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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the most recent meeting of the Session, the Elders of the church appointed a special commission to examine the current state of the epidemic in our community and recommend action for the church.

The commission reviewed the protocols and discussed options available to us at this time in light of current numbers, medical data, and community practice. Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller chaired the committee and Lady Romano, Dirk DeKoch and Tripp Stuart were present. Walter Walthall could not be present but sent in his suggestions by email.

After due consideration, the Session approved the following recommendations:

1. Encourage that all members who are medically cleared to do so, be vaccinated. Encourage a third shot (booster) for those for whom it is recommended.
2. Encourage those that feel sick and/or have fevers from any cause to stay at home and worship online. Members should be aware that currently some covid cases present as allergies or sinus trouble, and those suffering from these symptoms are encouraged to stay home and be tested if necessary.
3. Encourage those who desire to wear a mask at church to by all means wear one.
4. Encourage everyone to appropriately socially distance but to nevertheless spiritually draw near to one another.
5. Continue to encourage both groups (the masked and the unmasked) to display mutual forbearance and love.

The Session agreed that the Children’s Center guidelines are independent of the Congregational guidelines and need not be identical. Should the Children’s Center decide that they need to close, they will consult the Session. Other changes and adjustments will be made by the Children’s Center Committee without need for Session approval.

As the church continues to navigate the situation, we challenge one another to take seriously the admonitions of Philippians 2:3b-4, which says

^3b … In humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you

look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3b–4 (ESV)

Such consideration is critical as we fulfill our mission to “love one another” even as we “love Christ” and “love the city.”

On behalf of the Session, grace and peace,

Bob Fuller                                                                            Dr. Tripp Stuart

Senior Pastor and Moderator of Session                             Clerk of Session