Dear ones of St. Columba's,

We are finally here - able to gather together inside our building for Holy Week and Easter, for the first time since 2019. I have so many feelings about this, and I am certain I am not the only one. We are in a different world than the one we had three years ago. 

I am thinking back to Holy Week 2020. I can remember doing Good Friday with just three of us in the space: Martin and I chanting the collects and Christopher behind the camera. That was a sacred, lonely week of distanced worship, and so soon after the shutdown that most of us still didn't know what was happening or how things would go.

Then last year, when we were just on the cusp of being able to regather, when we did Holy Week in the Box. The doors were open, and we processed outside mid-vigil (to where most of you were!) to baptize baby Archer. So much work and time and discussion of camera angles went into that week, just so we could be together somehow, even if most of us were outside looking in. 

Well here we are at this week. We can be inside together. We will keep the feast in both parts, as people are comfortable, and as those of us present worship inside together we will remain aware of those who join us from other places for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter morning. We will hold vigil Saturday night as well. 

This is an odd time, friends. Virus numbers right now are higher than they were during last summer's Delta wave. The pandemic is not over. And yet, it is not as dangerous a virus with people vaccinated. State mask mandates have been lifted for a few weeks now, and so far not reinstated. So here is what we are going to do.

We will still require everyone who is inside for worship this week and on Easter Sunday to mask. We often have visitors on the first Sunday of Easter. We very much want everyone - those who are anxious about lifting our mask requirement included - to feel comfortable coming to worship this Sunday. 

However, I plan to make masks optional in worship beginning Sunday April 24, the second Sunday of Easter. 

Note, I say "plan" because there is always a chance that our state government will reinstate the indoor mask mandate, depending on what covid numbers do in the next couple of weeks. I will always ask our community to comply with state laws and regulations. And I will always encourage anyone who wants or needs to wear a mask to do so. 

I am impatient for the day when we no longer need to talk about masks. I am also aware that we may be talking about them for a long time to come.

I cannot wait to see you this week, as we keep Holy Week and Easter together. We will have masks at the door, and the day is coming when those who are ready can take them off. 

With care and gratitude,

Alissa