A congregational letter regarding our COVID policy at PMC...
Dear friends of Portland Mennonite Church,
On Saturday, March 12, Oregon lifted the statewide indoor mask requirement, and beginning on Sunday, March 13, wearing a mask was optional when attending worship services and other public gatherings in the meetinghouse of Portland Mennonite Church.
As individual members of the Leadership Table, we each bring a different mixture of hope and anxiety about where we are at this stage of the pandemic, which likely reflects the broader congregation. However, as a group the Leadership Table has decided to follow the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority in this decision, with a shared understanding that we have moved into time when it is appropriate for individuals and households to make their own risk assessments regarding when, where, and how they participate in indoor gatherings.
We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get a full COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster as a highly effective measure of preventing serious illness and hospitalization. However, we are aware that COVID-related health risks vary from person to person, particularly those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated. Wearing a high-quality mask remains an effective way to prevent exposure for those who are at risk. To communicate and demonstrate our love and care for the vulnerable among us, Portland Mennonite will continue the following practices:
It is likely that some of us will also continue to wear masks while in indoor public spaces like PMC’s meetinghouse. As a practice of hospitality, we encourage you to have a mask with you at all times so when you meet or talk with anyone who is wearing a mask, you can practice care and compassion by putting on your own.
If you have any questions or concerns about how PMC is updating our mask policy, you can contact any of the pastors or Leadership Table members.
Grace and peace to you,
PMC Leadership Table
(Barry Frisby, Colleen Milstein, Curt Weaver, Dave Johnson, Diane Hooge, Ed Shirk, LaVonne Blowers, Linda Wenning, Lori Nussbaum, Michael Thier-Hawke, Rod Stafford, and Sarah Holcomb)
On Saturday, March 12, Oregon lifted the statewide indoor mask requirement, and beginning on Sunday, March 13, wearing a mask was optional when attending worship services and other public gatherings in the meetinghouse of Portland Mennonite Church.
As individual members of the Leadership Table, we each bring a different mixture of hope and anxiety about where we are at this stage of the pandemic, which likely reflects the broader congregation. However, as a group the Leadership Table has decided to follow the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority in this decision, with a shared understanding that we have moved into time when it is appropriate for individuals and households to make their own risk assessments regarding when, where, and how they participate in indoor gatherings.
We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get a full COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster as a highly effective measure of preventing serious illness and hospitalization. However, we are aware that COVID-related health risks vary from person to person, particularly those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated. Wearing a high-quality mask remains an effective way to prevent exposure for those who are at risk. To communicate and demonstrate our love and care for the vulnerable among us, Portland Mennonite will continue the following practices:
- We will stream worship services on Zoom for those who are unable to participate at the meetinghouse in-person.
- We will communicate clearly about the importance of vaccines and the expectation for people to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-related symptoms.
- We will make the Quiet Room available as a physically-distanced and air-treated space, and the pews under the Peace Window will be reserved for those who would like to keep distanced while in the sanctuary.
- We will increase ventilation in the sanctuary through the use of strategically-placed fans and open doors to facilitate airflow.
- We will monitor and follow OHA guidance, including going back to universal masking or pausing in-person worship services if community conditions change.
It is likely that some of us will also continue to wear masks while in indoor public spaces like PMC’s meetinghouse. As a practice of hospitality, we encourage you to have a mask with you at all times so when you meet or talk with anyone who is wearing a mask, you can practice care and compassion by putting on your own.
If you have any questions or concerns about how PMC is updating our mask policy, you can contact any of the pastors or Leadership Table members.
Grace and peace to you,
PMC Leadership Table
(Barry Frisby, Colleen Milstein, Curt Weaver, Dave Johnson, Diane Hooge, Ed Shirk, LaVonne Blowers, Linda Wenning, Lori Nussbaum, Michael Thier-Hawke, Rod Stafford, and Sarah Holcomb)
