It’s hard to believe we’ve been weathering the Covid-19 Pandemic since March of 2020. After the lockdown, we re-assembled as a church knowing two realities: an embodied church is essential and reasonable caution should be exercised. The two don’t have to be at odds. Since June of 2020 we’ve enjoyed the gift of gathered worship and fellowship, all while observing the recommended guidelines and practices. In the Lord’s kindness, we’ve been protected and sustained.

We’re not out of the woods yet. As new variants present themselves and breakthrough cases emerge, we want to continue exercising reasonable caution so we can honor one another while still gathering safely. The plan below is a reiteration of what our approach has been, with the addition of #5.

Our Plan: 

1. Continue to social distance by family units in our gathering. Sit in the row with the bow.
2. Communion will be served by masked volunteers.
3. Refreshments will be served by a volunteer after the service. 
4. If you are sick, please stay home. If you’re not feeling great (sniffles, itchy throat), please wear a mask. 
5. Each week, the leadership of MHC will check the current metrics for Bristol County for community transmission. If the transmission rate is “high”, we would respectfully ask that you wear a mask during the worship service. These updates will be included in our weekly email. This won’t be enforced, but recommended. 

As we continue to experience the fatigue and frustration that accompanies these strange times, may it be said of that we are those who “put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17 CSB)