You are invited to worship on Sunday in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am or live online on our YouTube page.
Congregational Note From Pastor Brian
May 19, 2021
Dear Waleska UMC,
In light of some recent updates from the CDC and our state, I want to update you regarding some of the procedures we are using at the church going forward. Our Church Council has discussed and unanimously supports the procedures below.
Per CDC recommendations, masks are optional for worship and adult programing for vaccinated individuals. The CDC continues to recommend unvaccinated people wear masks, and we encourage this too. The CDC has indicated that the chances of a fully vaccinated person contracting COVID are very low and, even if they do, the chances of having a life-threatening case are negligible. During worship, we will continue to have at least a portion of the pews spaced every other pew, and extra precautions will continue to be taken when we share in Communion.
I also know that some of you are not yet comfortable in public without masks, and some have yet to be vaccinated. There are many who have grown accustomed to mask wearing and, understandably, it will take a while for some people to feel comfortable going without a mask. This is okay and should not be a point of contention. Moreover, there are legitimate reasons for people to continue wearing masks (e.g., they are immunocompromised, can’t be vaccinated for health reasons, or just feel safer with one on). Let’s not forget these things.
Finally, and related to this, we must continue to be led by the Spirit of love. The new CDC information can easily become another way to judge one another and divide. This is not who Christ calls us to be. Let us glorify the Christ that we love who calls us to be bound together in love, unity, and mercy.
For more detailed information on our procedures going forward, please see below.
With much love,
Pastor Brian
WUMC Procedures (as of 5/19/2021)
Worship
- In alignment with CDC’s updated guidelines, masks are optional for fully-vaccinated people at worship services at Waleska United Methodist Church.
- Those who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue to wear face masks in worship.
- Half of the pews will remain every other pew at least through the month of June.
- Sanitizer stations will continue to be available.
Indoor Adult Ministries and Meetings
- In alignment with CDC’s updated guidelines, masks are optional for fully-vaccinated people at ministry events and meetings at Waleska United Methodist Church.
- Those who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue to wear face masks in recommended situations.
- When possible, use additional spacing between individuals.
- Sanitizer stations will continue to be available.
- The possibility of indoor, large group meals will be reconsidered later in the summer.
Communion
- Communion elements will continue to be served using prepackaged elements for the time being.
- Communion servers will wear masks when serving communion. We want to ensure that all people feel comfortable to receive this sacred gift that nourishes and strengthens our souls.
- Communion servers will sanitize their hands prior to serving communion.
Preschool
- Preschool will be reviewing their current policies over the summer in preparation for the fall school year (the spring 2021 preschool year has concluded).