Updated COVID Information From The Diocese And Parish
Most Recent Responses Listed First
May 29, 2023
We will be lifting out COVID-19 protocols concerning giving and receiving of the Eucharist at our 11 a.m. service. This means that handing out bread and the common cup will be the only way available to receive Eucharist. Know that the sacrament is complete in the receiving of either bread or wine.
The outdoor 9:30 a.m. service will have individual portions of bread and wine that will be consecrated on the altar.
Gluten-free bread will be offered at both services.
Faithfully, Rev. Kurt
August 4, 2022
Good news: we are back to "medium" risk for COVID in Salt Lake County. This means that wearing masks is back to the "optional" status indoors. Please respect the personal space of anyone wearing a mask.
We will have a few rows of pews roped off so that someone who wants to keep some distance may do so.
~Rev. Kurt
4 de Agosto de 2022
Buenas noticias: volvemos a tener un riesgo "medio" de COVID en el condado de Salt Lake. Esto significa que el uso de mascarillas vuelve a ser "opcional" en interiores. Por favor, respeten el espacio personal de cualquier persona que lleve una máscara.
Tendremos algunas filas de bancos acordonados para que quien quiera mantener cierta distancia pueda hacerlo.
~Rev. Kurt
June 18, 2022
Due to Salt Lake County moving into the red “high” transmission rate of COVID-19, masks will be required inside at St. Paul’s and mandated by Bishop Hayashi. This means that the 11 a.m. Sunday Eucharist service requires masks again until we move out of this stage. We always have masks available to anyone arriving at St. Paul’s.
The outdoor 9:30 a.m. service remains mask optional, and there is also our 8 a.m. Zoom Sunday Morning Prayer and Lectionary Study.Thank you for doing your part in protecting others.
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
18 de junio de 2022
Debido a que el condado de Salt Lake está entrando en la fase roja "alta" de transmisión del COVID-19, se requerirán máscaras en el interior de San Pablo, por mandato del Obispo Hayashi. Esto significa que el servicio de la Eucaristía del domingo a las 11 de la mañana ahora una vez más requiere máscaras hasta que salgamos de esta etapa. Siempre tenemos máscaras disponibles para cualquiera que llegue a San Pablo.
El servicio al aire libre de las 9:30am sigue siendo opcional, y también está nuestra Oración Matutina del Domingo con Zoom de las 8am y el Estudio del Leccionario. Gracias por hacer su parte en la protección de los demás.
Fielmente,
Rev. Kurt
March 9, 2022
To the people of St. Paul’s Salt Lake City,
On Shrove Tuesday, as many of us were preparing for our fun and unique waffle truck supper with the people of All Saints, St. James and St. Mark’s, Bishop Hayashi sent a new pastoral letter lifting the Diocesan restrictions on gathering together, provided that the county in which the congregation resides is not in a “high” classification as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He further stated that the clergy in charge of the congregation, in conversation with the vestry, shall determine when and to what degree the COVID-19 protocols will be relaxed.
Since then, I have talked with many of you, I heard feedback at last Sunday’s All Parish Meeting, and I have consulted with the Vestry.
Starting this Sunday, March 13th, the 11 a.m. service will be mask optional. In this service, every other pew will remained blocked off until all other pews are filled.
I ask that you show kindness and consideration to the people you encounter. If you approach someone who is wearing a mask, or you find yourself sitting directly behind someone wearing a mask, please consider putting a mask on as well.
Masks will remain required for the 9:30 a.m. service until it moves back outside into the courtyard. The 8 a.m. Zoom Morning Prayer and Lectionary Study and the 3 p.m. Outdoor Eucharist remain options as well. We will also continue to Livestream the 11 a.m. Eucharist.
On Easter Sunday, there will be a 9 a.m. Choral Eucharist where masks will be required, and a 11 a.m. Choral Eucharist where masks will be optional.
While I know so many of us are ready to be done with COVID, the virus is not finished with us. Please do not come on Sunday morning if you are not feeling well. Please let me know if you contract the virus so I can let others make informed decisions for themselves. Your well-being, and the safety of others, remains the priority in my prayers and my actions.
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
9 de Marzo de 2022
A la gente de St. Paul's Salt Lake City,
El martes de carnaval, mientras muchos de nosotros nos preparábamos para nuestra divertida y única cena de camiones de gofres con la gente de All Saints, St. James y St. Mark's, el Obispo Hayashi envió una nueva carta pastoral levantando las restricciones diocesanas para reunirse, siempre y cuando el condado en el que reside la congregación no se encuentre en una clasificación "alta" según lo determinado por los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades. Además, declaró que el clero a cargo de la congregación, en conversación con la junta parroquial, determinará cuándo y hasta qué punto se relajarán los protocolos COVID-19.
Desde entonces, he hablado con muchos de ustedes, he escuchado los comentarios en la Reunión Parroquial del domingo pasado y he consultado con la Junta Parroquial.
A partir de este domingo, 13 de marzo, el servicio de las 11 de la mañana será opcional. En este servicio, cada banco permanecerá bloqueado hasta que todos los demás bancos estén llenos.
