Dear Friends,
Throughout the COVD-19 pandemic, Bethel has followed the advice of public health officials and medical experts. Following the latest guidelines from the CDC and DHEC, Bethel worship and activities are now mask-optional for people who are fully vaccinated. Please remember that people who are not fully vaccinated are still at risk for contracting COVID-19 (and it’s Delta variant) and it is recommended that unvaccinated people continue to wear face masks. Regardless of your vaccination status, please follow your personal healthcare provider’s recommendations.
In light of the most current information, there are two important questions we want to address:
First, what about Sunday School? Early in the pandemic we learned about the potential harm caused by small group gatherings in tights spaces, even when masked. As new research has developed and vaccinations become more widely spread, we feel it is now safe to resume Christian Education at Bethel. This Sunday, August 1, all adult classes are welcome to gather in their classrooms in the Bethel Education building. As of August 1, Sunday School will meet at 9:45 a.m. and Worship will be at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
*We are working to re-start our REACH Contemporary service at 9:00 a.m. soon.
Second, what about children and youth? Vaccinations have recently been approved for those over the age of 12, but younger children have not yet had the opportunity to receive vaccines. This fall, schools in our community are now mask optional regardless of vaccination status. Following the school guidelines, children and youth may participate in worship and activities with or without a face mask. We are in the process of preparing to re-start our children and nursery ministries. Our staff and volunteers are planning for a “Back to School” celebration for the first week of September. Stay tuned!
We are once again walking a road that no one has yet traveled. Please be patient as we together discern the best ways to proceed. I ask your continued prayers that God lead us in our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Julie Belman