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Greetings Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well as we move into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. We are living through one of the most challenging eras of our lifetime in a world that has been stricken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our church community has not been immune to the effects of the pandemic either, and we all look forward to the day when we can look back and say that we have overcome this pandemic.

My hope and dream for Karmel is that we would be a place of fellowship where people can come and feel safe growing in their relationship with Jesus and each other. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have had to implement several changes in our programming to foster a safe environment of faith development while maintaining interpersonal relationships, stretching our leadership and those we lead. The recent surge in our community has caused a growing concern in my own heart and mind that unless we continue to adapt, we will no longer remain a safe place of worship. As a community of faith we should be setting the greatest example of being able to change in order to care for and protect one another’s physical health in this place where we worship.

Because this is our commitment, the Church Board has decided to make the following changes for all individuals who choose to attend any KCC program, function, or gathering.

     1. All individuals must wear masks in a manner consistent with state and local regulations.

     2. Individuals who have legitimate health reasons that prohibit them from wearing a mask are not required to do so. Children under the age of five are also exempt.

   3. Individuals who develop symptoms within 48 hours of attending a KCC function or program must notify KCC staff for the purpose of contact tracing. Confidentiality concerning personal details will be maintained.

    4. Individuals who develop symptoms or who are exposed to those who develop symptoms must follow the “KCC Wellness Policy” in order to return.

When I think about celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family this year it will be different. We will have to Zoom in to see each other this year, but if that is what it takes to have more Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations together as a family, I am willing to do it. I am willing to do what we have to do to so we can continue to be together, and my prayer is that this would be the same for all of us.

These changes are in effect for the next month, at which time the Church Board will review them. When the community at large, especially our health care facilities, begin to show improvements, we will be able to return to the way things were. I look forward to the day when this pandemic is behind us and we can say that we did all we could to make KCC the safest place to be for anyone who wanted to worship with us.

Peace,

Pastor Jason