The number of new cases of COVID19, which surged this summer/fall, continues to decrease and is around half of what it was at the peak on September 13. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting) At this point, about 67.4% of eligible people in MA (anyone twelve years of age or older) have been fully vaccinated. An additional 7.3% have had a first dose, and 3.8% have had a booster as well. The timing is fortunate, because colder weather is coming and at some point, gathering outdoors will not be a very comfortable option.
The Re-Opening Task Force feels that it is safe to begin relaxing our distancing requirements a bit. For the services coming up this weekend on Saturday 10/23 and Sunday, 10/24, only half of the pews will be taped off for people who wish to be cautious about distancing. People may seat themselves as they like in the untaped pews, although we would encourage everyone to take a considerate approach to self-distancing. Community Hour will be held outdoors.
The Re-Opening Task Force is also recommending that starting on Sunday, October 31, we plan to hold Community Hour on the lawn, when the weather is good, but move into the Assembly Room if it is cold or wet. When Community Hour is outdoors, we will serve refreshments. But when we meet indoors, we will need to be masked, and we will not serve anything to drink or eat. The Church School will continue to meet in Wallace Chapel and outdoors just as they have been doing.
The Re-Opening Task Force will continue to track the public health data and re-assess the risk/benefit balance between the needs for community and safety.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
