Dear All Saints’,
The CDC and our diocesan office have recently issued new Covid-19 guidelines, particularly regarding masks. At All Saints’ we are striving to be both welcoming and safe, and we recognize that comfort levels around wearing and not wearing masks differ significantly from person to person. Added to this individual variation is the fact that the American Academy of Pediatricians and the CDC still recommend that children who are not vaccinated continue to wear masks indoors. (As of now, only children 12 years of age and older are eligible for vaccination.) Given the recent statements by the CDC and our diocesan office, I’d like to lay out our plans around Covid-19 protocols for the next few months as we gradually bring back more and more activities and programs.
1) Although we welcome all people (masked or unmasked) to worship with us, I ask that each of us consider continuing to wear masks in solidarity with, and as an example to, the children of our church. It also shows them how important they are to us.
2) We encourage all unvaccinated persons, as well as vaccinated persons who wish to do so, to wear masks and to observe a six-foot physical distance from other households.
3) Small group meetings have begun to take place again at All Saints’, including some Christian Education classes and vestry meetings. If participants are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so, masks may be removed for such meetings.
4) This week you will notice that cords preventing the use of certain pews will no longer be in place. We ask that you continue to distance physically from other households.
5) When it is time for communion, all those who wish to come forward for communion will exit the pew using the center aisle and return using the outer aisle. Please maintain distance from other households at the altar rail and on the way to and from the altar.
6) This week we will re-introduce congregational singing to our worship service for the first time in more than a year (another reason to consider continuing to wear your mask).
7) Beginning June 20th, we will begin an outdoor coffee hour following services.
8) We look forward to our Sunday and Wednesday Christian Formation classes meeting in person this Fall!
As has been the case thus far, we will continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC and the diocese and make changes to our plan as needed. Hope this helps give an idea of our planned trajectory in the coming months!
God’s peace,
Teri
