An Important Update from Mother Kathy
It seems COVID is showing up everywhere. I know of more and more homes where at least one person has tested positive for COVID, is showing symptoms, or has even been hospitalized.
Our COVID fatigue is real. I didn’t take Greek in seminary, and I’m not too happy about learning the Greek alphabet via COVID. The omicron surge is so fast and widespread (and likely underreported) that we’re just emotionally exhausted. The sheer numbers of people infected simultaneously have led to record-setting hospitalizations across the country, and they haven’t peaked yet in many areas.
There are challenges as we learn more about this virus and how to live with it. COVID is with us to stay. The expectation that COVID-19 will become endemic means the pandemic will not end with the virus disappearing. Instead, experts hope enough people will gain immune protection from vaccination and natural infection so there will be less transmission and many fewer COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths.
All friendships, including our friendships at church, have a significant impact on our sense of well-being. Separation from our friends has been challenging, but there is Good News this week. Given an overall downward trend in the average number of cases in Shenandoah County, we will resume in-person worship on Sunday, January 30.
To reduce risk to all, masks will continue to be required in worship. Please keep at least six feet of distance between you and other worshipers and let people in other pews receive the elements and return to their seats before coming forward to receive Holy Communion.
Over the years, through friendship and shared ministry, Beckford Parish has been an important part of the Shenandoah County community. As we move into the next part of our shared life, we have some discernment ahead of us. What kind of church do we want to be? What kinds of things do we want to do? How do we want the community to see us? Most importantly, how will we be faithful witnesses to God?
I am reminded of the ending of a nighttime prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray. Amen.
A new day, new joys, new possibilities. May it be so.
Yours faithfully,
