As of June 16, we had received responses from more than 100 parishioners. Thank you for your commitment and enthusiasm in letting us know your views!
One question on the survey asked how you feel about continuing the online Sunday service (Morning Prayer) for many months, vs. returning to in-person worship soon (which would still be live-streamed for those who can’t attend). Fully 46% of you said that you were happy with online Morning Prayer and could continue with it for 4-6 months, and an additional 34% said that you were content with online Morning Prayer for now, but hoped to return on in-person worship in 2-3 months. In part, this acceptance of online Morning Prayer is a tribute to our clergy, who have managed to create such meaningful services despite massive technological challenges.
The response to this question is consistent with your written comments, which reflect a desire to be cautious and mindful of everyone’s health and yet a deep yearning to be together in person again. A frequent comment was that you would feel comfortable with in-person worship in the church when a vaccine is available. Amen!
On the question of Morning Prayer vs. the Eucharist when we re-open, 60% said they preferred Morning Prayer until the pandemic slows substantially, and another 24% were neutral on the issue. Yet 16% said that the Eucharist was really important to them and hoped that we celebrated it as soon as we re-open.
There was strong support for health measures such as keeping a list of attendees at services in case contact tracing was necessary; 94% supported keeping a list. Similarly, there was strong support for holding services outdoors, with 58% preferring it, compared with 17% preferring to be in the building and 25% having no preference.
As for the timing of re-opening, 32% preferred re-opening in July, 8% preferred an August re-opening, 25% preferred re-opening later than August, and 34% were not sure.
The Task Force is reviewing responses to the survey, monitoring Dane County Public Health and CDC guidelines, and meeting regularly, formulating plans to recommend to the Vestry. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have comments.
Janet Hyde, on behalf of the Re-opening Task Force
The Re-opening Task Force:
Fr. Andy Jones
Mtr. Melesa Skoglund
Sara Siegmann, Senior Warden
Jeff Bowen
Carolyn Chadderdon
Mary Hastings
Janet Hyde