WELCOME STATEMENT
St. Andrew's in the Valley is a caring, vibrant, open and diverse parish welcoming all, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective.
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RESUMPTION OF INDOOR SERVICES
A COVID-19 UPDATE FROM YOUR WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Bishop Audrey Scanlan and the Diocesan Task Force issued updated guidelines on May 21, 2021 as to how we may conduct future worship. St. Andrew’s Worship Committee has carefully reviewed these guidelines. We have taken into account the opinions and comments voiced by many of you and we respect and appreciate your input. A summary of the relevant portions of the guidelines follows.
Beginning Saturday, May 29, 2021, it will no longer be necessary to take temperatures upon entry and those who have been vaccinated need not wear a mask to attend a service.
We are acutely aware that there are many of us with health and safety concerns. To this end we will designate sections of pews for those who wish to continue wearing masks. Pews will also be designated for those who do not wish to wear a mask. Ushers will guide you to the pew of your choosing. Please note that a masked worshipper may choose to sit in the non-masked area so essentially this will be a mask/no mask area. However, when singing a hymn those who are unvaccinated should wear a mask. It is our sincere hope that these accommodations will address the needs and safety concerns of all worshippers.
There will be no changes to the following protocols for the 4:00 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. Sunday services:
· we will continue to check your attendance for tracking purposes at the current entry point;
· social distancing will still be required;
· musicians must follow the guidelines pertaining to their instruments;
· communion will continue in one kind only (bread) and ushers will guide you to and from the altar;
· the offering plate(s) will be positioned in front of the altar;
· the sharing of the Peace will still be a wave, bow or other non-touch gesture of greeting;
· we will continue to print the full-service bulletin which you may take home;
· any social gatherings will be held outdoors;
· Sunday School is tentatively scheduled to resume in September. In the meantime, all those over the age of 2 should be masked if they have not been vaccinated. Special care should be taken in offering toys, books, etc. When possible, sharing of these items is discouraged. Frequent handwashing/sanitizing is recommended to keep children safe.
The Worship Committee will review these protocol changes in July to assess our progress. We hope that at that time we will be able to take further steps to return to our traditional worship.
Please keep in mind that St. Andrew’s is committed to welcoming ALL parishioners and visitors and keeping you safe. Our members have faced the challenges of the pandemic with ingenuity, hard work and grace and we have adapted. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
The Worship Committee
