Covid Update: 5/22/2022
n light of rising Covid cases, the Southminster Session has raised our Covid Protocol level to Medium. We ask that you wear a mask in the building. Masks in worship are optional once you are settled into your pew.
We will continue to monitor levels in our community, and hope to see a decrease in the coming weeks.
We will continue to monitor levels in our community, and hope to see a decrease in the coming weeks.
Covid update: 3/20/2022
Beginning on Sunday, April 3rd, masks in church will be optional.
The Southminster Session has approved new COVID protocols based on the updated information by CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. A weekly review of the COVID Community Levels will determine the wearing of masks at Southminster. Of course, at any time, one may choose to wear a mask, but we will adhere to the following levels:
•LOW or green, masks optional
•MEDIUM or yellow, wear masks entering and exiting church building and sanctuary, masks may be removed while in church pew.
•HIGH or orange, masks worn at all times in church building.
The Southminster Session has approved new COVID protocols based on the updated information by CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. A weekly review of the COVID Community Levels will determine the wearing of masks at Southminster. Of course, at any time, one may choose to wear a mask, but we will adhere to the following levels:
•LOW or green, masks optional
•MEDIUM or yellow, wear masks entering and exiting church building and sanctuary, masks may be removed while in church pew.
•HIGH or orange, masks worn at all times in church building.
Covid Update: 2/10/2021
As you know we have been carefully watching the Covid numbers subside over the past few weeks. Last night the session approved a re-opening of in-person worship on Feb 13th, estimating that the local covid numbers will be at or rapidly approaching the previously designated 14% threshold. Masking and distancing practices will continue.
I am looking forward to seeing you all, worshiping together, and having your meet our new Covenant Pastor, Mary Bielen in person. As always we are prioritizing worship, and will be able to open for other activities in a couple of weeks as the numbers continue to decline.
Thank you for all of the encouraging messages and support as we took this brief 6 week hiatus! I know it is frustrating and that we all deeply miss the fellowship of being together. We did have several exposures among the staff and congregation during the month of January that most certainly would have spread A LOT further had we been meeting in person. Thank you for making this sacrifice on behalf of the members of our body who are at increased risk for serious complications.
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
I am looking forward to seeing you all, worshiping together, and having your meet our new Covenant Pastor, Mary Bielen in person. As always we are prioritizing worship, and will be able to open for other activities in a couple of weeks as the numbers continue to decline.
Thank you for all of the encouraging messages and support as we took this brief 6 week hiatus! I know it is frustrating and that we all deeply miss the fellowship of being together. We did have several exposures among the staff and congregation during the month of January that most certainly would have spread A LOT further had we been meeting in person. Thank you for making this sacrifice on behalf of the members of our body who are at increased risk for serious complications.
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
Covid Update: 12/20/2021
As winter sets in we are already seeing an increase in the number of local cases. As I write on December 20th we are at 10.3% positive tests in Chesterfield, just above our safety threshold. So the Session has asked me to take this moment to urge our church family to take precautions to protect yourselves and to live out your faith in being mindful of the “least of these”.
These are the measures Southminster will take as a congregation to offer protection and safety to all:
•Thanks to the strong vaccination rate among our members, the Session has extended our in-person worship threshold to 14% positivity. Please check the weekly email for updates on the current positivity rates. If you are not currently on the email list you can request to be added by emailing [email protected].
•While we are above 10% church activity will be limited to worship only. Worship will continue to be in-person and online, but the building will be closed to all other groups including Sunday School, Yoga, PW, and Scouts.
•The Session is strongly encouraging those who wish to worship in-person to receive your booster shot before attending. Current research shows there is no better protection again the omicron variant than having your booster shot.
•We will continue to require masks for all people while inside the church building. This small sacrifice allows us to continue to worship together in person while still protecting those highest risk among us like unvaccinated children, elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
•We will continue to offer live streaming for all worship services, allowing everyone the ability to be a vital part of our faith community and encouraging people to participate from home if they are experiencing symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns, I hope you will talk with me or one of our elders about how we can better serve one another.
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
These are the measures Southminster will take as a congregation to offer protection and safety to all:
•Thanks to the strong vaccination rate among our members, the Session has extended our in-person worship threshold to 14% positivity. Please check the weekly email for updates on the current positivity rates. If you are not currently on the email list you can request to be added by emailing [email protected].
•While we are above 10% church activity will be limited to worship only. Worship will continue to be in-person and online, but the building will be closed to all other groups including Sunday School, Yoga, PW, and Scouts.