Les pido que muestren amabilidad y consideración con las personas que encuentren. Si te acercas a alguien que lleva una máscara, o te encuentras sentado directamente detrás de alguien que lleva una máscara, por favor considera ponerte una máscara también.
Las máscaras seguirán siendo necesarias para el servicio de las 9:30 hasta que se traslade de nuevo al patio. La Oración Matutina y el Estudio del Leccionario de las 8 de la mañana y la Eucaristía al aire libre de las 3 de la tarde siguen siendo opciones también. También seguiremos transmitiendo en directo la Eucaristía de las 11:00 horas.
El domingo de Pascua, habrá una Eucaristía Coral a las 9 de la mañana en la que se requerirán máscaras, y una Eucaristía Coral a las 11 de la mañana en la que las máscaras serán opcionales.
Aunque sé que muchos de nosotros estamos listos para terminar con COVID, el virus no ha terminado con nosotros. Por favor, no vengan el domingo por la mañana si no se sienten bien. Por favor, hazme saber si contraes el virus para que pueda permitir que otros tomen decisiones informadas por sí mismos. Su bienestar, y la seguridad de los demás, sigue siendo la prioridad en mis oraciones y mis acciones.
Fielmente,
Rev. Kurt
Wednesday, February 23
Dear People of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah:
We have been living with COVID-19 for over two years. We do not know when or if we will be able to say that we are through it. Virologists are saying that they believe it will always be with us in one form or another. I am grateful for the way that you have persevered through this difficult time with grace and patience.
After much reflection, reading and prayer, I have decided to remove the requirement for social distancing for indoor worship and gatherings. In doing so, I am following the CDC guidance of loosening COVID-19 protocols one a step at a time.
We know that the Omicron variant is highly contagious and that it has readily infected people regardless of vaccination status. We know that people who have been vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized or to die from the virus than those who are not vaccinated. Omicron spread quickly through our diocese. Many of us contracted it. For some, it was the second or even third case of infection. Therefore, while the requirement for social distancing is removed, the requirement the for wearing masks for indoors has not been removed. Until the CDC changes its guidance concerning masks, they are required for indoor worship, activities and meetings. If a new variant arises that is severe and the vaccines do not help against it then we may have to take a step back. I pray that this will not happen.
The clergy in charge of the congregation, in conversation with the vestry or bishop’s committee, will determine whether or not they will decide to maintain or remove social distancing as a requirement for their indoor worship, activities and events.
Please continue your prayers for the safety and welfare of all people and that we would ever be seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we navigate the road ahead.
Faithfully,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Wednesday, January 5
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Hayashi
Dear People of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah:
Many of us were glad to see an end to 2021. We hope and pray that 2022 will be better. I had intended to send a pastoral letter to you in early December when it looked like we were moving toward Covid becoming endemic rather than pandemic. I had it almost finished. Then the alert was sounded about a new variant - Omicron. I postponed the letter until there was more information.
We know, with complete certainty, that the Omicron variant is highly contagious and that it is readily infecting people regardless of vaccination status. It is also clear that people who have been vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized or to die from the virus than those who are not vaccinated. Please do get vaccinated if you have not. The Episcopal Church has no religious restrictions or exemptions regarding receiving the vaccines for Covid-19.
The impact of the recent surge of cases has resulted in hospitals being filled to capacity, healthcare workers reaching their breaking points, the cancellation of thousands of airline flights at the busiest travel time, and industry after industry reporting being understaffed because of workers getting sick.
In the midst of this, people safely masked, gathered together to sing Christmas hymns, pray, listen to the story of the birth of Jesus and receive Holy Communion. While not the same as it was in 2019, it was, for me, more deeply moving and spiritual. There was a seriousness to the celebration. It was a defiant shout that proclaimed to the darkness of our time that the LIGHT HAS COME INTO THE WORLD AND THE DARKNESS CANNOT OVERCOME IT.
I do believe that the Covid pandemic will recede and become endemic like the flu and other viruses. I cannot predict when that will happen. I hope it will be soon. Until then, the protocols for worship and church gatherings that I set in August will remain, with the exception regarding the prohibition of the use of the Common Cup. Research has shown that the virus is most spread via aerosol. A person lowering his or her face mask, taking a sip from the cup and returning the mask over the mouth and nose has not shown to be a means by which Covid has spread. The decision about the use of the Common Cup is not a mandate. The clergy in charge is empowered to make the decision regarding whether or not it will be offered. If offered, a person may choose to not receive from the cup. This has been true at all times. Communion is complete with only the bread.
As we look forward to our Diocesan Convention and the Special Electing Convention for your next bishop, at the end of April, we fully intend to meet in person. For the safety of all of us, I will require that all delegates for these events will need to be vaccinated to attend. Please continue to pray for our Nominating and Transition Committee Members and for those in discernment for being the Twelfth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah. I thank you all for your perseverance and offer all the Blessings of the Lord as we move into this year, both with transitions in the Diocese and in continuing to proclaim God’s love and mercy in the period of a pandemic. Remember, God is good…All the time…God is good!
