The State of Rhode Island and Bishop Knisely have given churches some new guidelines for in person worship. Basically, all restrictions have been lifted and we can mostly go back to pre-COVID customs. The Bishop recommends that we ease into the changes, knowing that some people are still not vaccinated and that some immuno-compromised people are still at risk. And of course, we are concerned for all of our precious children who cannot yet be vaccinated. We want to include them in our worship service as much as they want, while still keeping them safe. Here are the things that we will do this Sunday:
- Vaccinated people do not have to wear masks and they do not have to social distance. Of course, you are welcome to wear a mask if you want. Un-vaccinated people are asked to wear a mask and to social distance.
- Singing is permitted! We will start singing hymns every Sunday. Again- no mask needed unless you want to wear one or you are not vaccinated.
- We can use the Prayer Books and Hymnals.
- We will continue to livestream the service on Facebook and YouTube. We have developed an online congregation that includes people from other states and other countries! We are happy to welcome them from afar.
The Bishop has suggested that we don't hug or shake hands yet during the time of the Peace-we all have to get used to close interaction again! But you can ask the person next to you in the pew how they feel about that and proceed accordingly. As far as communion goes, we will just distribute the bread for a little longer before introducing the chalice with wine back into the service.
In the coming weeks, we will resume having lectors and acolytes and chalice bearers. We will also bring back coffee hour in mid-June. Stay tuned! And join us at 9am!
