From the Rector's Desk
The Rev. Ledlie I. Laughlin
Rector, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Washington, DC
|
|
August 24, 2021
Dear Ones,
As we seek to Live God’s Love in this ever-changing COVID-landscape, we are continuing to adjust plans and opportunities for worship, gatherings and more. I write to share news about
- Worship
- Construction
- Safety Guidelines
- Super Sundae Sunday & Ministry Fair
|
|
Beginning October 3, you are invited to worship with St. Columba’s in one of four ways: |
|
Inside – in the Church Nave
- 8:00 am Holy Eucharist
- 9:00 am Holy Eucharist with choir; live-streamed
|
|
Outside – in the Courtyard
- 9:15 am Wee Worship for young children and their families
- 11:15 am Courtyard Worship; Holy Eucharist with choir
We will worship in heat and cold; in sunshine, rain or snow; dress accordingly!
|
|
|
Online
- Prerecorded worship continues online through October 3rd. Live-streamed worship will be available online from 9:00 am, beginning October 3rd
|
|
Columba Circles, Prayer Groups, House Churches,
and more
- Opportunities abound to gather throughout the week for prayer and fellowship; details can be found at columba.org.
|
|
|
Opportunities for Christian Formation including Bible Study, Adult Forums, Youth Group, and more will be offered both inside and outside (in the courtyard and playground) on Sunday mornings at 10:15 and throughout the week. More details to follow.
These services will continue through the changing seasons until further notice; adjustments will be made as interest, safety, and other circumstances dictate.
|
|
Repair of the Nave is almost complete and it looks splendid! Construction has included replacement, repair, or restoration of roofs, gutters, stained-glass window frames, plaster, lighting, sound system, floor tiles, carpet, paint, and more. Please come to the grand re-opening on Sunday, October 3rd. |
|
In this ever-shifting COVID landscape, staying safe and keeping others safe is paramount. Recognizing that the people of our congregation and community have differing needs and differing understandings and comfort levels of acceptable risk, we will have ways to gather for worship and other activities both indoors and outdoors, as well as online.
We ask that you follow the guidelines set forth below, consistent with those provided by the CDC and DC city government. We will notify you as guidelines change.
- When you gather indoors at St. Columba’s for any reason – worship, meetings, fellowship, rehearsals, classes, etc. - you will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
- To assist with contact tracing, everyone must register for indoor gatherings and events. Parishioners and guests will be asked to check in either at one of our brand new kiosks placed throughout the building or to check in online. We will keep it simple and easy for all.
- We have increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning, including regular sanitization of door handles, sink handles, refrigerator handles, handrails, touch screens, and other frequently touched areas. We added alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations throughout the building and we have personal protective gear, such as masks, readily available for any guest that may need them.
As we take measures to ensure the safety of others, we ask you to do the same: If you are eligible to be vaccinated, we ask that you do so before gathering indoors, and to follow the guidelines set forth here.
When worshipping or gathering outdoors, wearing a mask is at your comfort or discretion. When gathering for a St. Columba’s activity not held on St. Columba’s property, please check with the host or organizer.
If you are experiencing cold-related symptoms, please stay home. If you suspect you have COVID-19 or have come in contact with COVID-19, please email Alisha Felder or Tony Kittrell immediately. A notice to all individuals who came in contact with said person will be notified via email without mentioning name. The Operations team will arrange a medical-grade cleaning of the area and contact tracing will begin. If you have contracted COVID-19 and tested positive, you will need to quarantine for two weeks and not participate in St. Columba’s activities, e.g., choirs, youth group, etc. until you have tested negative.
*These guidelines are based on what similar businesses, organizations, and churches are doing in the area. Business and Employment firm VedderPrice also reviewed guidelines and deemed them as best practice. The Operations and Administration teams monitor CDC and DC Guidelines for updates and requirements.
|
|
Coming 10 am, October 3rd!
In a typical year, our programs for adult and child formation would begin just after Labor Day, under the celebratory title “Sundae Sunday”. This year, because we are beginning our program year on October 3rd, AND we’re reopening the Nave after its refurbishment, AND we’re hosting the “Together in Hope Ministry Fair”, AND we’ll have ice cream, we are calling October 3rd “Super Sundae Sunday”! See details below:
You had me at ice cream.
- Join us for one of our services, online or in-person, and then join us for an IN-PERSON celebration at the grounds of St. Columba’s at 10am. We’ll have ice cream treats for all!
Tour the refurbished Nave.
- Take a tour of the Nave, with our new flooring, paint, spruced-up stained glass, and more.
Learn about the work of St. Columba’s and how to get involved.
- Take a tour of our diverse array of ministries at the “Together in Hope Ministry Fair”, showcasing the ministries of St. Columba’s and ways to get involved. Curious about how to sign up for Bible study, book groups, engagement opportunities for all ages, Sunday formation for children and adults, choir and handbells, or ways to participate in our Ending Family Homelessness Ministry? Join us at 10 am on October 3rd (ice cream in hand) on the sidewalks of Albemarle and 42nd!
|
|
The Rev. Ledlie I. Laughlin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