•The Session is strongly encouraging those who wish to worship in-person to receive your booster shot before attending. Current research shows there is no better protection again the omicron variant than having your booster shot.
•We will continue to require masks for all people while inside the church building. This small sacrifice allows us to continue to worship together in person while still protecting those highest risk among us like unvaccinated children, elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
•We will continue to offer live streaming for all worship services, allowing everyone the ability to be a vital part of our faith community and encouraging people to participate from home if they are experiencing symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns, I hope you will talk with me or one of our elders about how we can better serve one another.
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
Covid Update: 10/2/2021
Due to a decrease in the local case count we will reopen to in-person worship on 10/3/2021. As usual, please plan to wear your mask and do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Covid update: 8/16/2021
First, a huge thank you to all you for your faithfulness and patience in masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated over the past year! You all have consistently put the health and safety of your friends and neighbors first in such a Christlike way. All of us hoped that by this time of the year we would be eager lifting some of our remaining precautions. But unfortunately, the rise of the Delta variant with its increased contagion among vaccinated people has delayed that hope.
The session met on August 15th and voted to follow the CDC guidelines and set the expectation that all people should be masked during worship. As frustrating as it is to feel like we are going backwards, we continue to keep our most vulnerable members in mind and are committed to making worship accessible to our unvaccinated children and high-risk members of all kinds.
Please keep in mind that the session does have an automatic closure policy that will move us back into online only worship if the numbers get dangerous enough. That threshold is a 10% positivity rate in local Chesterfield testing numbers and we are currently seeing a trend in that direction. So, let's all do our part and try to keep those numbers low! Thank you!
The session met on August 15th and voted to follow the CDC guidelines and set the expectation that all people should be masked during worship. As frustrating as it is to feel like we are going backwards, we continue to keep our most vulnerable members in mind and are committed to making worship accessible to our unvaccinated children and high-risk members of all kinds.
Please keep in mind that the session does have an automatic closure policy that will move us back into online only worship if the numbers get dangerous enough. That threshold is a 10% positivity rate in local Chesterfield testing numbers and we are currently seeing a trend in that direction. So, let's all do our part and try to keep those numbers low! Thank you!
Covid Update: 5/18/2021
Friends,
As the Virginia vaccination rate for adults reaches 50%, regional testing rates have fallen to around 3% positivity and the CDC has offered updated guidance for people who are vaccinated. Because of this recent progress the session of Southminster has officially voted to move into the next phase of re-opening.
We continue to live-stream the 11 AM worship and see that as an important part of our ministry and outreach going forward. It is our hope and expectation that we will more completely lift our safety measures by Rally Day as we see vaccination rates rise above 70%, which will allow for more herd immunity to protect our most vulnerable including unvaccinated children and high-risk adults.
First, I want to share some small ways in which we are already returning to normal! We are resuming in-person pastoral care visits by the pastoral staff as well as bringing back our volunteer visitation bag delivery. Bulletins, hymnals, and bibles have returned for in-person worship, as well as children’s worship bags.
The changing CDC and state guidelines now allow us to go even further. I am pleased to announce that at the outdoor service masks are now completely optional for fully vaccinated people and all children under 12. People who are not vaccinated should still wear masks for their protection and the protection of others. Some of you may continue to feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and I hope you will feel welcome to do that.
For the indoor service we will continue to ask all people to wear masks as they enter and exit the building, including while they are greeting one another. But, while seated and distanced indoors, vaccinated people and all children under 12 are now welcome to take their masks off. Similarly, when you visit the building throughout the week we ask you to continue to wear your mask as you move about. But if you are seated at a safe distance for a class or meeting you are welcome to remove your masks if you are fully vaccinated.
Finally, we are happy to announce that we will also wear our masks to sing a closing hymn together following the benediction each week.
On this Pentecost week I am reminded of the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) Throughout this pandemic year our trust of others in the public sphere to exhibit these fruits has often been stretched to the breaking point, making many feel wary about a return to normalcy. Yet, it is my hope that Southminster remains a place of trust, where we see and experience those fruits of the spirit in one another. It is my prayer that we can continue to create a safe environment where everyone sincerely desires to honor and protect one another in spirit of God’s love. I look forward to seeing you all in worship!
