On Tuesday, January 4, 2022, the Congregation Council met and discussed the current status of Covid-19 in our community and when we should resume in-person worship. It was the consensus of Council that we resume in-person worship on January 9, 2022 with two services, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

We recognize that in recent weeks, Covid-19 cases have skyrocketed in the community and hospitals are overwhelmed. We are aware of a number of members of the congregation who have tested positive for Covid with symptoms ranging from “bad cold” to “very ill”. We believe that we have consistently provided a responsible worship setting and plan to continue to do so.

Your cooperation will be important so that worship does not become a place where people contract Covid. Therefore the following guidelines will be in place.

1. Masks are required. Because the omicron variant is dominant right now, we recommend that all those attending worship wear a KN-95 mask or better, OR double mask. Gaiters are not acceptable masks. Cloth masks are not effective against the omicron variant. Please wear masks properly, over both nose and mouth.
2. We will continue to social distance. Pews will continue to be clearly labeled. Please limit indoor socializing.
3. We encourage you to get vaccinated and/or “boosted” before attending in-person worship. In Maryland, 84% of Covid hospitalizations and deaths were among people who were not fully vaccinated.
4. We will be continuing to cross-ventilate the sanctuary, which means it will likely be cooler than normal. Dress accordingly.
5. In-person Sunday Adventures and Confirmation will be held.
6. Food and beverages will not be available in the Get Connected Café until further notice.
7. Choir rehearsals are able to be held.
8. IF YOU FEEL ILL OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID RECENTLY, PLEASE USE OUR ONLINE WORSHIP OPTION.This option is also available to those who do not feel comfortable being in a public setting right now. Worship will be livestreamed at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.
9. Outside groups are reminded that there is presently an indoor mask-mandate in Anne Arundel County.

Governor Hogan believes that the next 4-6 weeks will be the most challenging phase of this pandemic. Please do your part to reduce the community spread of this illness.

Pastor Earl