Spring 2022 Mask Update
Masks usage in the building is currently left up to the discretion of the wearer.
January 6, 2022 Update on Evolving COVID Situation
Over the last year and a half, we’ve all been challenged with navigating a path through this unknown entity of COVID-19. And it appears that we will continue navigating that path for at least the next several weeks, probably months. Consistory has wrestled continuously with the decision making around building usage, mask requirements, and remote worship.
Last evening, your Consistory wrestled some more. After hearing varying perspectives, but ensuring that all Consistory members were heard, Consistory has determined that at this time we will continue to hold in person worship in our sanctuary, while also live streaming our service via Facebook. There will be no Sunday school for children – packets can be delivered as they were during the summer months. Café Conversations (our Adult Sunday school offering) will be hybrid, both in person and remote via Zoom. And we will hold a Zoom Fellowship Time immediately after worship. This will be our plan for the next few weeks. Consistory has authorized the Consistory President, Chair of Spiritual Council, and the Pastor to assess and update the plan as needed based on changing conditions with the virus. So, if things shift quickly, we will be able to respond in kind.
We are living through times that call us to be mindful of what things we can control, and what we cannot, both as individuals and as a community of faith. As a congregation we will continue to require that masks be worn in our building. We will continue to offer virtual options for our regular gatherings so that no one is excluded. We will shift our normal practices as needed to account for public health best practices, including things like shifting back to a “bring your own communion elements” model for this Sunday, and having “worship leader” singers rather than an entire choir. We will provide space for each of us to share our hopes, doubts, and fears as is needed. And we will respect each other’s decisions as to what is best for each of us at this current time.
We ask a few things of you. Most importantly, know that you are a beloved member of this faith community, and we want you to be safe and healthy. We ask that you take stock of both your health and your spiritual needs and proceed in the manner that is best for you. If you are feeling ill or know you’ve been exposed to the virus, we ask that you join us remotely for worship, and let us know if you would like to be added to the prayer list or if you have other spiritual needs we can support. If you are in good health and prefer to worship in the sanctuary, we welcome you to join us while wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
Our call as followers of Jesus is to love one another. We show our love in many ways. Making wise decisions as to our physical presence and how we participate in worship is one of the ways we can care for one another, both for our physical health and for our spiritual health. Be well and be safe.
Blessings in Christ,
Jerry Mohn, Consistory President
Doug McKita, Spiritual Council Chair
Rev. Joyce Wealand, Pastor
January 6, 2022
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