 The Rev. Jerry Molitor has accepted a call to serve as Vicar of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun, Wisconsin, on a part-time basis. Molitor received a B.A. from Lakeland College in Business Administration and Philosophy and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Cardinal Stritch University. As he neared retirement from a career in banking and information technology, he engaged in the diocesan Circles of Light discernment process. After receiving a Certificate of Anglican Studies from Nashotah House, Molitor was ordained deacon then priest by Bishop Matt Gunter in 2021. The people of Holy Trinity, Waupun have been seeking a vicar following the call of their previous vicar to serve another congregation. His first Sunday is October 17, 2021. He is married to Linda. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is a mission church of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac in Waupun, Wisconsin. The congregation was organized in 1867 shortly after services had started and a visit from Bishop Jackson Kemper. It is a worship community of 43 baptized members with an average Sunday attendance of 14. Located in the heart of Waupun, its ministries focus on outreach to the community.
 The Rev. Amy Heimerl has accepted a call and started service as Vicar of Ascension Episcopal Church, Merrill, Wisconsin on a part-time basis. Heimerl earned a B.A. in Education from St. Norbert College and M.A. in Education from Viterbo University. For over two decades as an educator she focused on working with students with emotional and behavioral struggles and who learn differently. On completing the diocesan Circles of Light discernment process she started "reading for orders," the historic practice of a guided program of studies individualized to the needs and goals of a candidate for ordination. She was ordained deacon then to the priesthood by Bishop Matt Gunter in 2021. As a lay person, Heimerl served the church at the local, diocesan and national levels. She has been senior warden, treasurer, worship leader, camp counselor, and deputy to the Episcopal Church General Convention. She was one of the founders of a weekly youth ministry program at Ascension. Following many years of supply priests serving the congregation, Heimerl becomes the first resident Vicar in Merrill in many decades. She also works as Chaplain at a juvenile correctional facility in northern Wisconsin. She is married to Eric. Ascension Episcopal Church is a mission church of the Diocese of Fond du Lac in Merrill, Wisconsin. First services were held in 1877, with a mission organized in 1882. It is a worship community of 54 baptized members with an average Sunday attendance of 20. Located in the heart of Merrill, it has a deep-rooted history in giving thanks for serving the poor and needy in the community.
 Leaders from the Episcopal dioceses of Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire have unanimously agreed to pursue reunion. This idea has been talked about since the 1970’s. It was agreed that now is the time to explore the option. A reunion would incorporate the three dioceses back to the one from which they were formed. Other paths could be followed, but pursuing reunion first provides clarity of purpose. It is understood doing so now is following opportunity rather than responding to necessity. This agreement was made during the initial trialogue meeting on September 29, 2021. The trialogue explores how the three Wisconsin dioceses might work together to serve the mission of the Episcopal Church. Conversation focused on congregations, specifically how the diocese might better equip them to share the Gospel and serve Christ in their communities. There was enthusiastic discussion seeking new ideas and dreams of what could be developed for the 21st century and beyond. One participant noted “whether we want change or not, change is upon us.”  Leaders from the three Episcopal dioceses in Wisconsin met for the initial trialogue September 29, 2021. Pursuing reunion will involve a variety of voices to develop a common understanding. The focus is first on describing the ministry, then imagining how to form it in the shape of one diocese. The initial leadership group, selected by each diocesan Executive Council, is planning a second meeting with an outside advisor. Together they will seek the best way to engage lay and ordained members of each diocese in conversation.
The initial trialogue participants are the Rev. Canon Kathleen Charles, Tim Donahue, the Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, the Rev. Canon Aaron Zook (Diocese of Eau Claire), the Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Matthew Payne, Pat Pfeifer, the Rev. Canon Wilson Roane (Diocese of Fond du Lac), The Rev. Canon Scott Leannah, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee, the Rev. Jana Troutman-Miller, John Vogel (Diocese of Milwaukee). The prayers of the Church and its members are asked to support this process.
