Pastor’s Corner
Changes to Protocols
This past Sunday I announced that we are considering a few changes with regard to our Sunday morning COVID protocols. Here are three ways in which I would like for us safely to move into greater freedom in our worship:
· Those speaking at the microphones do so without masks.
· We cease taking temperatures as people enter Gray’s.
· We once again encourage congregational singing.
All of the above are in keeping with updated regulations from both the State of Virginia and Gray’s Event Center. We will, of course, remain committed to following the other safety protocols we have in place – wearing masks, maintaining social distancing in our seating arrangements as well as before and after the service, limiting numbers through pre-registration, reminding people to stay at home if they experience any symptoms of COVID, sanitizing chairs and equipment, and requiring our vocalists and musicians to continue wearing masks.
(I’ll take this opportunity to ask you again to be mindful of your social distancing before and after the services. Out of care for each other, please do not gather inside in close groups. You may notice that I move quickly outside after each service. I do this to encourage you to join me outside for extended conversations immediately after the dismissal – which also helps our setup team more efficiently break down the space.)
The potential date for implementing the above changes is Sunday, May 2. We welcome your feedback through getting in touch with our Wardens and Vestry members, or communicating directly with me.
Two other notes: First, please know that I am aware of the need to continue improving the sound quality of our livestream. Your feedback is very helpful, and we are making changes this Sunday.
Second, we will be having Church in the Park this year! May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday, we will gather again at Lake Ridge Park for an outdoor Eucharist. While we will not have our usual potluck feast, you are invited to bring your own picnic and games. More details will come soon.
I look forward to being with you on Sunday!
Your Pastor in Christ,
Travis+
P.S. Please note below that we are discontinuing our Sunday Morning Zoom Fellowship. Thank you, Mike Harpster, Zoom-Meister Extraordinaire, for your many months of good-natured facilitation! This has been an essential way in which our community has remained connected during the pandemic.