In-Church Worship Suspended as of November 15

In-Church Worship Suspended as of November 15

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I apologize for any confusion created by the fast pace of changes in protocols during the current increased spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Certain communications, like The November Chimes, were written a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Maryland, Governor Hogan, and a host of Public Health experts have been issuing changes to Best Practices to protect as many citizens and congregants as possible on a nearly daily basis.

To be clear: As of this Sunday, November 15, 2020, all In-church Worship is suspended until further notice. In addition, outside groups cannot gather in the Christ Church Parish House until further notice.

This is a disappointment for all of us, and impacts literally hundreds of people per week. For now, all Sunday Worship (9:45am), and our Monday through Friday Noonday Prayer and More (11:55am) will be Live Streamed on our Facebook Page and our parish website, christchurchforesthill.org. In all likelihood this will include our planned Christmas Eve service.

Further, it is recommended that we all curtail all travel plans and indoor get-togethers over both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The State of Maryland has a specific list of states that if you visit them you will need to be tested upon your return to Maryland, and quarantine for 14 days. We are to continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and frequently wash our hands with soap and water. Soap and water are still the most effective way to kill the virus.

We will continue to update you as the Diocese and State of Maryland monitor the case rate and hospitalization rate on a day-to-day basis. So far, the parishes of the Diocese of Maryland have followed the restrictions in Phase Orange and there have been no reported infections from in-church and outdoor worship. We are fortunate to have a team of professionals advising our diocese on Best Practices during the Pandemic. With continued compliance with Diocesan and State restrictions and recommendations, we can get through this together!

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Please Stay Calm, Stay Connected and Stay Church. One of the best ways to do all three is to regularly “attend” our Sunday and Monday through Friday Live Stream Worship. These Live Stream services will continue throughout the Pandemic and beyond. All shall be well, for all things are possible through God in Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Kirk Kubicek

Priest in Charge