May 21, 2021
Brave & Faithful Pastors and Congregations of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta,
As Joshua prepared to lead the people into the promised land, God spoke to him with these words:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
God’s charge to Joshua is also a charge to our churches and our pastors this day as we celebrate the hope of moving into a new phase while also carefully navigating uncharted territory for all God’s children.
A week ago, the CDC released exciting new guidelines for vaccinated persons. These guidelines stated that “If you have been fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart from others, except in certain business and healthcare settings.” While this news has been met with great joy and relief for many, it has also created a new sense of fear and concern for others.
The reality for our communities of faith is that we are not a fully vaccinated body of people which complicates implementation of these guidelines. We have worshipers choosing to be vaccinated, choosing not to be vaccinated, unable to be vaccinated, ineligible to be vaccinated, and fully vaccinated. With only 29% of Georgia fully vaccinated whether by choice or eligibility, we must take that into account as we determine how to move forward within our churches.
As you make decisions with your sessions regarding reopening, we encourage you:
- To create spaces and opportunities where all of God’s children can find a way to participate.
- To promote vaccination and provide resources to your members.
- To give yourself grace knowing that our churches function as a mixed group of vaccinated and unvaccinated persons so the CDC guidelines do not directly correlate and must be adapted based on context.
- To both celebrate this new hope for vaccinated persons and hold carefully the reality for unvaccinated persons who are still experiencing fear.
We have emphasized since the beginning of this pandemic that context is important, so we expect each church to continue to move forward at varying paces and differing styles. Below, we offer a few examples of the ways some of our churches are managing in person worship in response to the most recent CDC guideline changes.
Shallowford Presbyterian – 8:30am service masks required with social distancing; 11:00am service masks are optional for those vaccinated. Balcony available for masked and socially distanced seating.
First Presbyterian Atlanta: Masks are optional for those fully vaccinated; masks are required for the unvaccinated and for those working with children; a small group of socially distanced choir members are not required to wear masks.
Gum Creek Presbyterian: Requesting a confirmation of temperature checks, masks during worship, and masks and hand sanitizer will be made available for those who do not have them. Children’s ministry will be held in a separate room from the sanctuary.
New Life Presbyterian Church: Online worship will continue through August with plans to slowly reopen in the fall.
First Presbyterian LaGrange: Masks are encouraged but not required.
As you continue to discern what is best in your worshiping context, you have the support of this Presbytery and of this Task Force. Let us know how we can come alongside you on this journey.
In Christ,
Members of the COVID-19 Reopening to Reimagining Task Force
Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter
Rev. Joy Fisher, Congregational Consultant
Rev. Hamilton Barnes, Piedmont Hospital Chaplain
Rev. James Goodlet, First Presbyterian Church - LaGrange
Rev. Bradley Kibler, Master of Public Health (MPH), Shallowford Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier, First Presbyterian Church - Atlanta
Rev. Hodari Williams, New Life Presbyterian Church
