An Update from Our Session | May 12, 2021
Dear Christ Church Family,
Thank you for your ongoing faith and endurance through this unusual season. COVID-19 has presented many challenges through the course of the year, overturning our community’s rhythms and patterns of life. That noted, we’ve sought to prioritize the things of first importance by maintaining our corporate gatherings for worship and finding ways of encouraging fellowship. We are grateful for your patience as we’ve worked to address all the relevant concerns.
Per our letter on April 15, 2021, the Session convened this week and reviewed our current operating procedures. After a full discussion, we have decided to remove the facial covering requirement in our worship services as of Sunday, May 30, 2021. This date provides a two-month window from when the COVID vaccines were made available to the general public. Our goal in requiring masks until the two-month window expires is twofold: (1) it allows the vaccinated percentage of the general population to continue to increase and (2) it permits those in our congregation, who desire to be vaccinated, to receive the vaccine prior to lifting the mask requirement. After reviewing the available data and consulting local ordinances, we believe this is a judicious path for moving ahead.
Inevitably, this announcement will relieve some members and distress others. However, for those with health concerns, please note that four accommodations will remain which will allow us to worship together as one family.
Please feel free to wear a mask to worship if you desire to do so. This is a personal decision that will be respected within our community.
Seating guidance that allows for physical distance will continue to be provided.
It is possible for us to reserve the balcony for those with special health concerns. If this particular accommodation would be suitable for you, please contact our administrator, Charlotte Reeves, so that we can make preparations.
The livestream of our worship services will continue to be offered at 10.30 AM every Sunday morning.
Thank you again for your long-suffering spirit as we’ve walked through this season. As the pandemic abates, we have much to look forward to in our common life. The year ahead is full of hope and promise. Let’s direct our attention to these things as we ask God to shine his face upon us and bless us that we may know his restoring and saving power (Psalm 80.3).
Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ,
Chuck Colson, Pastor