Dear People of Saint Paul’s:

Over the past weeks, we have learned that COVID-related hospitalizations are increasing rapidly and that our hospitals are becoming full. Our friends at Good Shepherd Church have three of the four priests positive for COVID, and all of them were previously vaccinated. Good Shepherd has a mask-mandate in place for all services and indoor spaces and is cancelling plans for large gatherings not associated with services. The local health experts believe that the virus variant Delta has not yet peaked in our area. Local schools, both public and private, have initiated mask-requirements. 

The Vestry is concerned with all of issues which surround the health and safety of our church members and our community. We all struggle with what is the best way to stay healthy and safe as well the most effective way to protect our neighbors. Our clergy consists of two physicians and a hospital chaplain. Each has a story to tell about the devastation of this disease, as do many of us. We know that any decision about how others should respond to a medical issue will be subject to criticism. Please understand that the Vestry is trying to make the decision possible for our Church right now and that we ask you to make the best decision for yourself and others. 

This weekend, the Vestry will not require those who are vaccinated to wear masks. We do, however, strongly encourage responsible behavior to protect yourself, each other, the clergy, and the staff. Therefore, the Vestry asks the following for each service:

During the week, please wear a mask while in the church buildings and offices. 

In keeping with the goal of safe practices, the Gather at the River celebration of the choir and the children’s and youth’s ministries which was planned to follow the 11:00 a.m. service on August 22 has been postponed. This is disappointing as you would have realized the work that has been done to prepare to welcome us back to worship. The youth rooms have been cleaned, re-organized and made ready. You are welcome to self-tour these areas. We still need help in fulfilling our obligations to these ministries as well as to others. In the Narthex, you will see a board of opportunity with information about committees and chair contacts. Please reach out to the committee chairs with questions, suggestions, and enthusiasm!

The Vestry will continue to monitor the local infection rates, hospitalizations, and even the rate of infection among the parishioners as it is known to us. We recognize that opinions vary on how best to defeat the virus; we pray that this will occur sooner rather than later so that we can continue with our lives and be fully prepared to welcome the Rev. Dr. Eric Biddy to a healthy and vibrant Saint Paul’s. 

Please keep all who are affected by COVID in any way in your daily prayers. These are challenging times and the impact on many is not just physical; it’s also emotional. Our sincere, kind, and continued support for others in this time of difficulty is surely a faithful expression of Christ’s love. 

Yours,

Ashley Wright

Senior Warden

If you have not completed a pledge card, please complete this year’s annual stewardship appeal and return it to the church as soon as possible, or pledge online on our website at saintpauls.org/pledge-card/. If you did not receive a pledge appeal in the mail or have simply misplaced yours, please email the parish office or contact by telephone at (706) 724-2485 ext. 225.

as of 8/11/2021

Offerings received this Week $9,253.90

Operating Expenses to Date $517,874.32

Total Income Received to Date $568,471.08

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.