Important Announcement:
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health there has been a significant rise in COVID-19 transmission across Franklin County. As a result, we will once again require masks be worn inside all our buildings, regardless of vaccination status. With the emergence of the Omicron variant and routine spread of cold and flu throughout the winter, we will continue with the practice of wearing masks through mid-March. At that time we will reassess our mask policy. Throughout this winter if you have cold or flu symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and join our worship virtually. Rev. Heather & Rev. Molly On behalf of SsJA Vestry Details in regards to worship and building use during COVID-19: Effective December 2, 2021
Details in regards to worship and building use during COVID-19:
Effective November 8, 2021 The City of Greenfield has lifted the mask mandate indoors. While we no longer require masks to be worn in our buildings, we still encourage their use for the safety and health of the whole community. We would ask that everyone respect that we are all in different places in terms of comfort and safety, and recognize we still have younger children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. We still require masks in worship because we are singing. We are listening to epidemiologists who encourage limited singing in worship. We will continue to keep windows open, and some doors open for better air circulation. At this time, we offer Holy Communion with bread only. Over the last sixteen months we have learned how to be the Church in new and exciting ways that we never would have dreamed possible had the Pandemic not forced us to adapt quickly. Our parish was able to be so nimble because of the faithfulness, trust, generosity, and care shown by every parishioner. We have learned a great deal during this season, and will continue to bring these learnings into our future.
Two weeks ago Bishop Fisher lifted all Covid-19 restrictions except one (read the letter here). The one guideline we are asked to follow is to continue to offer Holy Communion with bread only. In consultation with the clergy, wardens, and vestry we have decided to lift all Covid-19 restrictions in our parish, with the exception of continuing to offer Holy Communion with bread only, for the present, and a few other caveats listed below.
For the next two Sundays we will have worship at 8 a.m. in the Church. Starting August 1 we will transition to a service at 10 a.m. that will livestream our in-person worship. At this time, we will phase out our virtual coffee hour with the hope to resume in-person coffee hour later this fall. You may be wondering why we will only be offering one service starting August 1 at 10 a.m. in the Church. With the ability to livestream our in-person service we will be able to worship as a whole community. Attendance at in-person worship has been low (15-25 people each week). When attendance demands a second service, we will resume with two services each week. Thank you for your patience during these many months. We know some of you may have thoughts and questions during this phase of emerging out of the pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Peace Rev. Heather & Rev. Molly |
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