March 2021 Updated Worship Guidelines
The Consistory continues to monitor the conditions in the county concerning the virus cases, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. All the numbers are very encouraging. There have been only five new cases in three weeks, only one hospitalization in six weeks, and no deaths since January. More people have been vaccinated than there have been virus cases in the county. Each week more and more people get vaccinated. These are the results we have been praying about for over a year.
The Consistory appreciates the congregation following past guidelines that were put in place to limit spread and keep everyone as safe as possible during worship and Sunday School. These were not easy decisions, but the Consistory has had the safety of everyone that attends worship as their first priority through this pandemic. These guidelines have helped keep our worship services a safe place for people to gather during the pandemic.
The Consistory made the decision at the last Consistory meeting, to loosen some of the past guidelines that were put in place. Children are now encouraged to come forward during Children’s Time if parents feel comfortable having them come to the front of the church. The past few weeks hymnals, pens, and cards have been put back in the pews. Half of our pews are no longer roped off. We are carefully and thoughtfully, trying to match our guidelines with the current conditions in the county.
This Sunday we will no longer have a song leader leading the hymns. We appreciate so much what Stacy and Connie have done for us as our song leaders. If you feel comfortable singing, we encourage you to do so. There might be some that might not feel comfortable singing or having someone singing around them. We ask that everyone respect each other in this area. For those that are uncomfortable with singing, the roped off pews might be the best section for you. If you want to wear a mask during singing, please feel free to wear mask. It is great to hear voices singing again in worship.
We still encourage the wearing of masks when you are up and around during the worship service as well as proper social distancing when possible. We still have hand sanitizing stations and masks available around the church.
Thanks again for working with and honoring the leadership of the Consistory during a very stressful and difficult time. We are very thankful we have been able to worship together except for a few months early on and a few weeks in November. We have done this together. We appreciate hearing from the congregation. Please contact any of the Consistory members or myself if you have concerns about any of this.
“Love is patient, love is kind…It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Let’s remember those verses. Love and respect are the keys to unity even if we might have differing opinions on something. See everyone on Sunday.
Serving Christ Together,
Russ & UCC Consistory