Dear Church Family,
As you are probably aware, the number of new COVID-19 cases has increased in our area recently due to the Delta Variant, which is more infectious and transmissible than the original virus. I imagine that each of us has been affected by or knows someone that has been affected by this virus.
Since the CDC updated their recommendations regarding mask usage, the Transition Team has been in communication and decided to send an update after getting approval from council. Our desire is to continue worshiping as we have been in person and online while maintaining the health and safety of those assembled.
We encourage you to actively participate by loving your neighbor in the following ways:
- First, we encourage you to pray. Pray for those who are sick and for those who care for those who are sick. Pray for those who seek to make the best decisions amidst so much uncertainty and changing situations.
- If you are experiencing any COVID related symptoms (dry cough, fever, sore throat, etc.) you are encouraged to stay home – you are always welcome to worship with us online. Even when it is online, we worship God as one body.
- We encourage you to practice good hygiene, washing your hands and using sanitizer when appropriate.
- We encourage you to maintain physical/social distance in the building – giving space between your family and other families in the pews and in the hallways not only helps protect others, but also causes the worship space to look more full online.
- And, finally, we encourage you to wear a mask when in worship. If you need a mask, there are extras available when entering the building.
By following these steps, we will hopefully continue worshiping together in person and online with little changes regarding how we worship.
Sincerely,
The Transition Team
___________________________
A personal note from Pastor Karl:
My friends,
Admittedly, dealing with the many changes and challenges due to COVID-19 has been the hardest and probably the most draining part of being a pastor so far. Like you, I get exhausted considering the consequences we face because of this virus. It is troubling to think that the rates in new cases and deaths are inching closer to or have already surpassed where they were a year ago before I was even your pastor. But I have to say, I am not afraid of what is happening or what is to come, because I have faith. Of course, I have faith first in God. But I have faith in you all as well – faith that we will do the things necessary to care and love our neighbors amidst such loss. I have faith that no matter what the outcome is, we will get through it together. Know that my prayers are with you, people of God. These things we ask of you weigh heavily on me and they are not asked of you lightly. So, I ask for your prayers as well.
I want to add a few other points that I think are important to mention. First, I want to note that since I have been your pastor here at Trinity, we have followed the guidance of the CDC’s recommendations. One of the reasons we are encouraging these practices is to remain consistent. Our Bishop, Bill Gohl, of the Delaware-Maryland Synod recommends that congregations, “Plan the work and work the plan.” Thankfully, the preventative measures put in place, perhaps by sheer luck, or by the grace of God those attending worship here at Trinity have remained relatively healthy and safe so far.
Second, I want to recognize that we understand that not everyone views this pandemic the same way. Both the Transition Team and the Church Council have given a lot of thought into making these recommendations. We don’t always agree on every detail, but the recommendations that have been made are a result of long discussions, email chains, and come out of a place of care and concern for those who do attend worship here.
Finally, if you have any concerns, please reach out to me, a member of the Transition Team, or a member of Church Council. I know they will do their best to listen and address your concerns. Be safe, and be well.
In Christ,
Pastor Karl Muhlbach
