1. Though there are still recommendations for us to do only virtual worship gatherings (online), we at both congregations have instituted proactive and consistent health safety precautions that abide by the guidelines set out for us by national and local health professionals. I believe that we are taking the necessary steps at BOTH congregations to ensure the health safety of every attendee. BOTH congregations are doing VERY WELL at being diligent mask wearers as well as abiding by social distancing and hand sanitizing/washing guidelines. Both congregations are worshipping with numbers that are well within my comfort zone. In fact, I’ve had several people at both churches remark that they would not be attending worship regularly IF they felt that we were taking unnecessary risks and not following safety measures. We also have several people from both churches who WOULD NOT attend worship IF they felt that we were being careless in our health safety protocols.
2. The impact of the availability of the vaccine is giving us a glimpse of "light at the end of the tunnel" but, as a community, we are still far short of the "herd immunity" percentages that will be needed in order to return to some sort of "normalcy." Many of our members and regular attendees have already received one, if not, both vaccine injections. That's great...and when you have the opportunity to do so, I would encourage you to receive the vaccine (if you feel so inclined to do so). I do believe because of the numbers of our members and regulars who will be vaccinated, that as we head into the summer, we will be able to reinstitute some ministry events that will be deliberating "re-booting" our congregations' programs. I'm anticipating, prayerfully, that we could see a full return to what many of us know is our "usual" in terms of congregational activities and ministries by this fall. Of course, I say that humbly and with a vow to continue to be flexible!
3. So, I’m still recommending that we stay the course with our current strategy…live worship, pre-recorded worship (now being called, "Worship On Demand" on our websites) AND live streaming at 11am from OSLC.  If you have any feedback, I’d love to hear it. Email me, OK? (click on the blue link for a direct email to me).
4. I've already heard from several people regarding vaccine "cards" or documented proof of the receiving of the vaccine - the question has been posed whether we would require people to show that they have received the vaccine prior to being able to participate in any congregational activities - the short answer is NO! We do believe that our current practices and protocols will be in place for the coming months to ensure health safety across our congregations' ministries without having to institute such measures.