Dear Congregation,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. I hope that as state COVID indicators improve and more venues open, you also might re-engage friends, family, and other hobbies previously inaccessible.
As a church, we have received new guidelines on May 24th. Our general region has since moved to yellow tier, and the governor of California forecasts more changes. In light of the new guidelines from the San Francisco Department of Health, we have decided to hold in-person adult worship every Sunday, beginning June 6th. Small groups and sports ministries may opt for outdoor activities, following the local guidelines. (We will await the state’s announcements regarding June 15th before making any changes to optional indoor gatherings.
I also offer these guidelines as we approach June 15th and the anticipated changes regarding masks and other COVID protocols.
1) Masking policy at worship: Beginning June 20th, per San Francisco Department of Public Health’s newest directive, fully vaccinated preachers and song leaders will be unmasked during sermon and song leading. We will await California’s and San Francisco’s guidelines before we make any changes to the masking policy for worshippers.
2) Vaccination cards: For indoor worship, we are not required to check for vaccination status until we establish a fully vaccinated section which can seat worshippers closer together. Until our worship attendance grows, we will not establish that section. When we do, we will follow the SFDPH health directives, and check for vaccination status.
3) Masking at outdoor events: Per San Francisco Department of Public Health’s newest Health Order, attendees who are fully vaccinated may remove their masks and maintain 6 feet social distance outdoors.
4) Choiced masking: Out of love and courtesy, for those who choose to remain masked at our events (indoor or outdoor), we will adopt a no questions asked policy, not asking why or questioning your reasons. We realize this issue is personal, and one’s personal comfort might dictate extra caution. Further, some may choose to forego vaccination due to health reasons.
5) Livestream: We will continue to livestream the adult and youth worship services for the foreseeable future while we await a children’s vaccine and while we form further plans for in-person gatherings.
I hope these changes encourage you as our local guidelines have opened for more possibilities regarding in person gatherings. I am reminded of the church’s power in gathering together in person in light of the past months while separated. Some may be anxious regarding coming back, and we open our hearts to the varying circumstances and mental health struggles caused by the pandemic. May the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Rev. Kevin Wong
Senior Pastor