Dear Members and Friends Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
In recent weeks, we’ve seen Covid-19 cases dramatically decrease in Atlanta and across the state. Given these positive trends and our high vaccination rate as a congregation, the church council has reached consensus on making our campus mask optional (regardless of vaccination status) beginning March 6, 2022. While individuals can choose to wear face coverings at anytime and anyplace on our campus, during worship the balcony will be reserved as a “mask required” zone. Also, staff and ministry team leaders may choose to implement extra mitigation strategiesif programs involve singing, large gatherings where distancing may be difficult, or numbers of children who are not eligible for vaccinations.
The church council acknowledges that for some, this is welcome news. For others, it causes concern or worry. However you feel about these changes, we want you to know that we remain committed to caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable among us. Whether you worship or learn or serve online or in-person, we are one church, growing faithfully and serving boldly. And you can continue to do your part to care for our community and our world:
- Getting vaccinated or boosted, if you haven’t already
- Being mindful of others who may have different sensibilities than yourself
- Staying home if you don’t feel well
- Letting us know if you have been at a church gathering and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19
Please know that the Covid Taskforce and our council leadership has tried throughout the pandemic to follow the science and CDC guidance for keeping our community safe and still allowing us to gather. As we move forward, we’ll continue to monitor the data so that we know when we can take steps to relax restrictions further. Also, we will be ready to respond in the event of a future surge.
Finally, the church council wants to celebrate and say, “thanks,” for all the ways this congregation has been Christ-like to one another for the past two years. We have sacrificed for each other and we have supported one another, even as each of us may have had different approaches and comfort levels while living through this pandemic. While some of us are ready to “return to normal life” others are not. Giving one another the space to make these adjustments at a rate that is right for them is what being “church” means. Thank you for your patience, your prayers, and your continued support.
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.
