An update on in-person Worship from the Executive Committee:
(11/12/20)
,Dear Friends in Christ,
Due to the current spike in new cases of COVID-19, our Synod Bishop Yehiel Curry and the Metro Chicago Synod's COVID task force strongly recommend and urge that all congregations in our region conduct only virtual worship services, with any gatherings limited to only 10 people, until the current trends reverse. This (recommended) restriction currently applies only to DuPage and Kane Counties, although the synod expects that the remainder of the synod will need to adopt these same standards within the next week.
We realize that churches are not technically required to follow the guidelines for mitigation efforts set by the governor’s office. However, in a recent communication from the synod, Bishop Curry states, "Mitigation efforts are the key way that the state is working to curb the spread of COVID-19. Because these mitigation measures utilize the best public health information and God’s gift of science, we strongly recommend adhering to the in-person capacity limits and mitigation measures given for non-religious settings."
The leadership at Grace had foreseen the possibility of the current rise in infections, and hoped that our decision to remain with the virtual House Church model might serve as an example and contribute to preventing this current spike. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened; instead we are seeing the results of "COVID fatigue." Please know that we continue to closely monitor our options, and the Church Council continues to place the well-being of our community at the top of our priority list. In the meantime, our staff and lay leadership continue to work very hard to make sure that Sunday morning worship meets the needs of our members. Thank you for your faithful partnership and support!
In Christ,
Grace Lutheran Executive Committee:
Jon Milleville
Eva Holzapfel
Susi Nelson
Joe Jacobo
Pastor Melody
Due to the current spike in new cases of COVID-19, our Synod Bishop Yehiel Curry and the Metro Chicago Synod's COVID task force strongly recommend and urge that all congregations in our region conduct only virtual worship services, with any gatherings limited to only 10 people, until the current trends reverse. This (recommended) restriction currently applies only to DuPage and Kane Counties, although the synod expects that the remainder of the synod will need to adopt these same standards within the next week.
We realize that churches are not technically required to follow the guidelines for mitigation efforts set by the governor’s office. However, in a recent communication from the synod, Bishop Curry states, "Mitigation efforts are the key way that the state is working to curb the spread of COVID-19. Because these mitigation measures utilize the best public health information and God’s gift of science, we strongly recommend adhering to the in-person capacity limits and mitigation measures given for non-religious settings."
The leadership at Grace had foreseen the possibility of the current rise in infections, and hoped that our decision to remain with the virtual House Church model might serve as an example and contribute to preventing this current spike. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened; instead we are seeing the results of "COVID fatigue." Please know that we continue to closely monitor our options, and the Church Council continues to place the well-being of our community at the top of our priority list. In the meantime, our staff and lay leadership continue to work very hard to make sure that Sunday morning worship meets the needs of our members. Thank you for your faithful partnership and support!
In Christ,
Grace Lutheran Executive Committee:
Jon Milleville
Eva Holzapfel
Susi Nelson
Joe Jacobo
Pastor Melody