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
As the Virginia vaccination rate for adults reaches 50%, regional testing rates have fallen to around 3% positivity and the CDC has offered updated guidance for people who are vaccinated. Because of this recent progress the session of Southminster has officially voted to move into the next phase of re-opening.
We continue to live-stream the 11 AM worship and see that as an important part of our ministry and outreach going forward. It is our hope and expectation that we will more completely lift our safety measures by Rally Day as we see vaccination rates rise above 70%, which will allow for more herd immunity to protect our most vulnerable including unvaccinated children and high-risk adults.
First, I want to share some small ways in which we are already returning to normal! We are resuming in-person pastoral care visits by the pastoral staff as well as bringing back our volunteer visitation bag delivery. Bulletins, hymnals, and bibles have returned for in-person worship, as well as children’s worship bags.
The changing CDC and state guidelines now allow us to go even further. I am pleased to announce that at the outdoor service masks are now completely optional for fully vaccinated people and all children under 12. People who are not vaccinated should still wear masks for their protection and the protection of others. Some of you may continue to feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and I hope you will feel welcome to do that.
For the indoor service we will continue to ask all people to wear masks as they enter and exit the building, including while they are greeting one another. But, while seated and distanced indoors, vaccinated people and all children under 12 are now welcome to take their masks off. Similarly, when you visit the building throughout the week we ask you to continue to wear your mask as you move about. But if you are seated at a safe distance for a class or meeting you are welcome to remove your masks if you are fully vaccinated.
Finally, we are happy to announce that we will also wear our masks to sing a closing hymn together following the benediction each week.
On this Pentecost week I am reminded of the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) Throughout this pandemic year our trust of others in the public sphere to exhibit these fruits has often been stretched to the breaking point, making many feel wary about a return to normalcy. Yet, it is my hope that Southminster remains a place of trust, where we see and experience those fruits of the spirit in one another. It is my prayer that we can continue to create a safe environment where everyone sincerely desires to honor and protect one another in spirit of God’s love. I look forward to seeing you all in worship!
Peace,
Pastor Caitlin
Covid-19 Update 3/2/2021
We are finally seeing a steady decline in Covid-19 cases in our local health district after the holiday surge. This is great news for all of us, and especially our high-risk friends and family. It also means we are able to re-open for hybrid worship starting March 14th! Hybrid means we will be holding worship simultaneously in the sanctuary AND online.
So this is a good time to do a reminder of our safety policies-
1) Masks- Masks are required at all times inside the church building and we are happy to provide one for you if you need one! Face shields are great to protect your eyes, but they are not a mask substitute.
2) Distancing- You will find our pews marked to help guide you in sitting 6 ft apart. We are happy for you to catch up with one another after worship, but for everyone's benefit we ask that you move outdoors to visit and not linger inside longer than necessary.
3) Contact Tracing- We will keep attendance at all services to ensure we can notify you of any potential exposure. You are expected to notify the church office in a timely manner if you have a positive test result. Please do not come to worship if you are experiencing symptoms of any kind.
I know many of you have been looking forward to this change, and for many people staying home will still be the best choice. You have my full support either way, and the church leadership and staff will continue to provide both options.
Over the past year we sure have learned to be flexible! Currently our session has set a limit of 85 people in the sanctuary. Judging from last fall, we do not anticipate getting hitting that limit quite yet- but as more of you feel comfortable and the weather warms up we do plan to resume outdoor worship and will institute other measures as needed!
So this is a good time to do a reminder of our safety policies-
1) Masks- Masks are required at all times inside the church building and we are happy to provide one for you if you need one! Face shields are great to protect your eyes, but they are not a mask substitute.
2) Distancing- You will find our pews marked to help guide you in sitting 6 ft apart. We are happy for you to catch up with one another after worship, but for everyone's benefit we ask that you move outdoors to visit and not linger inside longer than necessary.
3) Contact Tracing- We will keep attendance at all services to ensure we can notify you of any potential exposure. You are expected to notify the church office in a timely manner if you have a positive test result. Please do not come to worship if you are experiencing symptoms of any kind.
I know many of you have been looking forward to this change, and for many people staying home will still be the best choice. You have my full support either way, and the church leadership and staff will continue to provide both options.
Over the past year we sure have learned to be flexible! Currently our session has set a limit of 85 people in the sanctuary. Judging from last fall, we do not anticipate getting hitting that limit quite yet- but as more of you feel comfortable and the weather warms up we do plan to resume outdoor worship and will institute other measures as needed!
