A Message from the Church Reopening Task Force
Let’s face it; some of us are feeling a little Zoom fatigue. It might have been necessary and even amusing in the early stages of the pandemic (“We can’t hear you; you’re on mute!”), but you may be itching for a touch of “normal” at this point.
Although the Church Reopening Task Force is not ready for church groups to meet indoors, we want—and even encourage—church groups to take meetings, activities and events outdoors. (In Phase 3, outdoor gatherings may have a maximum of 50 people.)
The upside of meeting outdoors is that if participants maintain a minimum distance of six feet from anyone not in their own household, they may remove their masks (if they feel comfortable doing so). That guidance comes to us directly from the state of Washington and is regardless of vaccination status.
Get Vaccinated!
And while we’re on the subject, please get your COVID vaccine if you haven’t already. As we move forward (and eventually inside for church activities), you being fully vaccinated helps to reduce our overall risk as a church community. You being fully vaccinated helps us move closer to a sense of normal and helps protect those you love and care for at St. James.
Where to Meet
If you’re ready for your group to meet outdoors, here are a few ideas:
- Meet in the park
- Gather on the lawn at the church
- Take a walk along Taylor Dock
- Go for a hike in Whatcom Falls Park or Stimpson Nature Reserve
- Dine outdoors at a local restaurant
- Gather on the Village Green in Fairhaven
Need Additional Help?
If you have questions, would like to discuss outdoor meeting ideas or if you’re needing an exemption from the Church Reopening Task Force to meet indoors, please get in touch with Susan Diemont-Conwell at susan@sprydogs.com. For the latest Church Reopening Guidelines and Procedures, visit https://saintjamespres.org/reopening/.