Good Shepherd Pandemic Update
January 19, 2021
Today, the Diocese of Southeast Florida held a meeting of clergy and leadership regarding best practices for worship and ministry based on current COVID-19 data. An epidemiologist provided information on the state of the pandemic in our area, and the Diocesan Reentry Team provided guidance for parishes based on the latest data.
The Good Shepherd Reentry Committee met this afternoon to consider the implementation of this guidance in the context of our current safety practices. The resulting actions will be implemented immediately:
Postponing Phase III reopening at this time. While we were hopeful that almost a year later we would be in a position to have all ministry groups meeting on campus and able to hold worship services with limited or no restrictions, that is not possible at this time.
Reinforcement of current safety protocols and adjustment of our registration capacity:
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Registration for Sunday services will be limited to 65 to allow for increased spacing
- No gathering on campus before or after services
- Temperature checks upon entry
- Compulsory mask-wearing
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Registration is required for Sunday attendance
Addition of outdoor services. We will begin offering an outdoor service with Holy Eucharist this Sunday, January 24, at 5:00 PM in the field behind the Parish Hall. Bring a chair or blanket. No registration is required for the outdoor service. In the event of rain, the service will be cancelled. We plan to continue outdoor services in February.
Reinforcement of current safety protocols for diocesan approved ministry groups:
- Only Diocesan approved ministries may meet on campus
- These include Food Pantry, Pennies for Heaven, and Youth Group
- These groups must strictly adhere to all required safety protocols
Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times. We will attempt to keep you informed of additional developments as we become aware of them.
Sincerely,
Good Shepherd Reentry Committee