"Episcopal Migration Ministries is one of the most direct and tangible ways that we embrace the invitation to become a Church that looks and acts like Jesus, by reaching out our hands in love to the dispossessed, displaced, exiled, and marginalized. For over four decades, in times of war, genocide, political persecution and upheaval, EMM has enabled the Church at all levels to welcome and care for God’s beloved children, supporting them on their journey as new Americans, our neighbors."
This is where EMM needs your help. 1. Prayer. Refugee resettlement ministry includes professional staff, but also tens of thousands of volunteers, congregations, and community partners and stakeholders, who all come together to welcome and support our new neighbors. Click here for a prayer list. 2. Volunteer support. To address the severe staffing shortages in the face of this crisis, we prayerfully ask for anyone willing and able to embed for a period of 1-3 months in an EMM affiliate office or within EMM’s churchwide headquarters staff. This may occur virtually/remotely, in some circumstances. At present, one of the top identified needs is for individuals with volunteer coordination, project management, and community organizing experience. Interested and skilled individuals should email AfghanAllies@episcopalchurch.org, attaching their CV and briefly explaining their relevant experience. 3. Financial support. In partnership with The Episcopal Church’s Office of Development, EMM has created the Neighbors Welcome: Afghan Allies Fund, recognizing that considerable funding is needed to support the housing, medical, legal, and other basic needs of the Afghan families we will welcome. We ask that you share this announcement and this bulletin insert with congregations, ministries, and affiliated organizations throughout your dioceses.  Diocesan UTO Coordinator Cheryl Dobrzynski is reminding congregations that the Fall UTO Ingathering in congregations is traditionally the Sunday closest to All Saints Day. So this year it is October 31st, the day after the Diocesan Convention. Not sure how to do an Ingathering, need materials, need a refresher? Contact Cheryl at cheryldob@gmail.com.
2022 United Thank Offering grant application materials are now available. The focus of this year’s grants is Care of Creation: Turning love into action by caring for God’s creation to protect the most vulnerable—who will bear the largest burden of pollution and climate change—through justice, advocacy, environmental reparations, or the development of formation materials. Details about writing the grant are available here. If you are considering submitting a grant, please contact Diocesan UTO Coordinator Cheryl Dobrzynski as soon as possible at cheryldob@gmail.com. She will call you to discuss your thoughts and provide direction of how to proceed. Applications will not be accepted if Cheryl has not been consulted. The diocesan deadline (earlier than the national deadline) for submission is Friday, January 21, 2022 to allow the Bishop and Cheryl enough time to decide which application will be forwarded.  The Rev. Roberta "Bobbi" Kraft, Vicar of Saint Barnabas the Encourager Episcopal Church, Suamico, has announced acceptance of a call to serve as chaplain for the St. Francis House Episcopal Student Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She will also serve as Missioner for Young Adults for the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. This position begins mid-October 2021. Mthr. Bobbi has served at Suamico since June 2019. May God continue to bless Mthr. Bobbi in continuing to serve in ordained ministry. More here.
 St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, is seeking its next Rector. The Vestry has posted the position on the Episcopal Church's OTM Portfolio database which matches congregations seeking clergy with clergy seeking congregations. Additional notice is made through social media, advertising in church publications and word of mouth. Church leaders work with the Rev. Meredyth Albright, Diocesan Transition Ministry Officer, in navigating the process. A Parish Profile has been developed to reflect the life of the congregation and help interested clergy learn more about the parish and the community. Read more here.
 The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Wausau, Wisconsin, is seeking its next Rector. The Vestry has posted the position on the Episcopal Church's OTM Portfolio database which matches congregations seeking clergy with clergy seeking congregations. Additional notice is made through social media, advertising in church publications and word of mouth. Church leaders work with the Rev. Meredyth Albright, Diocesan Transition Ministry Officer, in navigating the process. A Parish Profile has been developed to reflect the life of the congregation and help interested clergy learn more about the parish and the community. Read more here.
 Three Episcopal dioceses share a heritage of nearly 200 years after the Oneida brought the Episcopal Church to Wisconsin. Ministry and congregations were developed under the leadership of Bishop Jackson Kemper as missionary and diocesan bishop. More recently, the three dioceses worked cooperatively by co-hosting conferences, clergy gatherings and several other events.
The Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire dioceses have announced they are beginning to explore ways to deepen cooperation and coordination with each bishop and governing body providing their support. Each diocese is experiencing challenges of being the church in the 21st century while adapting to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. An initial leadership meeting will take place in September to discuss how congregations across Wisconsin might work more closely to best serve the witness and mission of the Episcopal Church. The focus will be how to be the body of Christ in this place and time. The meeting will consider how to best engage lay and ordained members of each diocese in future conversations. The prayers of the Church and its members are asked to support this process. Media Contact: Matthew P. Payne, mpayne@diofdl.org, (920) 830-8866.  Through an announcement and in a letter to the congregation, the Rev. Monica Burkert-Brist announced her resignation as Vicar of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Waupun. Mthr. Burkert-Brist has accepted a call to serve as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Watertown, in the Diocese of Milwaukee. Having served as Holy Trinity’s Vicar since 2016, she noted “My time at Holy Trinity has been a true joy. They have formed me and made me a better priest.” Through mutual agreement of each diocese, she will continue to serve as Commission on Ministry Chair and maintain canonical residence in the Diocese of Fond du Lac. Her final Sunday at Holy Trinity will be September 5.
 Fr. Cell in 1982 Prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of the Rev. Canon John A. Cell, SSC who died July 28, 2021. He was 78. Born in Philadelphia, John Cell and was raised in the church. Graduating with a degree in education from Temple University he served three years in the Army and worked for a decade of secular employment before testing his vocation. With a Masters of Divinity from the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Kentucky, John was ordered Deacon in May 1978 and Priest in December 1978. From 1978 through 1982, he served as Curate at St. Paul’s, Muskegon, Michigan. Fr. Cell accepted the call to serve as Rector of Blessed Sacrament, Green Bay, arriving in March, 1982 and would extend over the next 28 years until his retirement in 2011. He served both congregation and diocese faithfully. As Rector he was pastor to the people. As priest of the diocese he served in many ways: Summer Camp Chaplain, Executive Council, Trustee, Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, Rural Dean, Cursillo Spiritual Director, Vocare for Young Adults, Happening for Youth, Mission to Seamen Chaplain. He was a longtime member of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC, Societas Sanctae Crucis). In recognition for his many years of service to diocese, congregation and community, he was awarded the Bishop’s Cross in 2009. Following retirement, Fr. Cell moved back to Philadelphia to be close to his family. A copy of the article in the diocesan paper on his retirement is posted below. Father Cell is survived by his brother and sister, Paul J. Cell and his wife Dorothy “Dolly” and Beverly A. Gebeline and her husband Paul, and many nieces and nephews. A Requiem Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday August 3, 2021 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 105 W. Broad St. Burlington, NJ., where he was active in retirement. A Celebration of the Life and Ministry will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, De Pere. The Rt. Rev. Matt Gunter and the Rt. Rev. James Adams, Co-Officiants. The Ven. Ed Smith, Homilist. Contributions in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Give rest , O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.  Faithful Innovations, the process for congregations to learn together about how to engage the challenges and changes of the 21st century, resumes September 11. The process helps church members and leaders develop deeper connections with God, each other, and their neighbors through the introduction of practices of listening, discerning, experimenting, and reflecting. Its purpose is to encourage congregation members and leaders to behave their way into new thinking about what it means to be church in a changing world; to seek out where God is already at work in our midst and to join in God’s transforming work.
Through three Saturday trainings in a nine-month cycle, members of each congregation’s guiding team learn practices to listen to God in their local contexts through dwelling in scripture together, sharing faith stories, and noticing through fresh eyes where God might be at work in their neighborhoods. This deep listening invites discernment of the movement of God and the development of simple experiments to make connections. The final stage in the process is to reflect on what has been learned and to articulate new questions that begin the action reflection cycle again. As such, Faithful Innovations is not a program but spiritual practices that can affect all levels of congregational life and ministry. If your congregation wants to join in Faithful Innovations during this cycle, contact the Diocesan Office (diofdl.@diofdl.org) to express your interest. More information at diofdl.org/faithfulinnovation.  Episcopal Campus Connection Wisconsin, a college student database, has been launched by the Diocese of Fond du Lac Campus Ministry Task Force. for church leaders to be able to make contact with Episcopal students. Episcopal Campus Connection Wisconsin is a Google form where students, parents of students, or clergy can share information about attending a Wisconsin postsecondary school.