Covid-19 Update 2/19/2021
As we approach the 1-year anniversary of the pandemic Rev. Deyerle reflects on this season in the March Newsletter. Read the full article here.
We continue to focus on Southminster’s purpose for being: To provide an exciting and welcoming spiritual experience that energizes all to share God’s love and care for others. God has given us great enthusiasm to try out new ways of being church. As we enter this second year of COVID-19, we are more convicted than ever that this must be more than a time of waiting and isolation. Together we can embrace this moment to be the Christ’s church in new ways.
We recognize that at least 30% of our members are considered high-risk and the most welcoming thing we can do is create a safe worship environment as we continue to wait for more of our community to receive a vaccine. Our worship guidelines allow us to return to a hybrid worship of both in-person and online when the local testing levels fall below 10% for two weeks in a row in the Chesterfield Health District. We expect that may happen during this season of Lent. When it does we will continue to love our neighbor by wearing a mask at all times and keeping socially distant both during and after worship. We also anticipate re-opening an outdoor worship option as the weather allows later in the spring.
We continue to focus on Southminster’s purpose for being: To provide an exciting and welcoming spiritual experience that energizes all to share God’s love and care for others. God has given us great enthusiasm to try out new ways of being church. As we enter this second year of COVID-19, we are more convicted than ever that this must be more than a time of waiting and isolation. Together we can embrace this moment to be the Christ’s church in new ways.
We recognize that at least 30% of our members are considered high-risk and the most welcoming thing we can do is create a safe worship environment as we continue to wait for more of our community to receive a vaccine. Our worship guidelines allow us to return to a hybrid worship of both in-person and online when the local testing levels fall below 10% for two weeks in a row in the Chesterfield Health District. We expect that may happen during this season of Lent. When it does we will continue to love our neighbor by wearing a mask at all times and keeping socially distant both during and after worship. We also anticipate re-opening an outdoor worship option as the weather allows later in the spring.
Covid-19 Update 12/9/2020
Friends,
Unfortunately we are seeing the number of Covid-19 cases continue to climb in our area. Therefore we will be moving worship entirely online for the remainder of the Advent and Christmas season until the testing numbers return back below 10% positivity as per the session approved policy.
Unfortunately we are seeing the number of Covid-19 cases continue to climb in our area. Therefore we will be moving worship entirely online for the remainder of the Advent and Christmas season until the testing numbers return back below 10% positivity as per the session approved policy.
Covid- 19 Update 11/29/2020
Unfortunately, we will be moving church online for worship tomorrow Sunday 11/29. You may find the live-feed here: https://www.southpreschurch.org/online-worship.html
The session's COVID policy sets two automatic triggers for in-person worship closure-- first, if the percent positivity in Chesterfield rises above 10%, and secondly, if someone who has been present in a worship service receives a positive diagnosis.
This week I've become aware of several church members who have received a positive diagnoses, and one or more of them were present in worship last week. So, according to our guidelines we will move to online worship for church tomorrow.
We will be monitoring the situation and let you know about next Sunday. Our highest priority is lifting prayers for our members who are sick, and working to keep others from getting sick.
Rev. Caitlin Deyerle
The session's COVID policy sets two automatic triggers for in-person worship closure-- first, if the percent positivity in Chesterfield rises above 10%, and secondly, if someone who has been present in a worship service receives a positive diagnosis.
This week I've become aware of several church members who have received a positive diagnoses, and one or more of them were present in worship last week. So, according to our guidelines we will move to online worship for church tomorrow.
We will be monitoring the situation and let you know about next Sunday. Our highest priority is lifting prayers for our members who are sick, and working to keep others from getting sick.
Rev. Caitlin Deyerle
Covid- 19 Update for Advent: 11/23/2020
The Session met on November 22nd to set some clear guidelines for safety as we enter the Advent Season.
Currently we are still planning for a holiday season with both in-person and online worship. Session and Staff will review the Virginia Department of Health data for Chesterfield County each Wednesday. If the 7-day average of the percentage of positive PCR COVID tests reaches 10% or higher, then church services will move to online only. In person services will resume only when the Chesterfield percent positivity falls below 10% and remains there for two weeks. This policy was unanimously approved by the Session.
On Christmas Eve we will hold two worship services, one at 5pm and one at 8 pm. The 5pm worship will also be live-streamed online for you to watch from home. We are planning a wonderfully creative video Christmas Pageant as well as special music, candlelight, and communion. In order to ensure that we can maintain safe social distancing we have created an RSVP system for worship. If you and your family are planning to attend you will need to either complete the online reservation at https://bit.ly/SouthminsterChristmas, or call the church office at 804-276-1749. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now. All reservations must be made by Dec 23rd.
