This week, I’m reaching out with a reminder.
After the CDC issued updated guidelines regarding masking for vaccinated individuals, I received questions from several of you about how these updated guidelines would impact our day-to-day operations (and in particular, our Sunday morning gatherings) at Wesley Church. With the release of these revised guidelines, it is now up to businesses, restaurants, schools, workplaces, religious communities, and other organizations to determine how best to implement these guidelines in their context.
Here at Wesley, our church Trustees are responsible for setting policies and rules for our facility. Throughout COVID-tide, they have consistently reviewed guidelines from the CDC, recommendations from the state, and directives from our annual conference. However, in the end, it is the Trustees who determine the rules (regarding masking, distancing, travel, vaccinations, quarantines, etc.) for Wesley Church. Currently, our Trustee policy requires masks for all who enter our church facility. That policy remains in place until it is changed by the Trustees. They will be reviewing the updated guidelines at their meeting this week (just as they do every month), and making any changes they deem necessary. Therefore, if you are planning to attend worship this Sunday morning (May 16), please remember to wear your mask. We will keep you updated on any revisions to mask requirements for upcoming Sundays (May 23 and beyond). We appreciate your cooperation in this, as it will give our Trustees the time they need to properly consider the implications of updated public health guidelines.
I’ve been fully vaccinated for several weeks now — but this week, you’ll see me wearing my mask, in accordance with our Trustees’ current policy. (In fact, even if and when our church policies change, you’ll probably see me wearing a mask for some time to come — I’ll be wearing one in solidarity with my own kiddos, who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. I want them to know their mama is in this with them.)
Be safe and well, Wesley Church!
Pastor Candy
