June 16, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ:
On Monday evening (June 15, 2020), Vestry met online to discuss the results of the recent survey we sent out. It seems clear that a sufficient number of parishioners feel safe enough to begin gathering together for worship, while adhering to the strict requirements issued by Bishop Hollingsworth, along with guidelines from government authorities.
I want to be clear that our time together in the building right now will not look very much like what we are used to. And you might find the changes somewhat jarring, should you choose to attend. We will continue to offer our 10am live-streamed services on our website (
StTimsMassillon.com
) as well as on our
Facebook page
.
At 8am this Sunday (June 21
st
), we will open the building for Morning Prayer, with the following limitations and requirements:
- We must limit the number of people to a maximum of 40, with pews taped off to keep separate households the required six feet apart.
- Everyone in the building (including the preacher) must wear a face mask at all times. (We ask that you please bring your own mask, if possible, though we will have some on-hand.)
- Singing, handshakes, hugs, and congregating in the building before and after services are all strictly prohibited. No refreshments will be served. Children must stay with their parents at all times.
- Currently, the Bishop does not permit distribution of the Sacrament.
If you have any questions, or want to discuss any of this, please don’t hesitate to call the church office, or my cell phone.
I know these are difficult and challenging times. It would be great to just throw open the doors and start singing together, but as Christians, we must put loving our neighbor above everything else. May God keep us all safe as we enter into this new season.
Faithfully,
Fr. George Baum, Rector
