COVID-19 Prevention & Mitigation
Updated - March 2021
An update from the SMART Team (St. Michael's Assessment & Reopening Team)
We recently marked the one year anniversary of closing our building for in-person worship services, of staff primarily working remotely, and of significant shifts in programming and operations due to COVID-19 and the pandemic around the world.
Remembering those we lost: As we mark this anniversary, we begin by remembering the over 527,000 people who have died in the US and the families and communities that grieve. We also grieve the deaths of over 2,634,000 around the globe.
It is important to note that because of the congregation's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of ourselves and others, the impact of COVID-19 on the congregation has been relatively small when compared to other communities. So, while we grieve, we also give thanks for the incredible care, commitment, and deep sense of community that have held us together during this difficult time.
Steps toward reopening: Recently, the team met to review where we are at and next steps. This conversation was held after many on the team were able to participate in a synodical Zoom call with Dr. Michael Osterholm the previous day. Building off of his thoughts and the work being done by others surrounding COVID-19, we are now ready to begin taking steps towards reopening--pending vaccination schedules, positivity rates, recommendations by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health.
About Holy Week/Easter: It is anticipated that we will turn a corner by the end of April as vaccination rates rise quickly. Our hope is to begin gathering in small groups and hold in-person worship services by the end of May (pending vaccinations of our pastoral and music staff; and updated safety protocols). This means that this year's Holy Week services will continue to be different--online services, Zoom services, a Passion Walk, and outdoor services--but we are preparing for that long-awaited return to our shared worship space and community events.
A “new” normal: Though we are excited to plan for in-person activities and worship again, we know things will not feel "normal" for some time. Strict adherence to safety procedures will be maintained, such as limited capacity, changes in fellowship protocols, etc. As we prepare to begin gathering later this spring, we are mindful that the variants of the virus could force us to pause our preparations. We will continue to watch CDC and MN Health Department guidelines, and remain diligent in keeping our community safe.
Know that we are excited to be moving towards reopening and next steps. And, while not as quickly as some may desire, we want to continue the incredible work and care that has been our commitment over this year as we live in mutual care for one another.
We recently marked the one year anniversary of closing our building for in-person worship services, of staff primarily working remotely, and of significant shifts in programming and operations due to COVID-19 and the pandemic around the world.
Remembering those we lost: As we mark this anniversary, we begin by remembering the over 527,000 people who have died in the US and the families and communities that grieve. We also grieve the deaths of over 2,634,000 around the globe.
It is important to note that because of the congregation's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of ourselves and others, the impact of COVID-19 on the congregation has been relatively small when compared to other communities. So, while we grieve, we also give thanks for the incredible care, commitment, and deep sense of community that have held us together during this difficult time.
Steps toward reopening: Recently, the team met to review where we are at and next steps. This conversation was held after many on the team were able to participate in a synodical Zoom call with Dr. Michael Osterholm the previous day. Building off of his thoughts and the work being done by others surrounding COVID-19, we are now ready to begin taking steps towards reopening--pending vaccination schedules, positivity rates, recommendations by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health.
About Holy Week/Easter: It is anticipated that we will turn a corner by the end of April as vaccination rates rise quickly. Our hope is to begin gathering in small groups and hold in-person worship services by the end of May (pending vaccinations of our pastoral and music staff; and updated safety protocols). This means that this year's Holy Week services will continue to be different--online services, Zoom services, a Passion Walk, and outdoor services--but we are preparing for that long-awaited return to our shared worship space and community events.
A “new” normal: Though we are excited to plan for in-person activities and worship again, we know things will not feel "normal" for some time. Strict adherence to safety procedures will be maintained, such as limited capacity, changes in fellowship protocols, etc. As we prepare to begin gathering later this spring, we are mindful that the variants of the virus could force us to pause our preparations. We will continue to watch CDC and MN Health Department guidelines, and remain diligent in keeping our community safe.
Know that we are excited to be moving towards reopening and next steps. And, while not as quickly as some may desire, we want to continue the incredible work and care that has been our commitment over this year as we live in mutual care for one another.
