A message from Pastor Matthias on August 16-
With COVID case numbers trending swiftly upward, as well as back-to-school and the state fair upcoming, the Cherokee Park United Church Council made the difficult decision to move our worship back to all virtual beginning Sunday, August 22.
Small groups are advised to meet virtually. If a small group (e.g. fellowship, ministry team, etc) opts to meet in-person inside, all persons must be vaccinated, wear masks and take other precautions as possible; and a virtual option must be available. The Being Church in COVID team can refine this policy and help resolve more detailed questions for events or circumstances, as they might arise.
Grace will be an important practice for us moving into this phase. Grace from those with higher risk tolerance for those who choose a more cautious approach to their engagement. Grace from those with a low risk threshold towards others who are more comfortable with in-person options.
We named our fears and hopes together. We acknowledged both the need for physical safety measures to protect against the COVID virus, as well as the real spiritual and emotional needs met by being together in community.
We opened our time praying for wisdom. We closed our time asking God to continue to be with us and guide us, and offering thanks for life’s goodness, community, and the gift of love.
We have faith that Christ still walks this road of life with us, siding with the vulnerable, and calling us to follow in paths of justice, love, and grace.
With gratitude for the many ways you embody God’s love,
Pastor Matthias