Greetings, Bay Shore!
As I write this, the snow is falling softly, and my body is aching—yes, Pete and I have been sick all week with “whatever this is.” It’s been a hard week, I won’t sugar-coat it, and I pray you all are healthy and well. I know Pete and I will recover soon, but it will take some time.
We have all seen the headlines this week and last about the rapid spread of Omicron in our area, affecting the vaccinated and unvaccinated. Several of my colleagues have been down the past 7-10 days, so I was not surprised to become ill. But the spread is still happening. There is a lot of concern being shared, and I know you all are invested in our community’s welfare.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has issued a statement, supported by our Bishop Ericksson, to cease in person worship for the next 4-6 weeks. I have connected with our staff and the Executive Committee for Council to discuss the recommendations. In response, we will do the following:
- This Sunday, we will have Zoom Worship at 10 a.m. This will allow me to lead worship from home, and also keep the rest of the staff at home as well.
- After Sunday, the staff and I will review our health situations and decide if Sunday, Jan. 16 will be on Zoom or through livestream (staff only in the building) at 10 a.m.
- On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Council will meet via Zoom and review our current practices in line with the WCC’s recommendations.
- Each group using our building at this time may use discretion about in person gatherings, but as you will see in the Calendar—most are moving to Zoom meetings for the time being. The preschool was closed this week as well.
I know, this feels like a step back. The good news is that we have the vaccines now, and more and more are getting vaccinated, and the experts last night on the news stated this “wave” has a shorter life cycle than Delta. I do not feel we will be in virtual worship mode for long, but it is best to follow the guidance we are given at this time.
You will see in our eNews that we are continuing forward in our plans as best as possible. The staff and I appreciate your support and patience as we maneuver through the latest situation. I will keep you all updated as best as I can through email, Facebook and our website. Let’s stay as connected as possible in the weeks ahead—call one another, join in the Zooms, and participate as you are able.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. 3 John 2:1 (NRSV) This is my sincere prayer for you and our community in the weeks ahead. Please join me in praying for one another.
Peace to you and your loved ones,
Pastor Sarah
This Sunday’s Virtual Worship will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom.
The recording of the service will be uploaded to the YouTube Channel following the service.
Fellowship will also happen immediately after the worship service, using the same Zoom room.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82399763795?pwd=M2pYMVdHOC9jb1RtMjN2WU1MbmVWdz09
Meeting ID: 823 9976 3795
Passcode: 135606
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