Dearly beloved in Christ,
We pray that all of you continue to remain well, healthy, and safe. We love you and persevere in prayer for you daily. We are pleased to announce that, beginning on Wednesday 17th June, we shall move to a Phase Two protocol at Saint Barnabas Church.
It is still advised that persons vulnerable to COVID-19 infection refrain from attending public worship for the time being. No one with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other cold or influenza-like symptoms should come to Church. If you have been in recent close proximity to someone known or suspected to have COVID-19, please self-isolate and get tested.
We pray that the COVID-19 situation will continue to improve in the coming weeks and months. But we need to be prepared to deal with circumstances as they may arise, and, if necessary, change course and return to an earlier protocol. It is always possible that we may, at some future stage, have to reverse our course should we experience a re-escalation of coronavirus in our local area.
Beginning on Wednesday 17th June, the Wednesday Bible Study at 11am will resume in person each week. The class will meet in the nave of the Church, and masks and social distancing will be required for those present. The class will also continue to be shared live on Zoom for those who wish to participate from home.
The Noon Wednesday Eucharist will resume as well. Again, we require that all attending the Eucharist wear masks and observe social distancing, as on Sundays. The Holy Communion protocol, of one kind in the hand only, will be the same as on Sundays. Wednesday Mass will be celebrated at the High Altar.
The 7pm Thursday evening Philosophy Survey remains on Zoom and will not meet in-person for now. The Thursday Mass remains suspended except for major Feasts.
The Phase One Sunday protocol remains in place, masks and social distancing. Sunday coffee hour and nursery care remain suspended. Congregational singing and choral music remain suspended.
Small groups and classes may elect to meet in person once again on weekdays, provided that our indoor safety protocol is followed. Outdoor meetings on the campus may also be held.
Occasional services may now be resumed, especially Baptisms. weddings, and funerals, so long as the indoor health protocol is observed. Please contact the Rector to make arrangements for such services. We intend to schedule the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation for our Easter confirmands on a Sunday in July.
The parish clergy are available for meetings at the Church by appointment. Please do not hesitate to contact us if one should wish to meet with a clergyman. The clergy are also available for pastoral visits at one's home at any time. Sacramental Confessions may be heard by appointment at Church.
Looking forward, what may we expect when Phase Three finally arrives? When we finally land at Phase Three, God willing soon, Holy Communion in both kinds will be restored by intinction at the Altar, masks will then become optional, a cantor will provide liturgical music, and an outdoor Sunday coffee hour with pre-packaged drinks and snacks will resume. Beyond that, lying yet in the future, Phase Four will see us return to normal, to the full expression of our common life.
Let us pray that Our Lord Jesus Christ will, by His grace and mercy, lead us soon to the fulfilment of these godly desires.
Please remember to update your email address on our parish website, www.stbarnabasatl.org. Please always consult our parish website for the most updated information and links to events.
Each one of you abides continually in my love, my prayers, my heart. Thank you so very much and God bless you!
+Chad
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