All of our usual worship precautions still apply. We are excited to see your festive Christmas masks to compliment your usual holiday attire! We know Christmas is a time for family and friends, but we encourage you to save your holiday greetings until you are outside to help us keep all keep a safe distance. Finally, if you are not able to attend in person, and do not have access to a computer to watch online, please contact Rev. Deyerle to request a DVD copy of the service be mailed to your home.
Currently we are still planning for a holiday season with both in-person and online worship. Session and Staff will review the Virginia Department of Health data for Chesterfield County each Wednesday. If the 7-day average of the percentage of positive PCR COVID tests reaches 10% or higher, then church services will move to online only. In person services will resume only when the Chesterfield percent positivity falls below 10% and remains there for two weeks. This policy was unanimously approved by the Session.
On Christmas Eve we will hold two worship services, one at 5pm and one at 8 pm. The 5pm worship will also be live-streamed online for you to watch from home. We are planning a wonderfully creative video Christmas Pageant as well as special music, candlelight, and communion. In order to ensure that we can maintain safe social distancing we have created an RSVP system for worship. If you and your family are planning to attend you will need to either complete the online reservation at https://bit.ly/SouthminsterChristmas, or call the church office at 804-276-1749. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now. All reservations must be made by Dec 23rd.
All of our usual worship precautions still apply. We are excited to see your festive Christmas masks to compliment your usual holiday attire! We know Christmas is a time for family and friends, but we encourage you to save your holiday greetings until you are outside to help us keep all keep a safe distance. Finally, if you are not able to attend in person, and do not have access to a computer to watch online, please contact Rev. Deyerle to request a DVD copy of the service be mailed to your home.
Covid-19 Updated Information: July 1, 2020
Friends,
Summer is really in full swing and I am looking forward to worshiping with you on July 12th! Session has been monitoring the situation closely over these past several months, and although we will be glad to take some steps towards getting back to our normal routine, there are also some things that will be different. I want to take this opportunity to answer as many questions as I can about our worship transition.
1) What if I do not feel ready to attend worship or my doctor recommends against it? We support you!
a.We strongly support your decision to stay safe at home for as long as you need to.
b.The session has invested in additional audio/visual equipment for the sanctuary to allow us to continue to live-stream our
11 AM worship each week. You can find our worship service live on both the church Facebook page and www.southpreschurch.org.
2) Will we have outdoor worship? YES!
a. We will worship in the outdoor chapel at 9 AM as well as worshiping in the Sanctuary at 11 AM.
b. Please be aware that there is limited seating in the outdoor worship and you may need to bring your own chair.
c. We will continue holding two services all the way through the end of October as weather allows.
3) Will masks be required? Yes.
a. As you know, masks are now required in all public spaces and gatherings. We ask that you wear a mask for both the indoor
and outdoor worship services with the understanding that the main purpose of wearing a mask is to protect others.
b. Wearing a mask is an act of Christian love and an expected part of our worship together.
c. Southminster has acquired a limited supply of cloth masks to hand out to visitors who may need one.
4) How will worship be different? The three “S”s
a. Singing: Research shows that singing together in groups has caused numerous serious outbreaks. We will not be singing
hymns together in worship, but our music staff are working hard to make sure our services are still full of music lifting praise
to God!
b. Seating: We will maintain social distancing of 6 ft in all our worship spaces. That may mean that you may not have access
to your normal seat. Pews will be clearly marked. Thank you in advance for being flexible and following all seating markings.
c. Sharing: We will not pass out bulletins, share hymnals, or pass around the offering plate. This will help us reduce the amount
of shared items and cleaning that needs to be done between services.
5) Will we be able to have our usual fellowship time and group meetings again? No.
a. We will continue to limit in-person group meetings through the summer.
i. If your group would like to make use of the church ZOOM account or get special permission to meet outdoors
please contact Rev. Deyerle.
b. It is our hope that Sunday School, PW Circles, Nursery Care, and Committee Meetings will be able to resume with
proper precautions in the fall.
Summer is really in full swing and I am looking forward to worshiping with you on July 12th! Session has been monitoring the situation closely over these past several months, and although we will be glad to take some steps towards getting back to our normal routine, there are also some things that will be different. I want to take this opportunity to answer as many questions as I can about our worship transition.
