From the General Presbyter
“But I, brothers and sisters, I could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”
1 Corinthians 3: 1-2a
Guidance on Regathering for the Summer
There is so much information “out there” about regathering safely and I hope folks are taking advantage of some pretty solid church plans on our website and beyond. I would like to offer these guidelines for our Presbytery specifically.
- We are still in a pandemic, and have not reached herd immunity, so health and safety are nonnegotiable priorities for, and of, our leaders and members.
- Everyone has a right to feel and be safe regardless of their vaccination status. If someone is vaccinated and chooses to wear a mask or social distance, that is their right.
- Sessions may request unvaccinated members wear a mask and distance for their health and safety and the health and safety of those who cannot receive the vaccine at this time. Individuals include those who are immunocompromised, children under the age of 12 and others who cannot receive the vaccine for other health reasons.
- Sessions may request members remain socially distant for the abovementioned reasons.
- Members who choose not to wear a mask – when not mandated by the State of Maryland or the CDC and those who do should be equally respectful of one another and refrain from political commentary, disparaging remarks or un-Christlike behavior.
The above scripture would seem to divide us into weak and strong as politics has infused this period in our lives. We are all both weak and strong: the fearful may seem weak, yet they are strong protectors. The fearless may seem reckless yet they point to a soon realized freedom if done in love.
I trust leaders and members alike will prayerfully and carefully design regathering opportunities so that all can participate in safe and spirit-filled worship, in person and online and maintain the Body of Christ in peace and joy.
Blessings,
– Jackie
