Dear Redeemer Family,
As of today, Governor Northam has lifted COVID social distancing and capacity restrictions. Therefore, we are no longer asking folks to register for worship services in advance and we will be removing the tape for designated seating from the sanctuary before the services this Sunday.
I hope this comes as good news to all of you! These past restrictions have really dampened spontaneity and (I’m sure) given some people the wrong impression that perhaps they couldn’t just show up to church worship. We are glad to put those restrictions behind us. Of course, it’s true that some of you might still (for a variety of reasons) feel the need to social distance. That is perfectly acceptable and we understand. Let’s maintain a good healthy spirit of grace and forbearance with each other—recognizing that someone’s opinion on COVID precautions does not define them as a human being. We are glad to be flexible with one another!
Just so we’re all on the same page, here is a summary of where Redeemer currently stands on COVID-related precautions:
Masks: Wearing of masks is optional for those who are fully vaccinated and encouraged for those who are not.
Social Distancing: Optional for those who are fully vaccinated and encouraged for those who are not.
Online Registration: No longer required for anyone.
Worship Services: Still 9:00 a.m. Family Service (35 min) and 11:00 a.m. Full-length Service (75 min).
Note: We continue to hope that both services will become full length, both with full nursery and Kids Ministry within the next few weeks.
Nursery & Redeemer Kids Ministry: Currently not yet ready, but are preparing to relaunch very soon! We need 120 adult volunteers to be trained in child safety in order to sustainably get this ministry up and going again. The good news is that almost 100 of you have already volunteered! We are getting close!
Holy Communion: We are no longer making use of the high top tables and small, disposable, pre-filled bowls of bread and cups of wine. Instead, we are taking a measured step towards the historic form of receiving the elements of the Lord’s Supper. When you come to receive Communion this Sunday, the person serving you will take a small piece of bread and dip it in the wine (gently, not sopping wet) and place it in your outstretched hand.
I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and taking yet another step forward in renewing our life together.
In the Father’s love,
