Dear Friends in Christ,
As we move out of winter and the flu season, I want to provide an update regarding masking during services. The Episcopal Church in Western Oregon does not have a mask mandate. Faith communities should make decisions about wearing masks during worship and social hour based on their own contexts and comfort level. I strongly urge the return to coffee hour, whether masked or not, to ensure the emotional health of our faith communities. I encourage individuals to adopt healthy practices of regular hand washing and wearing a mask when they are feeling ill, as wearing a mask and regular hand washing reduces the spread of colds, the flu, and COVID-19. We know that Covid has not been eradicated, and folks are still being infected by the virus. Please continue to support each other as differing practices are enacted according to our own health needs and the needs of our communities.
Lenten Blessings,
+Diana