Dear People of Grace,
Christmas is just around the corner! I love this time of year when we can feel the anticipation rising even more. Already, this Advent has been an extraordinarily rich time, and I am grateful for all the ways this community continues to support the spiritual and physical well-being of everyone.
Given where we are with uncertainties around the efficacy of the vaccine against this variant, and given that we have so many plans to coordinate with Advent, the Messiah Sing-a-Long, Christmas Eve and beyond, we need a proactive plan that will enable us to support both our common worship and communal well-being. To that end, the Vestry and Medical Advisory Team have agreed with the following guidelines at least until the end of the year.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear masks inside when in close proximity to others. We are trying to thread the needle here in a way that is respectful of the need for caution and appreciative of the complexity of the worship situation. Those who work with children will continue to wear masks to support their well-being. The choir is transparent with one another about their vaccination status, so they will continue singing in the loft. During the Messiah Sing-a-Long, the soloists will be on the chancel, so they will sing unmasked. We will also have additional KN95 masks available for those who may appreciate an additional level of self-protection, and you may always space yourself out in the nave, as possible, if that makes you feel more comfortable as well. As always, our Medical Team encourages everyone to get the vaccine, and we are available for anyone who has questions in that regard.
Our hope that we can smoothly move back and forth from a more relaxed position to one that warrants more caution in the coming year, and we continue to keep everyone in our prayers.
Blessings,
Stuart