks and keep a distance between us. Sadly, singing is not recommended even with a mask and apparently humming isn’t a lot better. We will have music in worship but you may be invited to play a rhythm instrument or just listen. I know it sounds weird, but our concern is for your safety.
- We will continue to offer an online option through the pandemic and beyond.
In the coming weeks we will be offering training for folks who serve as ushers and greeters. There will also be some different responsibilities for the Altar Guild. These key volunteers will help us keep our space safe. None of this is very complicated but it will be different.
In the meantime, you can access our Sunday worship services on Facebook and on YouTube. Our YouTube channel is called Keller’s Church. If there is something you’ve enjoyed in worship, I hope you will consider sharing a link with your friends or neighbors. If there is something you wish we’d add to worship or change, let me know. This is a new path we’re on and suggestions are very welcome.
Finally, this is a challenging time for us all. If you find that you need someone to talk to, please know that I am always available by phone, facetime, email or text. We may be apart from each other but we are in this together. That’s part of what it means to be church.
God’s blessings on your day!
+ Pastor Heidi
