May 28: Update from the Standing Committee

The Standing Committee appreciates the collaborative efforts of our congregations and deaneries during this two-week period of intentional planning. The overall sense during this time is that while there is a desire to return to in-person worship, there is also great care, concern, and effort occurring in how to do that safely and with integrity.
 
At this point, the Standing Committee recommends continuing online services as the primary means of worship. If after developing a plan and assessing the current state of the virus in their region, congregations have discerned that they are adequately prepared to safely regather for in-person worship (either outdoors or indoors), they are to proceed with great caution and care in doing so. Wherever possible, it is recommended that meetings, services, and other in-person gatherings are held outdoors, while still adhering to proper social distancing protocols.
 
These recommendations are based on what we know today. It is also advisable that all plans be flexible and reassessed on a continuing basis to ensure the safety and health of everyone. Our diocese—our people and congregations—will continually strive to follow the advice of public health experts and best practices in planning the activities and worship of our diocese.
 
The Standing Committee will continue to offer updates and addendums to the Best Practices for Planning a Return to In-Person Worship that was shared on May 15.