Dear People of Grace,

I have just been notified that a fully vaccinated member of our congregation, who was present at 10:30 a.m. worship last Sunday, July 25, has tested positive for Covid-19 and is exhibiting mild symptoms.

Out of an abundance of caution, we will not hold the 8:00 a.m. service tomorrow. We will hold a 10:30 a.m. service of Morning Prayer, Rite II, by livestream only to YouTube and Facebook. It is my strong recommendation that anyone who was present in person at Grace for 10:30 a.m. worship last Sunday, July 25, be tested for Covid-19.

Fauquier County is, as of this evening, in the red, "High Level of Community Transmission" zone. According to guidance from our Bishop, normally, we would simply require masks in worship tomorrow. But because of a positive Covid test we want to be careful and caring for all, especially those who are immunocompromised, children who have not yet been vaccinated, and other vulnerable members of our community.

This is a time to pray and reflect; we are people of prayerful action, we lead in our community, and in Jesus we lead towards love, towards our neighbor, and towards the common good. My prayer for all of us at Grace, and in our region, is that we can devote our energies to encourage vaccination and wearing masks so that we can resume worship and ministry more freely.

Thank you for your love and care of Grace Church and our neighbors.

In Christ,

Weston

The Rev, E. Weston Mathews

Rector, Grace Church in The Plains