Regathering for Worship this Sunday

 Dear friends,

After consultation with Marc, the wardens, and Health and Safety Officer Joel Duregger; and with input from a medical professional at Riverside Hospital, I decided to petition the diocese to allow us to regather for worship and activities. The diocese has given us permission to do so. Thus, as of this coming Sunday, February 6, we will resume in-person worship services at 8 and 10:30 on Sunday mornings; the Wednesday 11 AM healing service; and all of our usual weekly Bible studies, contemplative prayer groups, etc.

As I’m sure you can imagine, this was not an easy decision to make. Nothing about navigating this pandemic has been easy for any of us, and I very much appreciate your prayers and support, even and especially when our leadership decisions were not the same ones you would have made. As is true about most things, St. Andrew’s parishioners have expressed a wide variety of thoughts and opinions about when and whether to regather. I am grateful for the diversity of points of view in our congregation, even when it sometimes makes things difficult! The Body of Christ needs all of its members, each with something different to offer.

We will continue to abide by the diocesan guidelines requiring social distancing (the pews are marked with blue dots showing where it is okay to sit), masking for all people inside our buildings, and attendance collection for the purposes of contact tracing.  The 10:30 service will include congregational singing.

Please, please, please make whatever worship decision works best for you and for your family. If you are not comfortable being in the building, please tune in to the live stream service on Facebook. If you want to come to worship but are uncomfortable about the singing, please come to the Sunday 8 AM or Wednesday healing service. 

I know that the pandemic continues to be a very isolating experience, leading to anxiety and depression and loneliness. I pray that being able to regather for worship together will be a source of comfort and strength for all of us.

There are currently 119 Covid cases across all of the Riverside hospitals. Of the vaccinated patients, most did not get booster shots. So if you have not yet been vaccinated and boosted, please do so as soon as possible. Our Riverside contact noted that there continues to be a desperate need for blood donations. If you are able to help in that way, please do so.

I look forward to worshipping with you in whatever way works best for you. I continue to hold all of you in my prayers.

Blessings. - Anne