Beloveds,
Last month, Bishop Poulson announced the diocesan plan to begin scaling back COVID-19 protocols beginning on the Day of Pentecost, May 23, with all restrictions being removed on July 17.
This Friday, May 14, in response to updated guidance from the CDC and increasing vaccination rates, Bishop Poulson updated the diocesan guidelines as follows: “As of Pentecost Sunday, May 23, I am leaving all decisions about COVID restrictions to our congregations and their clergy and lay leaders. I urge all those eligible to be vaccinated, to do so.”
Based on last month’s guidelines from the Diocese, the Vestry supported adopting the first phase of diocesan COVID step-down measures to begin on May 23 (Pentecost), which you can read here. The new guidelines from the CDC and the Diocese give us more to ponder.
Until Pentecost, we are still under the guidelines we have been following since we resumed services in November of last year, including wearing masks. I thank you in advance for your graciousness in adhering to protocols while they are in place.
This coming Tuesday evening, the Vestry will be meeting to discuss next steps for St. Paul’s in light of the new guidelines and more information will be forthcoming.
I rejoice with many of you that we are walking further toward a new normal. I am also anxious, like many of you, that we still have longer yet to go with getting people vaccinated before that new normal is realized, including younger children. I join Bishop Poulson in encouraging all who are eligible to be vaccinated. In fact, you can get jabbed on May 23 at St. Paul’s as we host the first of two clinics for ages 12 and older with the Pfizer vaccine. A big thank you to Buffy Heater and the St. Paul’s Health Team in organizing these clinics! Sign up here or walk-in and register the day of.
One thing that does not change, regardless of guidelines and policies, is that you are encouraged and celebrated in making the best decisions for you and your family. I am grateful that we have, starting Memorial Day weekend, more choices than ever for worship opportunities, which you can read about here.
You have my love and my prayers,
Dean Churchwell+
