2021 Weekly News

Date Posted: October 28, 2021

Dear People of Grace,

Last night the vestry met, and we feel good about where we have landed regarding our response to both the decrease in COVID-19 cases and as well as our ongoing concern with the care of children. I wanted to update you on the framework that we feel will enable us to take next steps in our worship and community life.  

As you know, our benchmark has been a 5% percent positive test rate for Hall County. We are drawing very near to that goal, which is great news! When we reach that goal, here are details on how our protocol will shift.

• Masks will be optional for all who are vaccinated. Of course people can still choose to wear one should they desire.
• Masks will be encouraged for all who are unvaccinated, both adults and children. We recognize the difficulty with children, but we encourage us all to be mindful of the ongoing vulnerability of many in our community. 
• Adults who are working with children in our formation spaces will wear masks to safeguard the well-being of the kids.
• We will be able to share meals indoors.
• We will continue our practice of the small cups for wine until the bishop allows for use of the common cup at Holy Communion. 

Looking ahead at potential uncertainty in the fall and winter, the vestry feels good about allowing for a degree of fluctuation in the percent positive test rate. To that end, we will monitor the situation closely, and we will explore any needed adjustments. This will give us added stability while some concern continues to persist.

As well, we want to encourage folks to get vaccinated. As of yesterday, the vaccination rate for Hall County was only 47%. Vaccinations remain our key protection against future spread of COVID-19 and therefore our continued ability to maintain a closer, in-person, mask-optional framework as described above. Should you have any questions about the vaccine, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Take care in these days. We will let you know when the shift comes, but perhaps this helps us all pace ourselves.

Blessings, always,
Stuart