Worship Update
Outdoor Services and Face Masks
Church Family,
I wanted to take a quick moment to update you regarding outdoor worship. The CDC has now indicated that there are many outdoor scenarios where people do not need to wear face masks. I’m grateful for this! However, they still recommend using masks outside in larger groups and concerts and when unvaccinated people (which includes all of our young people) have outdoor conversations with others. Since we are socially distancing, we fall in an in-between space. Beginning this Sunday, we ask that you continue to wear a mask when talking closely with people before and after the outdoor service, but once you are seated, you are welcome to remove your mask.
As outdoor gatherings are currently the safest option and allow participation by singing, we will aim to have outdoor worship for several more weeks. We don’t have a specific date to move indoors yet, but we will let the weather guide us. Once outdoor worship starts feeling more like hell than heaven, we’ll make that shift. This will likely be toward the end of May. Until then, if you are eager to get back in the building for worship, we invite you to attend the 8:30 a.m. worship service.
Attendees at the indoor service will need to continue wearing their masks throughout worship. The CDC still recommends masks when indoors and this is also a requirement from our Bishop. Here’s a link to the CDC website for faith communities.
I’ve also found this graphic from the CDC helpful, as it details when you should wear a face mask when vaccinated and unvaccinated. Regarding the “Full Capacity Worship Service” line, the CDC has clarified that they still recommend social distancing while indoors at worship.
Even though more and more of our members are becoming vaccinated, it is likely that masks will be required for a bit longer. We’ll continue to look toward the CDC and our Bishop for guidance. Once again, I’m reminded of John Wesley’s three general rules:
- Do no harm.
- Do good.
- Attend to the ordinances of God.
We’ll continue to take the necessary precautions to do our part in reducing the spread of COVID and ensure that we continue to do good in our church and in our community.
Blessings,
Pastor Clay
CHILD CARE DURING OUTDOOR WORSHIP
We have resumed child care for Vista Tots during outdoor worship. A reservation needs to be made before noon on the Saturday before worship.
CDC and Vista Ridge UMC guidelines will be followed. Staff and volunteers wear a mask, take temperatures and parents will complete a COVID screening before dropping off their tots on the small outdoor playground.
For Sunday, May 2, please RSVP to Christina Dixon at christina@vrumc.org before noon on Saturday, May 1.
Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
Building life-giving relationships with God, with each other, and with our community
Email: laurie@vrumc.org
Website: www.vistaridgeumc.org
Location: 2901 Denton Tap Road, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 972.315.5225