Update on Worship Plans: Changes for this Sunday and Beyond

June 3, 2021

Dear Saint Stephen’s,

It feels like an ever-evolving plan around how to emerge out of this pandemic, make the best decisions for our community, and do what is both reasonable and responsible, all while being careful to hold the many different opinions and views in a way that models our respect for each other. Things we have learned in the last several months:

  • We love parking lot church, especially the flexibility and fun and the connection to nature.

  • We are also more adaptable than we realized.

  • We have a lot of creative people in our congregation who have made our adaptation possible.

  • We have been exceptionally lucky with the weather.

That being said, it’s getting hotter, the weather is more unpredictable, and the COVID-19 numbers continue to decline in our community. Coupled with the guidance from the Diocese, it’s time for another iteration of our return-to-worship plans. Here is what you need to know:

  • The 9 a.m. service will move to the Parish Hall for the month of June. Chairs will be provided (please do not bring your own).

  • For the month of June, the 11:15 a.m. service will be the only service that requires masks for all people (out of respect for our choir).

  • Children’s Chapel will only be offered at the 9 a.m. service. The nursery is available all morning.

  • We will no longer require reservations for any service, as maintaining four Sunday services should naturally limit capacity.

  • We will begin offering wine (intinction only) this Sunday.

  • For now, we will continue to encourage people to sit every other pew.

  • In July, all services will move to the Nave, and we will encourage anyone who would like to wear a mask to do so, but we will not mandate this.

  • We will continue to livestream the 11:15 a.m. service although that could change in the fall to the 9:00 a.m. service.

I am grateful for the wisdom, guidance, and adaptability of our leadership, the COVID-19 Taskforce, and our staff. I look forward to our continued growth as a church community.

Faithfully,

The Rev. John B. Burruss

Rector

John Burruss