With all of you, I am so thankful that the Covid infection numbers in our area are falling and that more and more people are getting vaccinated (although I know that registering for a vaccine is still a complicated and frustrating process for so many people!). We are getting close to the time when we will be able to regather in person again for worship—with protocols in place, of course!—and I am so glad.
Bishop Haynes and her advisory committee have said that once the state of Virginia’s positivity rate has been under 8% for 14 days in a row, she will allow parishes to regather for in-person worship, trusting clergy and lay leadership to take into account their local situations. Our numbers in the Hampton and Peninsula health districts are slightly higher than the overall state numbers but are heading in the right direction.
The first possible Sunday for us to regather will be April 11. Because of limited seating capacity, I have decided to hold virtual services through Easter even if our Covid infection numbers are within a reasonable range by then. We just don’t have a good way to make fair decisions about who would be allowed to attend Holy Week and Easter services and who would not. So if infection rates have dropped to acceptable levels by April 11, we will offer in-person worship that day.
When we regather, we will again be following the regathering guidelines so carefully crafted by Joel Duregger. We will re-send them to you and will also re-post the staff’s video about what to expect when you come to worship. And even after we have regathered, we will continue to stream and post our services. You will not need to be physically present to be able to worship with us.
I look forward to gathering with you in our beloved building soon. Meanwhile, every blessing.
-- Anne+
What will Holy Week and Easter be like this year?
Our talented staff is hard at work planning our worship services for this holiest time of the Christian year. Here is a quick preview of coming attractions:
- Palm Sunday worship will include the traditional Passion reading with multiple participants; and palm crosses will be mailed to every parishioner ahead of time.
- Maundy Thursday worship will include footwashing and the stripping of the altar.
- Good Friday will include two opportunities for you to partake in the Stations of the Cross: virtually at noon with the stations at St. Andrew’s; and outdoors in person at Hilton Christian Church in the afternoon
Easter Sunday will include three worship opportunities:
- A 6:30 AM sunrise service in the Killebrew’s backyard (info about how to sign up will be forthcoming)
- A 9:00 AM Children’s Easter service with short, child-friendly prayers; the Resurrection story from a children’s Bible; and special sing-along music with Brad Norris
- A 10:30 Festive Holy Eucharist
More details will be forthcoming.
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