May 6, 2021

Dear St. Philippians, 

The Return to Worship Committee continues to update our protocols regarding worship based upon guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Governor of North Carolina, and the Diocese of North Carolina. As new information comes in, we do our best to follow all recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19 while also maintaining safe worship practices. 

In line with recent updates from the CDC, the Diocese has updated the policy of mask-wearing for outdoor worship. If you remain socially distant from those around you (6 feet or more), you are permitted to remove your mask. However, when moving around the worship space for any reason, masks must be worn. 

If you plan to attend an outdoor worship service, you will need to wear your mask as you enter the courtyard and until you are seated in a socially distant spot before removing your mask. If you are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance at any time, we ask that you put your mask on. This includes moving to receive the sacrament and if you are approached by someone wishing to speak with you who is not 6 feet away.

The clergy will remove their mask outside when distanced to lead the worship and preach. We will wear a mask when celebrating the Eucharist, distributing the Eucharist, and in any instance when social distancing will be challenging to maintain.

The capacity for indoors remains at 30%, and masks and social distancing are still required for inside worship.

We understand that these new regulations may be uncomfortable for some people. If you choose to continue wearing your mask at all times, we honor that choice. We will continue to monitor the updates from the Diocese and adjust our protocols accordingly.

Faithfully in Christ,
The Return to Worship Committee