looking forward

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus the Messiah, the one who came and loved and served so that we might know the heart of God. Wow—what a thing to be able to say!

We are in the homestretch of our process of reopening for face-to-face worship and ministry. It’s been a long season of protective distancing and vaccinations and viral tests—most of us will be happy if we never have to hear the word “COVID” again.

But we know that’s not the way the world is working.

As we prepare for reopening, we are aware that there are several new strains of the virus that are causing spikes in infections around the country and in our state. As I write this I’m aware that three people in our own SLO County have died from COVID in the past week. We continue to be concerned.

With all of that in mind, we look forward to opening again at 10am on Sunday July 25th. The service will be broadcast live on YouTube, and also available in recorded form on that same platform. There will be a time of fellowship on Zoom immediately following the service, for those who view the livestream.

We are going to exercise caution and care as we pledge to keep you and our staff safe. We ask that you do the same.

Here are the guidelines for reopening for public worship:

· Only vaccinated people will attend church in person.

· The sanctuary is open at 50% capacity (that’s 100 people, including staff).

· Reservations will not be taken at first, but may be needed eventually.

· All people will enter through the Courtyard.

· All people will wear masks properly when indoors.

· We will continue to require distances between households of at least 3 feet.

· We will not be singing.

· We cannot allow hugging or other physical contact on church grounds.

· We will not be serving food or drinks until advised differently.

A few comments here. First, if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Second, if these guidelines feel too restrictive to you, please address your concerns to me or to a member of session, and NOT one of the ushers on Sunday morning. Finally, remember that this is good news! We’ve waited a long time to be together again, and we’re going to do it with caution and care and joy.

More details will come. Please stay tuned to the letters and other communications we send out. Until then, stay safe and healthy!

Blessings,

Pastor John