New Worship Protocols
Dear People of God,
The numbers of COVID infections, hospitalizations for COVID, and test-positive rates in the State of Florida and Duval County have fallen dramatically steadily since the second peak in August to zero new cases on October 25 (https://bit.ly/3mngqEf). Though the CDC has not come out with new guidelines, and though masks are still and will always be the safest option for all people who gather together, I believe that we can safely return to worship with masks being optional, not required.
The medical experts I have talked with at Mayo Clinic confer that “mask-optional” worship is advisable even though the CDC has not come out with new guidelines. My foremost concern is your safety, and I wish to respect your personal choice. To that end, I have outlined a menu of options for Sunday worship. These options will be available as long as they are appropriate. I say this to acknowledge that we may have to return to mandating masks if another wave of the virus hits Florida this winter.
Here are the options for you and your loved ones…
- In-person worship with communion distributed from a common cup and wafers placed in the hand.
- A side transept where masks are required.
- Socially distant communion offered in the side chapel, with wafers and wine in individual cups.
- Virtual worship live-streamed at 10 a.m.
- Monthly outside worship for families and children. The first service will be a St. Nicholas Day celebration on December 5. This is a new offering, designed by Deacon Linda Rosengren because our St. Francis service was such a success!
Please find a way to worship with your church family. We are so grateful for you.
In Christ’s love,
Kate+
Tags: News / From the Dean...