The Church’s COVID Task Force made the difficult decision today to suspend in-person worship, meetings, and other in-door gatherings for the rest of January. Worship through January 30th will be online only (available on our Vimeo channel, and accessible through our website and Facebook page).
Bishop David Bard of the Michigan area wrote last week, “While we experience the omicron surge, church leaders should consider moving worship, discipleship groups, and other meetings online for the coming weeks. You know the unique circumstances of your community and are in the best position to make decisions about gathering, whether in-person or online. Moving to virtual worship and meeting is one strategy to consider in navigating this current surge seriously.”
Safety is our top priority. We know that gathering in person when infection by the virus is surging puts everyone at greater risk. I echo our bishop’s call for anyone unvaccinated to get vaccinated – and a booster when appropriate. This is the best way to protect yourself and others. It’s truly the most caring thing any of us can do.
While the sands continue to shift underfoot, please know that the staff may be working more from home during this time. The church office may not be open during regular hours – we simply ask that you attend to church business by phone or email. If you need to come to the church please call first.
I know on days like today it feels like there is no end to the pandemic in sight, but there is reason to hope. Some public health experts have said that the pandemic will be over (possibly in 2022), and while we may not ever be completely rid of this virus, there is reason to believe it will become endemic – and closer to a new normal.
Until that time, may our faith in God’s grace sustain and uplift us as we care for each other by loving our neighbors.
Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Eric Stone