As we ready our hearts, minds, spirits and bodies for sanctuary re-entry on July 11, I wanted to share a few important logistical details that you may have been wondering about. Several ministries of the church, including especially worship and re-entry, have worked and re-worked these plans throughout the spring so that they are best aligned to current public health guidance, while honoring that we may need some time to adjust to being back together in a large group again. These plans will stay in place through the month of July, and we will reevaluate for August and beyond.
In-person worship will be mask optional. We rejoice that Vermont currently leads the nation in vaccination rates and for the freedom that gives us to gather and see one another face to face. Well done, community! We hope to see the rate climb even higher throughout the summer. We encourage unvaccinated individuals or anyone who prefers to mask to do so, but we will not be monitoring for or inquiring about vaccination status for those entering our doors to worship.
Singing and service time will be limited. Knowing that our sanctuary has limited ventilation options, we do plan to further reduce risk and increase comfort level by limiting the time we spend indoors and the amount of forceful breath (through congregational singing) we let out into the space. Our service will last about 45 minutes, and we will sing together just our final hymn before departing for outdoor fellowship. Other service music will be instrumental or with a soloist standing apart from the congregation.
Online worship will remain available for those unable to join in person. If distance, risk factors, preference, or extenuating circumstances keep you from coming to the little white church on the green, you are still warmly welcome to worship! We’ll be testing our new equipment setup in the coming week and disseminating any changes to login procedure as soon as possible.
As I shared in my message on Sunday, change is upon us! Even as we head in a more positive direction, the emotions that come with navigating even good changes can be all over the map. Thanks be to God who calms even unanticipated storms.
I hope you’ll join either our morning chapel (8:45) or Zoom worship service (10:00) this week to hear from guest preacher, Rev. Kim Hornung-Marcy on environmental stewardship.
With prayers for the great calm,
Pastor Jen