This Week from Mitch

Dear Beloved in Christ,

This Sunday, we will welcome Bishop Waldo to St. Martin's for his final visit with us at the 10:30 a.m. service. He will confirm 10 young people. Teaching their confirmation class was a bright spot for me during the pandemic. Our classes, outside under the lights, served as a reminder of normalcy during a very peculiar time. I am proud of our young people and look forward to watching them take over their baptismal vows. I look forward to participating in the great "We will."

For this special Sunday, we will worship with an expanded Green Zone. As you know, the Green Zone is indicated by green tape placed on the pews. It is a space for fully vaccinated people who do not mind sitting closer than three feet apart.

The Blue Zone, pews marked with blue tape, will continue to be in effect. The Blue Zone is for people who desire more physical distance. Please only sit in marked pews. If there is no tape on a pew, please do not sit in it. While you may be perfectly comfortable sitting wherever you want, your neighbor may not be. Our community has very diverse opinions on COVID and varying comfort levels. Church leadership, from clergy to the vestry, are doing their best to respect everyone.

While masks are no longer required for vaccinated people, per CDC and diocesan guidelines, there is no judgment should you wish to wear one. Please also know that the 5 p.m. service remains a service where 30 to 40 people are able to physically distance themselves as much as one would like. If the 10:30 a.m. service feels unsafe for you, please consider the later service as an option. Like the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services, the 5 p.m. service is developing its own rhythm and identity that is unique and lovely.

In Christ,

Mitch+