Through Redeemer the world will see Jesus. 

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic Redeemer has steadfastly shown care and love for one another and our neighbors. We recently celebrated a very meaningful Christmas holiday, continue to serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity through Lutheran Community Food Ministry, and offer worship and vibrant faith formation opportunities for all ages both in person and online. 

As you are aware, the latest COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly through the Atlanta-metro area with record numbers of confirmed cases reported, even among vaccinated individuals.  In times like this, it is vitally important that each of us take the best preventive measures possible to care of ourselves and our neighbors.  Redeemer continues to follow the CDC guidelines for prevention; the use of face coverings and social distancing are required.  In addition, the Council encourages all members to be fully vaccinated and boosted if possible

Due to the significant increase in confirmed cases along with the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, Redeemer will temporarily amend our current Phase 3 protocols. As a reminder, the main parts of Phase 3 are:

1. Gatherings will continue to be limited to under 100 people. 
2. Face coverings will be required for all individuals (>2 years of age) while indoors on Redeemer’s property.  
3. Continue to minimize physical contact, minimize shared items, maintain physical distancing as possible. Social distancing of 6 feet within pews will be maintained while in the sanctuary.
4. Maximize the use of outdoor space as available. 

The following additional mitigation strategies are recommended for the next four Sundays in the month of January (recommendations will be reevaluated as appropriate).

1. No formal processional or recessional during worship services for increased social distancing.
2. Reduced number of choir members in the chancel area to 6-8 singers to allow for increased social distancing.
3. Worship service time lengths will be reduced as much as possible to decrease large group gathering times.
4. Communion will be offered during the worship service serving the Host only. The host will be consumed once the individual returns to their seat ensuring adequate social distancing prior to removal of face covering. Offering the single element will be one way the worship service time length will be shortened because the line will move faster when individuals do not wait for wine to be poured.

In Bishop Strickland’s recent communication to the Synod, he urged congregations for the next 4-6 weeks to strive to make a difference by committing to the safest possible practices. Redeemer has implemented layered mitigation strategies since the start of this pandemic. It is more important than ever that we stay the course, continue to love one another, and all help fight this pandemic. 

If you have further questions about the current COVID-19 protocols, as recommended by the COVID Task Force and approved by the Council, please see our current FAQs online, send your concerns using this form, or reach out to a member of the Task Force or Council in Realm.