Form managers will share this contact information with nearby congregational leaders. Only those managing the database have direct access to the detailed information. The congregation is then able to reach out to the student. They may want to just "Hello" or "Welcome" and offer an opportunity to get together. It is up to each congregation to determine what they want to do based on their gifts and resources. "The goal is information sharing which is simple for reaching out with ease," explained Bishop Matt Gunter. "Ministry with young adults, especially college students, may be one of the most important ministries the church can undertake. Episcopal campus ministries are few and far between so local parishes are often where campus ministry needs to happen." Each Episcopal congregation across the state will receive a letter about the Episcopal Campus Connection Wisconsin along with digital notices. It is hoped the creation of Episcopal Campus Connection Wisconsin can better equip our church leaders for expanding ministry. Bishop Matt Gunter is pleased to announce the formation of a diocesan Campus Ministry Task Force. Chaired by the Rev. Tyler Richards, Rector of St. Anne's, De Pere, the Task Force is charged with helping congregations in communities with a college of university to connect with students, especially those who are Episcopalian. During the Task Force's initial meeting, it was noted there are very few Episcopal Campus ministries targeting this sort of work, often due to lack of resources and increased challenges the church faces in having a campus presence. Bishop Gunter noted that "local parishes are often where campus ministry needs to happen since most Wisconsin post-secondary institutions have an Episcopal church nearby" It is understood that congregations may not be able to launch a full-fledged campus program. However, there are many simple and significant ways to connect with students. It may be in sharing a meal, giving a ride, providing a safe place for discussion, or conversation over coffee on a Tuesday afternoon.  The first project being tackled is establishing a consistent way for church leaders to receive information to be able to make contact with students. An Episcopal college-student database for the State of Wisconsin is being created to allow collect information to reach out to nearby Episcopal students. With this online tool, students, parents or church leaders may enter a student's contact information which will be shared with the nearest congregation.
The congregation is then able to reach out to the student. They may want to just "Hello" or "Welcome" and offer an opportunity to get together. It is up to each congregation to determine what they want to do based on their gifts and resources. The Task Force plans to provide some resources to assist congregational leaders in deciding what to do. The database launches in mid-July. Promotion of the database, which will be accessible through the diocesan website, will be made to every congregation in the State as well as more broadly through social media networks.  The mission parish formerly known as St. Paul’s, Suamico is becoming Saint Barnabas the Encourager Episcopal Church! Some years ago it was proposed a name change be considered and then, in late 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, interest in discerning a name change came as a result of a new logo design.
The new logo image, designed by Madison, WI firm Marie Z Brown Creative LLC, is intended to reflect Joining Christ in Navigating Life’s Journey. The Brown agency explained the logo symbolism:
This new image led to discernment regarding the name. St. Brendan and St. Nicholas might be possible due to their nautical connections, but Saint Barnabas the Encourager was also intriguing. Barnabas encouraged the council at Jerusalem to hear of Saul/Paul’s conversion. Barnabas sailed with Paul and embarked on his own mission voyages. As the Suamico church property was given to the diocese for a church, so had Barnabas given land to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37). After prayerful discernment, there was agreement. This came in response to a renewed commitment to worship, prayer, and formation along with the desire to encourage one another and the community to join Christ in navigating life’s journey. There have been other congregations of the diocese that changed their name. Church canons give the bishop the authority to name a mission, so in January 2021 the Bishop’s Committee contacted Bishop Gunter. “In consideration of the positive reception & enthusiasm towards embracing a new identity of encouragement," they requested a name change to St. Barnabas the Encourager. In addition, they noted the determination to name a future chapel or other worship space for St. Paul’s to honor the previous name. Bishop Gunter agreed and during his annual visitation June 13, 2021, being the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Barnabas, will declare the name changed. The change will then be officially recognized by the diocese when the Bishop report's it to the Diocesan Convention in October. May God be praised in all things, and may we encourage each other through Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Email: hello@mysaintbarnabas.com Website: www.mysaintbarnabas.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mysaintbarnabas The Episcopal Church greets Pentecost with One in the Spirit, a Way of Love Revival Weekend designed to fan the flames of hope, celebrate difference, honor creation, foster beloved community, and send people toward Jesus’s Way of Love. The weekend of events includes the following:
  It's Spring and time for the United Thank Offering Ingathering. Diocesan UTO Coordinator Cheryl Dobrzynski reminds congregations that the Ingathering is typically held the Sunday closest to Ascension Day though it may be held any Sunday in May. In addition to collecting contributions during a Sunday service, online contributions are available so parishioners may give even if they aren't present at the Ingathering. Please make sure the parish AND Diocese of Fond du Lac are entered on the form so it gets credited correctly. More information is available at diofdl.org/uto.
