Fall plans update – Heather Mustain.
Masking for all strongly urged; Aug. 15 promotion for preschool, children, youth
When we published our plans for this fall just two weeks ago, what we didn’t know was that in less than a week’s time it would all change. Unfortunately we find ourselves again adapting to the threat of a new Coronavirus variant and adjusting to its surge in our community.
The COVID-19 Advisory Task Force is meeting weekly once again to monitor, evaluate and assess the situation and its implications to our congregational life together. The truth is, we find ourselves in a time that is ambiguous and will take time to understand. We, once again, thank you for your grace and patience as we do so.
Here’s what we do know:
• We will continue for now with our current Sunday schedule of worship at 9 and 11 a.m. and Sunday School at 10, with each element lasting around 45 minutes. We hope to launch our previously announced Sunday schedule and Wednesday programming at the end of August or start of September.
• On Sunday, Aug. 15, preschoolers, children and youth will promote to new Sunday School classes. Blessing of the Backpacks will be held in worship.
• We will continue to strongly urge vaccinated people to mask anytime while indoors at Wilshire, including in the Sanctuary and Sunday School rooms. Masks are required for those who are unvaccinated.
• We are suspending Sunday service of coffee and other drinks because it discourages mask wearing and social distancing. We will not provide hospitality services for meetings or events and strongly discourage bringing outside food and drinks (water excepted). Koinonia Cafe To Go will continue through August.
While all of us have shared disappointment around having to take what feels like a step backwards, we rejoice that we can worship together still. The safety and wellbeing of everyone, but especially our children and immune compromised friends, are our priority. We can do hard things, together and with God’s grace.