Hello Congregation,
As you know the numbers in the state of Massachusetts are rising rapidly and it is time to start adjusting our weekly service process. Fortunately, our church has an incredibly positive outlook.
The church community, as a thinking body, is very resourceful. We have a “can do” attitude that serves us well when faced with adversity.
Let us look back to last summer when the big question was not about the virus, but about our beloved Snowflake Fair! “What about the fair?” was the battle cry for three months. Who could imagine that not only would there be a fair, but that it would be so innovatively successful? Where there is a will there is a way as the saying goes.
Consider the newly reported increase in COVID numbers; it has been determined that our best course of action would be to close the sanctuary from Thanksgiving Day, 11/26, to Sunday, December 6, when we will re-open, to avoid any post -holiday contamination.
Meaning that during this period, only essential personnel will be allowed limited access to the sanctuary. This is to ensure that there is no contamination fallout from the Thanksgiving holiday. By the time we reconvene December 6, the sanctuary will welcome you back. There are no chances to be taken with the health and safety of our congregation.
What can you expect?
The plan is that everyone participating in the delivery of the service on November 29th (next Sunday) would still be here as our congregation watches from home. We will provide a full service. This means Reverend DeAngelis will present the sermon, Linda will play her music and Bonnie S will record the service. Congregation volunteers such as Worship Leader, bell ringers and Advent volunteers would hopefully fulfill their duties. Any volunteer may opt out, with reasonable notice to the church office, if they are uncomfortable participating.
During the closed week ONLY essential people will be allowed in. This would include the above mentioned as well as Barry and Gus.
Currently the plan only extends to the sanctuary and does NOT affect any other sections of our church complex.
Let us all be mindful of the consequences as violation of this request would extend the closure of our sanctuary for an additional week.
During this period, prayer requests should be emailed directly to Pastor Robin at revrobindeangelis@gmail.com. Pledges and donations can be mailed or dropped off at the church.
Please note that the Thrift Shop will also be closed.
This plan is an excellent preventative way of protecting ourselves and our church from long-term closure as numbers of the virus rise around us. Please help us by tuning in to the GCC website next Sunday to enjoy the service.
Thank you, in prayer,
Susan A. D’angelo
Minister of Worship
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