 We are truly excited to be holding summer camp sessions at Waypost Camp near Hatley, Wisconsin. This site provides many opportunities for outdoor activities while building camp community. You are invited to check-out Waypost yourself by watching 5-minute walk-through video narrated by our own Camp Director Erin "Erni" Wolf. Watch it here.
 Planning continues to move ahead for hosting the Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp in-person. We continue to track the pandemic and ways that it may impact the camp program. Working with our diocesan Covid Task Force, our camp physician, and Crossways Camping Ministries, along with information available through the Centers for Disease Control, Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers and the American Camp Association, protocols will be in place during camp sessions to minimize the risk of transmission. While the specific protocols to follow will not be decided until shortly before camp, the variety of options will have been researched and understood. At a minimum they will include masking and social distancing. Meals and activities will be outside as much as possible. More published on the camp webpage when determined.
 In a letter to the congregation, Cheryl Dobrzynski, Senior Warden and the Rev. John Throop, Rector announced that by mutual agreement, the pastoral relationship between St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Sheboygan Falls and its Rector will be dissolved June 1, 2021.
Fr. John was called as Rector in late 2015. The parish is grateful for his time as Rector and plans to celebrate his ministry with them. In addition to the serving the congregation, he has been involved in the Diocese and serves of President of the US Council of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer. Opportunity will be made to be to say good-bye as Fr. John explores ministry opportunities. The Vestry has engaged a consultant and will use supply clergy as it explores going forward.  The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Wausau has announced the resignation of the Rev. Copeland Johnston as their Rector. Bishop Matt Gunter noted in a letter to the congregation he had been been involved with Fr. Copeland, vestry, and members of St. John’s for several months, but "it grieves me that we have not found fruitful ways to resolve the differences." The Rev. Barb Sajna, who has recently retired, will serve as a Regular Supply Priest with other clergy in the area assisting with pastoral care.
 The Rev. Dr. Christopher Corbin has accepted a call to serve as Priest-in-Charge of Trinity Episcopal Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Growing up in Florida, Corbin attended Florida Southern College, earned an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Ordained a priest in 2019, Corbin is currently serving on the diocesan staff of the Diocese of South Dakota The people of Trinity, working with Bishop Matt Gunter and the Rev. Meredyth Albright, diocesan Transition Ministry Officer began seeking a priest to serve after the former Rector announced his resignation. As noted by the Senior Warden in a letter to the parish, "Even as we expressed our heartfelt appreciation for and made our farewells to Rector Chris Arnold and Celeste Williams, our Vestry began to focus on Trinity's future." A Priest-in-Charge canonically has the same duties and responsibilities as a Rector, but is often used when a congregation makes a call resulting from a process differing from the normal search process. The congregation and Bishop may decide to translate Fr. Corbin's position to that of Rector in the future. Fr. Chris's wife, the Rev. Portia Corbin, has been called to serve as Vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church, New London. The have two children, Louisa and Millie, and will live in Oshkosh. His first Sunday is Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021.
