online meeting and worship information (Updated for Jan 29)

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Gathering considerations and guidelines were noted in letters to the congregation from Walt Friday on July 22 and March 23:

July 22 update to March 23 Gathering Guidelines (see March 23 guidelines below)

The newest variant BA.5 Omicron has been reported to be more contagious than previous variants and better at avoiding immunity gained from vaccines or previous infection. This was discussed at the July meeting of the church council this past Monday evening. We have no plans to change our protocols at this time but encourage all members to be vigilant regarding any symptoms and to stay home if any symptoms are present. All our worship services and Sunday School are available on our You Tube channel. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we continue to have masks available in the Narthex and anyone who would like is welcome to wear a mask while in the church. Hand sanitizer is also available in the Narthex and in each pew.

March 23 Gathering Guidelines

As winter has loosened its grip and Spring is upon us, we have seen a rapid decline in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has advised communities and organizations to end their mask mandates. The NC Synod Re-Gathering Task Force has also suggested that congregations in North Carolina end their mask mandates and loosen other restrictions.  

Here at Calvary, while we have strongly encouraged the wearing of masks, we have not mandated masks in our congregation. Our Congregational Council met Monday evening and, with the COVID positivity rate in Cabarrus County below 4%, decided to loosen our guidelines. While we respect the right of anyone to wear a mask and to socially distance at the church, we are no longer strongly encouraging this behavior. We will still require those serving Communion to wear a mask to ensure that all wishing to commune will feel safe and comfortable doing so.  

The council has also voted to re-open the kitchen. We recognize that there may still be those among us who are not comfortable being in public without a mask at this time and that is okay. Whether you wear a mask or not is a personal choice and we request that all of us walk in love and grace with each other and respect everyone’s decision concerning this choice.  

We are aware that there are rising COVID cases in England and other places around the world. We will continue to monitor the situation here in Cabarrus County. If the positivity rate and case numbers grow again here, we will consider returning to our previous guidelines.  

This pandemic has lasted longer than any of us expected. I want to thank each of you for your willingness to adhere to our guidelines. Let us pray that we are finally putting this pandemic behind us and can focus on our vision to Share the Light of Christ with Everyone.

Walt Friday, Council President