Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
As Christians in the Wesleyan and United Methodist tradition, we are a people who seek to combine head and heart; truth and action; Spirituality and Science. We work out our personal relationship with Jesus in a community of care and accountability. We humble ourselves that we might glorify God and show love to all of God’s children. Because of this, we understand that our God-given rights allow us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities.
Jesus had a special place in his heart and ministry for the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten, the lost, the fearful, and the vulnerable. The Apostle Paul, in discussing the freedom we have in Christ, reminded the Corinthians that they must use care that their freedom does not bind or harm someone else, especially the “weak”: those folks whom Jesus most deeply loved.
Throughout this time of Pandemic we have followed the science-based guidance of Federal, State, local and church leaders. We have worn masks, cleansed our hands and surfaces, and distanced ourselves from one another. We have done this not out of fear, but out of care for one another. As we have followed the guidance in reopening we have stayed “one step behind” out of an abundance of caution, taking into consideration the most vulnerable in our community. Indeed, we have paid special attention to those most vulnerable.
Just because we CAN do something it doesn’t mean we MUST do that thing.
Because we all have followed wise counsel, and because so many have now been vaccinated, we will soon be able to resume more of our pre-pandemic activities. One year ago on Pentecost we established a new baseline and said that we would celebrate each time we were able to add something (re)new(ed) to the list of things we can do. In January we declared that this would be a year of Jubilee.
As restrictions are lifted, both the CDC and the State of California are setting guidance which distinguishes the vaccinated from the unvaccinated. There is some talk of “Vaccine Passports.” But the table of the Lord is open to all, and we will not be asking for proof of vaccination to enter the house of God.
Those who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated are among the most vulnerable in our midst. Children under age 12 cannot yet be vaccinated. Many of those who choose not receive the vaccine are doing so out of fear and all are expressing their own vulnerability. We want to educate these, and encourage these to be vaccinated when the time is right. (Some may never be vaccinated; but we only need 70-90% vaccination or infection survival to achieve “herd immunity.”) In the mean time we will protect them and help them to protect each other. Many who have been vaccinated are still practicing extra caution, both for themselves and for others, including the unvaccinated.
We will continue to provide grace and empathy, even as we celebrate renewed liberties. We will seek to exercise our freedom without causing another to stumble. With that in mind, here are the things we CAN do in the coming weeks (unless something changes):
Beginning May 23, 2021:
The Choir Returns to Worship!!
All choir members should be fully vaccinated.
Choir members will be masked for rehearsal and outside performance.
Inside performances will be pre-recorded.
Fellowship and Coffee time returns!! After the 9:30 service.
Masks may be removed while you are seated outdoors and drinking.
We can sing out loud outside (9:30).
All congregants will continue to be masked and distanced (all services)
Worship leaders will remove masks when speaking so as to be understood by hearing impaired.
Indoor attendance limit increases to 50%. So up to 100 inside.
No reservations required.
8, 9:30, and 11 AM services will continue to be streamed.
Health Screening will be discontinued.
Children will continue to enter through a separate entrance.
Sunday School will continue outside.
Weddings, Funerals and other Cultural Gatherings may be conducted outdoors or indoors, with spacing and masks.
Church Groups may meet on campus. Hybrid gatherings will continue.
Groups are encouraged to meet outside, but may meet inside subject to 50% capacity limits.
Masks and distancing required.
The Office is open with limited hours of operation.
Beginning June 20:
The Choir Returns to Indoor Worship!!
The 8 and 11 AM services will be predominately live.
The Outdoor 9:30 Service will be mask-optional.
We can sing out loud inside (8:00 and 11:00).
Attendance limits are fully lifted.
8, 9:30, and 11 AM services will continue to be streamed.
Sunday School classes may choose to move inside.
Hugs and Handshakes may be offered to each other.
Church Groups may meet indoors with masks optional.
Beginning July 6:
Community Partners (non-church-related groups) may meet on campus.
September 12:
Our long-delayed GRAND REOPENING and REDEDICATION OF THE SANCTUARY
All services will be held indoors.
All Covid-related restrictions removed.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Amen!