 The Rev. Portia R. Corbin has accepted a call to serve as Vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church in New London, Wisconsin, on a part-time basis. Born in South Dakota, Corbin attended Cottey College, and Creighton University. She earned an M.Div. from Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal Seminary at Yale. Ordained a priest in 2013, Corbin is currently serving on the diocesan staff of the Diocese of South Dakota and as Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Lead, South Dakota. The people of St. John's have been seeking a vicar following the the retirement of Fr. Paul Feider in 2016. Over this time, they have been served by the Ven. Ed Smith, the Rev. Canon Wilson Roane, and the Rev. Jim Conradt. Fr. Jim will continue as Assisting Priest. Portia's husband, the Rev. Dr. Christopher Corbin, has been called to serve as Priest-In-Charge at Trinity Episcopal Church, Oshkosh. The have two children, Louisa and Millie, and will live in Oshkosh. Her first Sunday is Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021. St. John's Episcopal Church is a mission church of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac in New London, Wisconsin. First services were held in 1876, with a mission organized in 1906. It is a worship community of 57 baptized members with an average Sunday attendance of 40. Located on the southeast side near New London High School, St. John's also runs a Thrift Store in downtown New London. Its ministries includes the healing Order of St. Luke, a food pantry and food pantry.
 The Rev. Julie Hendrix has accepted a call to serve as Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Completing her senior year at Nashotah House, Hendrix is preparing to graduate in May with an expected M.Div. God willing and the people accepting, she will be ordained a priest in July. Born in Illinois, her family moved to the Diocese of Fond du Lac when she was 8 years old. Hendrix holds a B.A. from Carroll College, Waukesha, a J.D. from Columbia School in Law, Washington D.C. and a post graduate level certification in Education from Reagent University in Virginia. Fluent in Spanish, she was English teacher in Venezuela. Accompanying her husband Steve, a diplomat for the United States State Department, they have lived in many countries around the world. They returned to Wisconsin in 2014. The people of St. Mark's are looking forward to this next chapter in shared ministry. Following the retirement of previous Rector, Fr. Nigel Bousfield, they began working with Bishop Matt and the Rev. Meredyth Albright, diocesan Transition Ministries Officer, towards calling their next Rector. "During her conversations with your vestry," Senior Warden Pat Pfeiffer shared in a letter to the congregations, "she spoke passionately of her love of church and bringing people together through their connections in the church and in ministry." Julie and Steve have three adult children and one grandson. She begins as Rector on June 1, 2021. St. Mark's Episcopal Church is a parish church of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac in Waupaca, Wisconsin. First services were held in 1854 by Bishop Jackson Kemper, with a parish organized in 1858. It is a worship community of 110 baptized members with an average Sunday attendance of 54. Located on Main Street just south of Downtown, St. Mark's serves members of its congregation and community through a variety of programs and outreach opportunities.   Diocesan pandemic guidelines in the Back to Buildings document are to be medically safe, theologically sound, and pastorally attentive. For most of the past year, these guidelines limited in-person worship attendance to 4 or 10 persons. With a continuing trend of fewer Covid cases, decreasing stress and our health systems, and a growing numbers of vaccinations, Bishop Matt Gunter has announced that starting the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, congregations may expand in-person attendance worship services to no more than 50 persons, or 25% of space capacity, whichever is fewer. Congregations may accommodate additional worshippers through additional services, provided safety protocols are followed for disinfection between services.
The Back to the Buildings guidelines notes the importance of continuing practices that reduce the risk of transmission, especially masking and social distancing. "While the future looks hopeful," Gunter shared recently with diocesan clergy, "we are not back to normal. For the care and safety of those who join in-person worship, we must continue to practice the other protocols outlined in the guidelines. Also remember not everybody feels safe returning to in-person worship. Encourage those who decide to not attend to join with virtual worship opportunities available throughout the diocese." The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation based on measures of community safety. Each congregation is reminded to consider the risk factors of the local community as well as demographics and risk factors of its members in making its decision about in-person worship. "We are not out of the woods, yet," Gunter shared. "Gathering to lift our hearts to God is what the Church does - so we adapt and grow. Hopefully, we will carry these lessons forward and someday worship may return to the familiar. Whatever the future brings, Jesus is with us, and prepares a way for us, even now." |
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