MESSAGE FROM RICKY

Dear Friends,

On behalf our Executive Committee I want to announce the following updates to our COVID-19 safety protocols, effective immediately. 

1. Masks will be optional at all church functions and gatherings.  
The most recent guidance from healthcare professionals indicates it is safe for fully vaccinated persons to discontinue the wearing of masks both indoors and outdoors. Those who have not been vaccinated or who have other immune-compromising conditions are encouraged to continue wearing masks. I encourage all our members to respect the decisions of others in regards to their own health and safety. In the sanctuary we will continue to rope off the back section of our pews for those wishing to still practice social distancing. There is plenty of open seating in the middle, front, and balcony. We will not be asking for vaccination verification, nor taking any temperature checks. But, if you do feel ill for any reason, please stay home and watch us online. We will leave it up to parents whether or not they choose for their children to wear masks while at church functions. 

2. Food and Beverages may be served and consumed at all church gatherings. 
We are excited to return to providing times for feasting and fellowship at the church. Sunday schools, Circles and small groups may now resume serving coffee, drinks, and snacks when they meet. To celebrate, we are having a church wide-fellowship dinner on the evening of June 2. Look below for more information and to sign up!

3. Our hand sanitizer stations will remain in place. 
We will leave our hand sanitizer stations around the church in place. We believe that hand hygiene is a good thing regardless of COVID, as it also cuts down on the transmission of cold and flu! So, wash your hands frequently and use sanitizer often. You’ll stay healthier and keep others healthy too! 

One last word comes from me personally as your pastor. As these protocols are updated, please don’t think that COVID is completely gone. I encourage everyone to remain diligent in protecting their own health. If you are able to take the vaccine please consider doing so, in consultation with your primary care physician. Also, please do respect the decisions of others. If someone is wearing a mask, assume that they are doing so for a very good reason. If a parent makes a different choice for their children, remember that is their responsibility. If someone decides to continue worshiping with us from home, be grateful that technology allows them to connect. If someone comes to worship after a long time at home, don’t make them feel guilty for being gone, be glad they’re healthy and ready to return. 

Thank you for taking such good care of each other during these past 14 months. Each of you sacrificed in so many different ways, found new ways to worships, and you remained faithful to Jesus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to journey with you on this walk of faith and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. 

Grace and Peace,
Ricky

 

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