Throughout the pandemic, the Board and I shared a common goal: to return to in-person worship only when we can do so in a way that preserves what we love most about Sunday mornings: gathering with all ages, enjoying live music from our band, and keeping our doors open with unqualified welcome, to anyone who is seeking a community like this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For these reasons, we chose not to implement safety restrictions some other communities adopted, that allowed them to re-gather earlier in the pandemic (e.g. adults- or vaccinated-only gatherings; no music\/singing; pre-registration required; etc.). Our June concert was a way to test another option: outdoor services. Unfortunately, we discovered that holding an outdoor event for our entire congregation required the rental and labor-intensive setup and tear-down of new sound equipment \u2013 very <\/em>worth it, for one day! \u2013 but not a cost we can absorb on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we look towards re-gathering now, we\u2019re considering how best to create a welcoming space for as many members of our community as possible. While many WellSpringers are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, vaccination is not universal among us \u2013 especially while children under 12 are ineligible. Pandemic conditions also continue to shift from week to week. I get nervous even writing down plans for August, in late July\u2026 maybe you can relate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So while I share the exciting news of our re-gathering plans today, I also want to share one of our intentions for re-gathering, at least in these early stages: we will ask every person over the age of 2 to wear a mask, as we gather indoors for Sunday services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Masking up is one of the simplest and most effective practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially in indoor spaces. Singing with masks is much safer than singing without. We can see each other wearing our masks clearly\u2026 and not have to worry so much whether someone across the room is vaccinated or not. It\u2019s not forever \u2013 but it\u2019s a simple way, for now, to ease ourselves gradually into re-gathering in person. Personally, if this guideline makes anyone who has longed to return to their spiritual home more comfortable walking through our doors, then \u2013 yes, recycled coffee breath and all \u2013 it will be worth it for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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