Latest Covid reopening update - Rectors Rambling for June 20, 2021

     We have now received word from the four dioceses in Michigan that we are entering Phase 3 of the reopening plan, albeit a revised Phase 3.  A year ago a multi-phase plan was issued by the dioceses as to how we might be able to worship together safely in light of the virus that has disrupted society and the church.

However, that original schema has been revised along the way.  The reception of Holy Communion was originally not supposed to happen in the first opening phase, but a committee presented a safe practices way forward to do so based on what other denominations where already doing – several weeks ahead of us.

The Phases would be revised as the science of it all would continue to change and more was discovered to be true or not.  “We are in Phase 1.75 or 2.5” or whatever new plan was revealed.  And of course, we know that as a second spike of infections hit a new phase was developed reducing attendance to 10 people per service, which we did for 17 weeks.

STARTING JULY 1 – Phase 3 includes 1) Masks optional, 2) Social distancing optional, 3) Meetings and gatherings allowed, and 4) Food may be prepared in the kitchen (but no open buffets yet).  For the time being, The Holy Communion will continue to be offered in one kind only, the consecrated host.

Of course, if you are ill or have had close contact exposure with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, you should absent yourself from public worship, but otherwise, everyone should return to worship at St. John’s so that we can resume our corporate life together.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back in church!

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Happy Fathers Day to the dads in our congregation, and in thanksgiving for those dads who have gone before us.