Note: This updates the policy posted here.

May 20, 2021

To: Grace Episcopal Church

From: The Rev. Joseph N. Davis, Vicar

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

After consulting together for weeks, having read emails last week in which the bishop states that he is lifting the mask requirement and requirements on limiting capacity and distancing, the mission council and I have agreed by informal consensus to make some changes in our Covid 19 protocols at Grace Episcopal Church. If you are fully vaccinated, you have the option of not wearing a mask in our worship services. If you are not fully vaccinated, or if you are particularly vulnerable to Covid 19, we recommend that you continue to wear a mask in the church. If you are having symptoms that could be related to having Covid 19, we ask that you stay at home and participate in the online services which will continue to be offered. If you would prefer to wear a mask when inside the church, you may continue to do so, and no one will object. No matter how we make adjustments, we will inevitably face some awkwardness, and the changes cannot happen all at once.

Offering plates may be placed where everyone can reach them; or they may be passed through the church at the offertory. You may sing the hymns without a mask on, or you may want to keep wearing a mask during the hymns. That decision is up to you.

You may come to the rail for communion in both kinds. If you are wearing a mask, you may remove it to receive communion. You may also stay in your pew, if you prefer, and I will bring the host to you. I may need you to hold a hand up so I will know you want to receive at your place.

After the service, I will greet people outside the church door under the maple tree. This Sunday, I will only be greeting people for a couple of minutes, since I am leading a congregational meeting in the nave of the church right after the service.

We are trying to be objective and safe in the leadership we bring to Grace Church; even so, Pentecost does seem like the right time to become free of some of the restrictions we have lived with for so long.

I look forward, more than ever, to seeing you this Sunday.

Faithfully,

Father Joe