Dear People of Grace,
Blessings in this Christmas time!
Throughout Advent, we navigated the uncertainty very well, and we strongly encouraged folks to wear masks to help limit the possibility of illness—especially with pressures on staff and others who were navigating Christmas. I am grateful that we were able to share in worship, both in person and online, and I am deeply grateful for the faithfulness of so many who worked diligently to prepare for our three Christmas Eve services. Now, we find ourselves looking at rapidly increasing cases. Upon the council of the medical advisory team and the vestry, and in an effort to avoid contributing to the significant rise of COVID-19 cases in our community, we are at a point in this pandemic where we need to ask you to wear a mask when gathered in groups in the building.
As happened previously when the caseload dropped and we were able to relax the mask directive, we anticipate the same and will let you know as soon as that happens. We have no plans to move worship solely online, and we think we can navigate this current situation with due precaution and faithfulness. For those who may feel better worshipping online, know that is available to you. For those who may want to space themselves out in the nave, don’t hesitate to move to where you are more comfortable. We also have some KN95 masks for those who may not have their own. For those who may want to slip out of the service toward the end to avoid any group, feel free to care for yourselves. For those who have pastoral needs, please continue reaching out to the clergy so we can be present for you.
Some have specifically asked about the upcoming Women’s Retreat (January 14 – 16) and the Kinnara Concert (January 16). Please know that the staff is in contact with both Montreat Conference Center as well as the Kinnara team to see what changes we may need to make. We will update you as soon as possible with that information. We will also carefully monitor the situation for both Edgar Otero’s ordination (January 26) as well as the upcoming Annual Meeting (February 6).
I want to take a moment to thank the twenty-five vestry, staff, and medical advisory members who continue to pay attention to the situation, listen with their hearts, and discern a way to navigate the situation that we share. We are blessed at Grace with incredible souls who give so much of themselves to support the well-being of both the parish and the wider community.
Blessings to you all,
Stuart, with the Vestry and Medical Advisory Team