SsJA Lifts Most Covid-19 Protocols

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. 

• We encourage you to continue to wear your mask if you are more comfortable wearing one in public or if you are not fully vaccinated.

• We would ask that everyone respect that we are all in different places in terms of comfort and safety.  We also have many young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination, and each family has to navigate the nuances of keeping their children safe. In other words, there is no one size fits all. 

• Each ministry team will determine how they will continue their ministry moving forward - whether using a virtual, hybrid, or in-person format.  The Mission Team will decide when it is appropriate for each outreach ministry to resume more fully in person, and this will probably happen in stages, much like worship has. 

• There will be congregational singing, keeping windows and doors open for better air circulation. Epidemiologists recommend limiting the amount of singing, so at this time we will only sing opening and closing hymns. 

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