Now that we are in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, a lot of our members have been wondering about how our COVID rules might be changing here at St. Mark. On Tuesday night, our council adopted the following statement, which is in line with current guidance from the state:
"Per the latest CDC guidelines, face masks are no longer required for those who are fully vaccinated. If not fully vaccinated, please consider wearing a face mask when safe social distancing is not possible."
Put simply, folks who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask during worship! Of course, you may continue to do so for your own sense of comfort. In addition to this guidance on masks, we are also no longer requiring reservations, taking temperatures, or filling out any paperwork for folks to participate in events. With these changes, our indoor worship service will look almost like it used to. The pandemic is still ongoing, and these protocols may be needed again in the future. For now though, we can relax, even as we remain diligent.
When you arrive on Sunday, you will notice that our ushers and communion assistants will still be wearing masks, as will your pastors during communion. Many of our members may also continue to wear one for a long time to come. So many strong emotions arise from a few square inches of fabric. For us as a worshipping community, the thing that drives our decisions has been and will continue to be, hospitality to our members and guests. When a worship leader or host wears a mask, it can be a way to signal to your guests that you care about their health. When guests are given the option to choose what is comfortable for them, it can make room for trust. As we enter into this new phase of the pandemic, I pray that we continue to care for one another with grace, empathy, and respect.
Peace, Pastor Chad McKenna
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