Ep. 166 - SARS-CoV-2

In today's episode, Rob discusses how a local community has requested his feedback on how they should respond to the CDC’s most recent guidance regarding wearing masks while indoors, even if vaccinated.  

The full transcript of the letter can be found in the All Around Growth Telegram Group chat.  

• t.me/allaroundgrowth  

My response to the email I received is as follows:  

I vote No. 

Initially, I was going to abstain from a vote - because it seemed unclear to me what we were actually voting *on*

"A letter will be sent to the congregation." 

This had been made clear.

It seems as though feedback is being sought moreover than a vote, but further reading and deliberation led me to vote "no" 

Here are some additional details why.

I joined this church for several reasons, one of which is the community that so welcomes and loves me.

In return, I felt compelled to participate within the community by giving back and serving.

It was the people that solidified my understanding of what it means to be a part of a "united and uniting church."

Unfortunately, I feel as though we have also fallen victim to the polarization and division that has resulted from SARS-CoV-2.

I do not wish to dismiss the virus and its impact, rather to acknowledge the very real results of it over the last 12-18 months.

Together, we are doing exactly that, providing feedback on the following statement proposed for delivery to the congregation:

“Let each of you look not to your own interest, but to the interests of others.” -Philippians 2:4

The CDC is currently recommending that individuals, even those who have been vaccinated, once again wear masks when indoors, if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.  Medina County is currently at the substantial level of transmission.  While we are not requiring it, we are recommending that everyone, including individuals who have been vaccinated, wear a mask when attending indoor church services.  This would include children ages 5 an up.  This is in an effort to protect our children and those who are not able to receive the vaccine.  Please understand that it is our goal that by taking this precaution, we will be able to continue in-person worship services and keep our church family and community healthy.  Finally, we urge everyone who can, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As a Congregationalist, I cannot in good faith support the sentence concluding the previous statement:

"Finally, we urge everyone who can, to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

As a Congregationalist, I support a united and uniting church that respects our freedom of choice, despite our differences.

Moreover, as a council member, I think it is one thing for the council to communicate what the CDC guidelines are...

...it is another to take it upon ourselves to urge the congregation to participate in medical procedures.

Subsequently, I vote "no" on sharing a letter to the congregation written with the inclusion of this statement.

I believe we should leave the decision to attend services to those attending and respect the decisions of those who opt to stay home.

Moreover, we've taken active steps to improve the streaming capabilities of the services for those who are not comfortable in person.

As Congregationalists, I believe now more than ever the need for respect among those whose opinions differ than ours.

Thank you
Rob Kaiser

Join the conversation: t.me/allaroundg