Dear Friends,
The CDC, the State of Illinois, and the Village of New Lenox have all rescinded the requirement of mask wearing for vaccinated people. The Church Council met and discussed how we should handle this for worship services. In short, the Council decided that our services will be "masks optional". However, we will still observe physical distancing.
The CDC recommends mask wearing for unvaccinated people, and we will continue to follow their guidance. Due to privacy considerations, people will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
Furthermore, some people will still desire to wear a mask. We will honor that decision and ask others to do the same. It is likely that many people may continue to wear masks and that should be considered part of their new normal.
Overall, honestly assess your risk factors and act accordingly. Think of others as you make decisions (for example: what effect could I have on someone's health if I go maskless? or, how far should I be physically distant from others who could be at higher risk?).
We are still all in this together. Let's do all that we can to make for a safer environment at church for everyone.
God's many and continued blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
Pastor Hoag
May 19, 2021
The CDC, the State of Illinois, and the Village of New Lenox have all rescinded the requirement of mask wearing for vaccinated people. The Church Council met and discussed how we should handle this for worship services. In short, the Council decided that our services will be "masks optional". However, we will still observe physical distancing.
The CDC recommends mask wearing for unvaccinated people, and we will continue to follow their guidance. Due to privacy considerations, people will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
Furthermore, some people will still desire to wear a mask. We will honor that decision and ask others to do the same. It is likely that many people may continue to wear masks and that should be considered part of their new normal.
Overall, honestly assess your risk factors and act accordingly. Think of others as you make decisions (for example: what effect could I have on someone's health if I go maskless? or, how far should I be physically distant from others who could be at higher risk?).
We are still all in this together. Let's do all that we can to make for a safer environment at church for everyone.
God's many and continued blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
Pastor Hoag
May 19, 2021