From the Pastor

Deadlines. I love them and I hate them. I love them because they help me order my time and figure out what has to be done first. Some of you know that I keep a white board in my office to track of all the threads of church life, to make sure that we stay on course. Deadlines are also an enemy, because they drag our attention away from being present in the moment. This season, when the days are long and the sun and the birds are calling to come out and play, we really need a moment. I spent some time this week just people-watching; noticing gait and facial expression and body language. Everyone seemed to be going somewhere with a purpose. Not in a hurry, exactly (it's Vermont, after all). But with a mission. Thank heavens for that, because there has been plenty to do as we move from social isolation to working, shopping and meeting.

I hope in the next few weeks, you will also take some time away from your phone, away from the honey-do list on the fridge, to be somewhere that feels timeless to you. Our souls have a schedule of their own. If we don't plan some time to dis-connect, to let go of our planning and just exist in the world, we can't hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us and through us. It is by listening to our deepest selves that we find the wisdom and strength to order our lives so that what seems urgent doesn't crowd out what is truly important.

You wouldn't want to miss a chat with a beloved family member, or the sight of clouds scudding across the mountains, or a sweet, stolen moment with the person you love. Take a moment. The world can wait.

Pastor Leigh

Masking policies as Voted by Council

The council makes masking optional, but encouraged for Sunday services and meetings in the church building. The council will reverse this decision if necessary upon the advice of the parish nurse.

The council is no longer requiring contact tracing. We encourage people to notify the church and self-report if they test positive for covid-19. Their names will be kept confidential. The congregation will be told that there is a positive case of someone who has been in the church building. This gives people the choice of whether to attend in person or via zoom.

Our parish nurse has been following the guidance of the CDC. Noting that the infection rates have risen this week, she recommends masking or joining by ZOOM for those who may be vulnerable. 

Worship from Anywhere on ZOOM!

You can join our in person worship service live at 9:30 on Sundays. Your face will not be visible in the Sanctuary, but you will be able to hear and see most of what is going on. Please keep yourself muted and feel free to sing along! You can also dial in from your phone to hear the service.

From a computer or tablet:

CLICK THIS LINK

Meeting ID: 82152139967

Passcode: 05641

From a cellphone, click this link:

+19292056099,,82152139967#,,,,*05641#

For audio only on your phone, dial this number:

 +1 929 205 6099

Meeting ID: 82152139967

Passcode: 05641

News From the Parish Nurse

As we move further along the endemic and closer to the new normal, many states like Vermont are no longer providing weekly COVID19 updates. To find out what your county rating is or a place you may be traveling to, the CDC has a COVID Data Tracker on it’s website which allows you to put in the state and the county that you need. Also depending on the rating (high, medium, or low), the CDC provides recommendations for precautions people should take to avoid the risk of getting and spreading the virus. This information is updated weekly on Thursdays. As of the most recent update, Washington county was rated low which means no masking requirements for most situations. There are exceptions. Some medical offices or facilities might still require masking or you may find that you are more comfortable masking in certain situations regardless of the current CDC recommendations. 

As always vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when you feel unwell is still the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. If you do a home test and it is positive; contact your provider and follow their instructions.  

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