Pastoral Plan Update for In-Person Worship (March 2021)

28 March 2021 

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings, 

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One! 

After several conversations with Dr. Greg Poland, a vaccinologist and infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, and in consultation with our missioners, I have decided to amend our Pastoral Plan for In-person Worship.  These accommodations were shared with Clergy and Lay Leaders during our ZOOM Call on Wednesday, 24 March.  A Summary Notes document from Dr. Poland was also shared with the Clergy and Lay Leaders. 

I would like to identify the protocols that remain in place for all in-person worship: 

  1. Any person not feeling well, experiencing symptoms including fever, coughing, sneezing, is asked to remain at home, consider getting a COVID 19 test and if necessary, call your health care provider. 

  2. Continue physical distancing of 6 feet. 

  3. Well ventilated space. 

  4. 25% of full capacity 

  5. Appropriate masks worn properly. 

  6. Having hand sanitizer available. 

  7. Continued contact tracing. 

For those faith communities that have chosen to offer in-person worship, it is important to underscore that a hybrid experience of in-person and virtual worship should continue to be offered so that everyone connected to your faith community may join in worship. 

Another adaptation that has been made is the opportunity for 4 to 8 people in a choir to sing in-person physically distanced and properly masked, in the setting of 25 % of full capacity in a well-ventilated space.  Those gathered for in-person worship, observing the protocols above, can sing softly while properly masked.  You are also encouraged to continue to check the State of Indiana Coronavirus Dashboard on a weekly basis. 

An updated checklist can be found here.  If you have any questions, please contact me or one of our missioners.  We stand ready to continue to support you in any way we can. 

Lastly, I give thanks to God for all those who have given of themselves, in so many ways, during this pandemic.  I also encourage you to get vaccinated and if you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.  COVID 19 fatigue is real, even with the availability of the COVID 19 vaccines, we must remain diligent in attending to these safety protocols. 

Be assured of my prayer and support.  Please thank your clergy and lay leaders for their good work on your behalf. 

This comes with a brother’s love… 

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana 

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