An Update from Emily
It's hard to believe but we are coming up on a year since COVID hit and we had to change how we worship and how we go about our daily lives: from work and school, to social events and travel. It has been a year that has required our resiliency, patience, and faith. The good news is that as vaccines become more readily available and we continue social distancing, the number of active cases is starting to decline across the United States.
With that in mind, the Diocese has given us revised guidance on when we will be able to regather. As soon as the number of reported infections reaches less than 25 per 100,000 individuals, we will be allowed to worship outside. When we reach 10 or less in reported infections, we may consider having indoor worship. In addition, we will wait until we see 3 consecutive weeks of acceptable numbers before making the determination to regather.
The Bishop's Remarks on these new measures may be found
here.
In addition, you may review the reported caseload here.
We look at the surrounding counties where our parishioners live and work to determine when it is safe for Grace to regather. As I write this, our current numbers are:
Goochland - 19.8
Henrico - 25
Louisa - 12.5
Powhatan - 31.3
Richmond - 25.5
These numbers are hopeful and I am sure they may bring you a little bit of sunshine during these winter days. Please pray that our infection rate continues to decrease and that weather continues to improve. I am optimistic that with this trend, we may be able to gather in person, outside in the very near future. For now, please continue to gather online and stay safe.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
