Dear friends in Christ,
I'm grateful to share several important updates to our parish guidelines, protocols, and our COVID19 Community Covenant. Earlier this month the CDC released updated guidelines and several days ago the Diocese of Colorado announced updated mask, gathering, and COVID19 recommendations for churches. The science behind COVID19 along with the introduction of vaccinations has dramatically shifted many things over the past several weeks. However, as an intergenerational community I am mindful that not all parishioners have had the opportunity to get vaccinated and some will be unable to get vaccinated.
Updating St. Michael's guidelines was done carefully with the safety of the staff, lay leaders, and parishioners as our top priority while balancing the needs to be spiritually connected and physically proximate to one another. Therefore, effective Sunday, May 30, St. Michael’s will adopt the following guidelines for outdoor services:
- Fully vaccinated parishioners will not be required to wear a mask for worship services, gatherings, or events that occur outside.
- Fully vaccinated parishioners will be encouraged to carry and wear a face mask when interacting with others who have not been vaccinated.
- Masks will be required for gatherings that consist of mostly children and/or youth.
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Parishioners are requested to wear a wristband that indicates their comfortability and personal preferences for interactions. Free wristbands will be available for all gatherings and you are encouraged to "join the band" to help avoid awkward moments:
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Green – Handshakes & Hugs are OK (masks optional)
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Yellow – Elbow & Fist Bumps Only (masks optional)
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Red – Maintain 6’ Physical Distance (wear a mask)
- Fully vaccinated worship leaders (clergy, staff, singers, readers) will not be required to wear a face mask.
- Communion, in one kind (wafers only) will be distributed during the service by the clergy.
- Parishioners are no longer required to check-in for outdoor services. Guests and visitors will need to check-in and provide a name and contact information.
As we enter into this new season of change at St. Michael's thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support. I will continue to work diligently with the staff, vestry, and Next Steps Committee to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of expectations, realities, and possibilities.
Ready for the newest "St. Mike's Original" video? Click the image below for more information on wristbands and our updated guidelines. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Faithfully in Christ,
The Rev. Matt Holcombe
matt@stmikeschurch.com
