As the country begins to re-open for “normal” activity, our churches, too, face the daunting prospect of discerning when and how to re-open. The recommended calculus includes the interaction of (1) reduced, local infection rates, (2) increased percentage of vaccinated persons, and (3) continued use of health practices (e.g. masks, social distancing, ventilation, and check-ins on attendees wellness and the wellness of others in the same household!). Whether this means it will be safer to re-open for Easter, Pentecost, or Kick-off Sunday next Fall is a question for Session discernment through prayer and dialogue.
What’s a church to do?
Beyond the “when” and “what criteria” questions suggested above, further discernment will be required regarding what our worship life will look, sound, and feel like moving forward. As I noted in last week’s missive, we are not returning to the old normal of December 2019 but seeking to move into a safer 2022. The metaphor offered by a CDC employee remains valid: just as 9/11 led to the TSA and changed forever the way we travel, so COVID is changing forever the way we gather.
What’s a church to do?
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow will address this question on April 24, 2021, during our next presbytery meeting. Bruce will present five models for post-COVID worship options as a 90-minute workshop from 1:00-2:30 on Saturday, April 24. Bruce’s presentation will include discussion of the challenges and opportunities of each model as well as the technical, financial, and personnel requirements of each. Also on April 24, in the morning as part of our corporate worship, Kellie Hart, a consultant with Worship Design Studios, will demonstrate and present ideas for crafting worship as a virtual experience.
But wait, what’s happening on April 23 if presbytery is the next day?
What’s a church to do?
Well, save the date: April 23 for a pre-presbytery event as we share best practices and learn from one another and April 24 for the presbytery meeting with nationally recognized speakers. Presbytery staff will create a fuller description of both the April 23 and April 24 events as details are firmed up, so be looking for more. What shall be as we move toward a safer 2022 is not yet known—only that Jesus is with us even to the end of the age.
We journey together,
Brad Munroe