1) What if I do not feel ready to attend worship or my doctor recommends against it? We support you!
a.We strongly support your decision to stay safe at home for as long as you need to.
b.The session has invested in additional audio/visual equipment for the sanctuary to allow us to continue to live-stream our
11 AM worship each week. You can find our worship service live on both the church Facebook page and www.southpreschurch.org.
2) Will we have outdoor worship? YES!
a. We will worship in the outdoor chapel at 9 AM as well as worshiping in the Sanctuary at 11 AM.
b. Please be aware that there is limited seating in the outdoor worship and you may need to bring your own chair.
c. We will continue holding two services all the way through the end of October as weather allows.
3) Will masks be required? Yes.
a. As you know, masks are now required in all public spaces and gatherings. We ask that you wear a mask for both the indoor
and outdoor worship services with the understanding that the main purpose of wearing a mask is to protect others.
b. Wearing a mask is an act of Christian love and an expected part of our worship together.
c. Southminster has acquired a limited supply of cloth masks to hand out to visitors who may need one.
4) How will worship be different? The three “S”s
a. Singing: Research shows that singing together in groups has caused numerous serious outbreaks. We will not be singing
hymns together in worship, but our music staff are working hard to make sure our services are still full of music lifting praise
to God!
b. Seating: We will maintain social distancing of 6 ft in all our worship spaces. That may mean that you may not have access
to your normal seat. Pews will be clearly marked. Thank you in advance for being flexible and following all seating markings.
c. Sharing: We will not pass out bulletins, share hymnals, or pass around the offering plate. This will help us reduce the amount
of shared items and cleaning that needs to be done between services.
5) Will we be able to have our usual fellowship time and group meetings again? No.
a. We will continue to limit in-person group meetings through the summer.
i. If your group would like to make use of the church ZOOM account or get special permission to meet outdoors
please contact Rev. Deyerle.
b. It is our hope that Sunday School, PW Circles, Nursery Care, and Committee Meetings will be able to resume with
proper precautions in the fall.
Special Notice: May 20th, 2020
Friends,
The Session met Wednesday May 20th, and after prayerful consideration of the physical and spiritual health of our members and staff, they voted to continue with our online worship for several more weeks. Knowing that at least a third of our members and staff are at high-risk, the safety of our community is our first concern. If conditions allow, we plan to gather for in person worship starting on Sunday, July 12th. Of course, in order to support all of our member's needs, online worship will still be available! More details of Southminster's plan, Moving Forward Together, will be available in the June newsletter next week.
This timeline was carefully chosen in order to allow our leaders to prepare to open the church safely, gather all the needed supplies, and monitor changing conditions and guidelines. We hope you will be using this time too! When we are ready to worship together you will need to have a personal mask ready to use in order to keep your fellow worshipers safe. If you haven't gotten one yet, now is the time to get one and start practicing using it!
A final reminder that the church building is still closed to all except staff and essential volunteers. Please do not drop by the church without letting the staff know you are coming. Any volunteers who need to be in the building should be practicing good manners by wearing a mask and staying a safe distance from others. Show that you appreciate our church staff by helping to keep them healthy!
Peace be with you,
Pastor Caitlin
Peace,
Rev. Caitlin Deyerle
The Session met Wednesday May 20th, and after prayerful consideration of the physical and spiritual health of our members and staff, they voted to continue with our online worship for several more weeks. Knowing that at least a third of our members and staff are at high-risk, the safety of our community is our first concern. If conditions allow, we plan to gather for in person worship starting on Sunday, July 12th. Of course, in order to support all of our member's needs, online worship will still be available! More details of Southminster's plan, Moving Forward Together, will be available in the June newsletter next week.
This timeline was carefully chosen in order to allow our leaders to prepare to open the church safely, gather all the needed supplies, and monitor changing conditions and guidelines. We hope you will be using this time too! When we are ready to worship together you will need to have a personal mask ready to use in order to keep your fellow worshipers safe. If you haven't gotten one yet, now is the time to get one and start practicing using it!
A final reminder that the church building is still closed to all except staff and essential volunteers. Please do not drop by the church without letting the staff know you are coming. Any volunteers who need to be in the building should be practicing good manners by wearing a mask and staying a safe distance from others. Show that you appreciate our church staff by helping to keep them healthy!
Peace be with you,
Pastor Caitlin
Peace,
Rev. Caitlin Deyerle