Another Update
FROM THE RECTOR
Last week, I shared a “Status Update,” which listed some changes we had made to our pandemic protocols. By the time the newsletter went out at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, the CDC had issued new guidelines for fully vaccinated people. That did not give the bishop or our staff a chance to revisit our plans before the weekend, but we have now had enough time to adjust them (yet again). Although many of the guidelines in last week’s update still apply, here are some updates, which go into effect immediately.
Masks
People who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask. That includes during worship, at other functions, and while walking through the building. This reflects CDC guidelines, which indicate that fully vaccinated people are neither at risk nor represent a risk to unvaccinated individuals.
We must remember, however, that not everyone is vaccinated. Children under the age of twelve are not currently eligible for a vaccine. There are others among us who may not be vaccinated for a variety of reasons. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and keep at least six feet of distance from other households. And those who are vaccinated should continue to insist that everyone is welcome at St. Paul’s. We will not ask for proof of vaccination, and we trust everyone to follow CDC guidelines.
Many of us may continue to wear masks even though we are fully vaccinated. Regardless of the guidelines, we may not be ready to take our mask off in public places. We may want to wear a mask in solidarity with those who are not yet vaccinated—like our children. For whatever reason, please respect those who choose to wear a mask and those who do not.
Seating
Because fully vaccinated people are not required to socially distance from others, we will open up most of the church to full seating. Reservations will not be required. In the back of the church, we will continue to restrict seating to every other pew in order to provide six feet of distance between households that need or prefer social distancing. We are choosing the back of the church for two reasons: 1) families with young children tend to sit in the back of the church and 2) fewer people walk past those pews when coming forward to receive Communion and returning to their seats.
In order to save socially distanced pews for those who need them, please consider sitting toward the front of the church if you and everyone with you is fully vaccinated. Although the livestream will still be available in the parish hall, we do not think we will need to use those seats because of the increased capacity in the church.
Communion
Starting this Sunday, we will offer Communion wine to the congregation at all of our services. Many of us will not be comfortable receiving the wine, and we should remember that the fullness of the sacrament is conveyed whether we receive in one kind or both. If you do not want the wine, simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate to the chalice-bearer that you do not want to receive.
Studies have consistently shown that the common cup is not a likely source of transmission of communicable disease, but we encourage at-risk and unvaccinated individuals to exercise appropriate caution. Keep in mind that the most hygienic way to receive Communion wine is to sip directly from the chalice. Intinction—the practice of dipping the bread into the chalice—means that the wafer or bread that had been in your hand is then immersed into the wine, bringing with it whatever germs were on your palm or fingers. Because of that, we encourage you to receive directly from the chalice or to forego the wine.
We hope that our Bread Guild will be able to offer their freshly baked bread for Communion starting on May 30. Gluten-free wafers will still be available for those who prefer or need them.
Peace
When it is time to pass the peace, please remember that there will be individuals among us who are not comfortable or safe being approached by other people. Some may be open to a fist-bump or elbow-bump, but others may prefer a wave or a bow. Liturgically and theologically, we pass the peace not as a way to greet one another but to assure ourselves that, as members of the Christian community, we are of one heart and mind before we approach the altar to receive Communion. That means exchanging the peace without shaking hands or hugging is fully appropriate.
Offering Plates
We plan to begin passing the offering plates or alms basins throughout the congregation as soon as our ushers are ready to serve. During the pandemic, the people of St. Paul’s have been remarkably generous, and we as a parish have been generous to those in our community who are in need. Online giving will remain an important way for people to share the fruit of their labors with the congregation, but, even if your primary gifts are given electronically, consider how you might put something tangible in the plate as a way of physically presenting your offering to God.
Nursery
We hope to open our nursery as soon as our nursery workers are fully vaccinated and available to serve. We are also looking into best practices to be sure that we are able to keep our unvaccinated children safe.
Yours Faithfully,
Evan