Blue Ash Presbyterian Church

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Blessings,
Your Celebration Committee    

 COVID MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING UPDATE as of August 5, 2021 

We are happy to finally worship in person and in our sanctuary, although  

COVID on the rise – Again (anyone remember the movie Groundhog Day?)

Once again, COVID-19 news is front and center as new information and guidance from the CDC continues to evolve. Here is a summary of current observations and recommendations:

• The Delta variant is highly contagious and causes more severe disease.
• Fully vaccinated people are able to transmit Delta variant.
• Fully vaccinated people do need to test after exposure to someone with COVID.
• Hamilton and surrounding counties have case rates suggesting masks should be worn indoors when not at home.
• The COVID-19 vaccines are preventing hospitalization and death, but we are seeing breakthrough cases with significant symptoms. 

With this rise in cases, Hamilton County is once again Orange which means "Substantial Level of Community Transmission".  In an ongoing effort to be faithful to the needs (both physical and spiritual) of Blue Ash Presbyterian Church, Session has once again diligently gathered information and prayerfully deliberated how to respond to the current resurgence in Hamilton County.   In a PC(USA) congregation, Session decides and enforces building usage and policy.  We have discussed many points of view and unanimously decided to delay the implementation of July’s motion of singing and to return to previous protocols.

What this means for Blue Ash Presbyterian Church is that the Guidelines set by Session in April will go back into effect.  This means: masks are required by everyone in the building (both vaccinated and unvaccinated), no congregational singing, pews will continue to be marked off and social distancing required, air will not be circulated in the building during worship, and fellowship hour will be discontinued.  Sunday School and Committees may still meet in the building if everyone wears masks and maintains appropriate social distance. 

No, this is not ideal. But Session has prayerfully discerned this to be the safest way for BAPC to respond at this time. We understand that there are many of you who may be upset by returning to mask wearing and a further delay to congregational singing, but we ask for you to continue to be gracious and flexible as we move forward together. While these guidelines may be an inconvenience, it is our hope that they are only temporary.  It is our hope that by following these recommendations, we will minimize the extended length of this virus. This is just one way that we as Christians can love one another.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact any Session member.  We will do our best to continue to keep you connected.  In the meantime, please continue to pray for our world, our country, our state, our community and our church as we deal with this on-going situation.

In closing remember these words from the Deuteronomy 31:8 - "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." While we find comfort in difficult times in the familiar and “normal”, it is our hope and prayer that you will also find comfort in knowing that God is with you and will never forsake you during these difficult times.

Be Safe, Be Blessed,

BAPC Session

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