Online Sunday Worship

Dear Fellow Travelers,

How quickly things have changed. Only a few weeks ago, it appeared that we had entered a post-COVID world. People were able to assemble, masks became optional. The vaccine had saved the day. Life could return to normal. Or so it seemed.

Recently, cases of COVID have surged, with the new Delta variant being more contagious than the original virus. “Breakthrough cases” are increasing. And we, at Grace, have had several people contract COVID. It is all very concerning. 

In response to these factors, we recently returned to two services. This would spread people out. And the early service was shortened, with less singing, and people were asked to wear masks. It seemed safer. People had options.

Now, there is a new development. Luke Kunefke has been diagnosed with COVID and we have been advised that everyone at church on Sunday could become infected. This is because, regardless of where one was seated, everyone walked near to Luke as he sang during communion. According to researchers, singing spreads more virus than simply speaking. Thus, we were all close enough to be exposed. 

Current CDC guidelines suggest that even fully vaccinated people be tested for COVID within 3-5 days ofpossible exposure https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html . I am fully vaccinated but have scheduled a test for tomorrow. If you were at the service, please consider being tested as well.

Because of the further risk of transmission, we have been advised that the safest thing to do is to suspend in person worship for two weeks. As much as I hate this, our policy has been “safety first” and we will follow this medical advice. 

Therefore, we will not have in person services on August 8 or August 15. Instead, we will offer online Morning Prayer with a sermon at 10:30 a.m. both Sundays on our Facebook page. As of now, we expect to resume in person services on August 22.

Sometimes we (or at least I) forget that we live in a fallen world. Life is not the way God intended it to be. But this world is passing away. We look forward to a New Heaven and a New Earth. God will dwell with his people. Illness and death will be no more. Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Stay safe,

Bob