Greetings Bethel,
The session of Bethel Church has requested the congregation be informed of the current number of COVID positive cases within our membership. This situation has resulted in the revising and updating of our current COVID policy.
Seven people, as of Thursday evening, had tested positive, including two children. Four other members have notified us that they are being tested or have pending results. The Sunday school families have all been notified of the positive tests of the children. All members who have tested positive have been contacting people with whom they were in close contact. It is not known exactly how many people were exposed before coming to church; therefore, it is prudent that all assume they have had close contact.
The session met on Thursday evening via zoom. The meeting was started by consulting directly with a medical expert on COVID who is daily treating acute COVID patients and patients with COVID Long Hauler symptoms. The Pastor also consulted earlier in the day with a congregant who works with COVID patients. It was learned that even the medical community has been surprised by how quickly this surge came upon us. Bethel is not the only organization experiencing breakthrough infections in vaccinated people.
The leadership was informed that, although rare, breakthrough infections can be severe. We thank God those who have tested positive at Bethel have communicated they are experiencing only mild symptoms.
The following policy adjustments were made through careful deliberation after listening to medical advice:
1.Bethel Church is on a fourteen day institutional quarantine retroactive to Sunday November 28. Worship this Sunday will be digital.
(This follows our own COVID guidelines and conforms with CDC guidelines)
• There will be no in person committee meetings, bible studies, or gatherings of outside organizations.
• The church building will be closed and sanitized.
2. Sunday School will go digital until January ninth, 2022; There will be no nursery care during this time.
3. Meals will not be served nor coffee hours planned until after January 2.
(The LUX Choir Concert of December 19 will still happen with no meal being served afterwards.)
4. Everyone aged two and over is asked to mask for all church activities and gatherings until further notice.
(This is the safest way to ensure the health of all of our members from our youngest to our oldest.)
• The science is clear that when we gather masked and vaccinated it protects us and others. It makes the risk of transmission extremely low.
• These measures will ensure that we can continue to worship safely and in person.
5. During the passing of the peace we will remain in the pews and greet one another in place until January 2.
6. Committees have the option of meeting in person or via zoom after the quarantine.
• Zoom options must be offered to those not comfortable meeting in person.
• Committees, bible studies, or fellowship groups that meet in person must meet in the Social Hall masked and socially distanced.
Positivity rates will be monitored continually and adjustments to these policies will be made as is appropriate.
It is understood COVID how fatigued we all are. The Bethel family has been guided by The Holy Spirit throughout this trying season. The Session is confident that we will continue to do what is necessary as we love and support one another.
December 12 will be our Service of Lessons and Carols; you can attend online or in person.
Psalm 118:26-28 "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession up to the horns of the Altar. You are my God, and I will praise you. You are my God and I will exalt you!!"
A blessed Christmas season in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings flow to all!!
In the Service of Christ,
Bethel Presbyterian Church Session
