An Opportunity to Treat One Another with Love and Respect
Since mid-March of 2020 the COVID-19 virus has had a painful impact on the life of our congregation, individually and corporately. We have all grown weary of this awful virus that seems to rear its ugly head yet again, just when we think we are almost getting back to some semblance of the normal we remember.
Throughout this ordeal, our Session has consistently affirmed a policy of safety first, listening to the scientists and doctors for guidance, and seeking to treat each other with respect and rise above the rancor and division that marks too much of our country.
We have maintained the view that if we are to err, let us err on the side of caution and safety. We do this not because we are afraid, but because we know there are several within our congregation who are especially vulnerable to the suffering, heartache and even death that COVID-19 can bring. In short, we approach the idea of caution and safety as an act of love.
Since May of 2021, we have been able to once again worship in person to the delight and joy of all involved. At the same time, we have continued to offer the experience of worship through our “Zoom service” to those who, for a variety of reasons, cannot join us in person.
As the summer unfolded, with the growing number of people being fully vaccinated and “boosted” we were able to relax the wearing of masks and social distancing which were necessary in May.
Recently the omicron variant has exploded throughout our community, state, and country. Our hospitals, doctors, nurses, and support staffs as well as first responders are being pushed to the brink yet again. This does not even begin to account for all the people who need other important and even lifesaving care. And the number of vulnerable people in our congregation has increased over the past months.
With all of the above in mind, our Session voted unanimously at its January 11th meeting to require masks when we gather to worship. We fully realize no one likes wearing a mask to worship and that includes your Session members and pastor. However, we believe it is the responsible thing to do given the current situation. We will gladly provide a mask for anyone who needs one. We also hope this requirement will be very short-lived.
As your pastor, I am painfully aware of all the misinformation and vitriol surrounding masks, vaccinations, and COVID-19 in general, that has “infected” our country, causing mistrust, division and evoking estrangement. I also believe our congregation can rise above this very dangerous secondary “infection” and embrace what hopefully will be a very temporary situation, with the grace and loving care you have brought to other challenges we have faced together. In that spirit, I thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.
Grace and Peace, John