Faithfully,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Wednesday, January 5
Letter from The Rev. Kurt C. Wiesner
We find ourselves in the highest COVID infection rate at any time during this pandemic: the United States had a million new cases on January 4th alone. These infection numbers are devastating.
This, however, is not a “back at square one” moment. So many people have protected themselves and others by getting vaccinated to the fullest extent available to them. The vaccines are working: they significantly lessen the chance of infection. While some fully vaccinated persons get infected, the infection is less life threatening to them, keeping people out of the overwhelmed hospital system. I give thanks in this commitment to our community, and pray that others will get fully vaccinated as well, so that if they get some form of the virus it will most likely be mild.
Let’s acknowledge how exhausted so many of us are, especially the caregivers: whether medical, educational, or family members. People are suffering, mentally and physically. As people get sick and need time to recover, things will not work as normal, and business services will be slow or halt. I pray that we all will be patient with these disruptions, and kind to one another as we figure things out as best as we can.
As far as our Sunday church services, we remain with numerous offerings to hopefully accommodate everyone:
8 a.m. Zoom Morning Prayer and Lectionary discussion
9:30 a.m. in-person service in the Parish Hall requires RSVP to the office. Only people vaccinated to the fullest extent available to them should attend this service.
11 a.m. in-person service in the Nave with every other pew blocked off
For the indoor, in-person services, masks must be worn by everyone at all times (including the presider/preacher), and a valid contact number/email must be provided for contact tracing. Communion is picked up in individual portions.
3 p.m. “Heat of the Day” outdoor Eucharist in the courtyard. Dress for the weather!
Please: if you find yourself not feeling well, or have reason to believe you have been exposed, do not come to an in-person service.
Keep in mind these words from Diana Butler Bass:
“Keep doing what is right. You aren’t broken; you’re just worn down, sad, and tired. Even in the midst of it all, there’s still love, a healing God, good people, and a beautiful purpose for your life and theirs. You are being called to be your best self as leader, friend, and neighbor. Tell the truth with intelligence, assurance, integrity, and insistent resolve. Act with compassion and courage. That’s our path to real hope.”
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
Tuesday, August 3
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Hayashi
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The highly contagious Delta Variant has been sweeping across the United States. The vast majority of newly infected people who have been hospitalized are those who have not been vaccinated. Those who have been vaccinated have been spared hospitalization for the most part. This is good news, however, the Delta Variant has infected some vaccinated people as well. All people who have been infected with the Delta Variant carry a heavy virus load and can easily spread the virus. Because of this, the CDC has revised its previously relaxed recommendations for people who have been vaccinated. All people, regardless of vaccination status, are now advised to practice social distancing, to wear masks when indoors in public places and to regularly wash hands.
The Utah and Arizona Legislatures and Governors have forbade mask mandates being imposed upon schools. When classes resume, the wearing of masks will be voluntary. Children under the age of twelve cannot yet receive the C-19 vaccine. Only 25% of youth between 12 - 15 have been fully vaccinated and only 37% of youth 16 - 17 are fully vaccinated. Experts warn that this does not bode well for us in Utah and Arizona.
We Episcopalians made a promise, a covenant, when we were baptized. Because we believe in God, we promised to “seek and serve Christ in all persons loving our neighbors as ourselves.” To this end, we are called dedicate ourselves to the safety and well being of all people. This includes doing all that we can to limit the spread of COVID 19.
What does this mean for us?
The protocols for in-person worship that I issued in May shall remain the same.
FOR OUTDOOR WORSHIP:
• People may gather without masks or social distancing. People should not, however, be packed tightly together.
• Masks shall be available for people who desire them.
• Congregational singing with masks is allowed.
• No physical greeting of clergy or fellow worshipers when the service concludes or in the Passing of the Peace.
• The use of the Common Cup for Communion is prohibited.
• Hand sanitizers shall be readily available for use.
• Coffee hour and receptions may be held outdoors.
FOR INDOOR WORSHIP:
• Worship attendance limited to the number of households your worship space can accommodate maintaining a six foot distance from others. Doors and windows should be open, weather permitting.
• Signs will be prominently displayed that people who are manifesting COVID-19. Symptoms should not enter the building.
• Hand sanitizer at entrance and in pews, used upon arrival
• Bulletins available on separate stand, perhaps with the Offering Plate (which will not be circulated or presented).
• Continued virtual Morning Prayer and other offerings.
• Practice health safety protocols — wearing masks, physical distancing.
• Sanitary masks will be worn by all persons when inside our buildings for worship.
• Strive to keep services no longer than 60 minutes.
• Congregational singing is allowed.
• Choir Members should be vaccinated and wear N95 or KN95 masks when performing.
• No physical Passing of the Peace or physical greeting of clergy or fellow worshipers when the service concludes.
• If Eucharist is to be celebrated, hygienic plans for distribution must be carefully thought through — the use of the Common Cup is prohibited.
• Coffee hour or receptions following the service shall be permitted if served outdoors.
• Clergy in charge and vestries/bishop’s committees are permitted to implement stricter measures.
• Churches are encouraged to livestream their services for those who are ill or uncomfortable with attending in person during this resurgent pandemic.
In addition to the above, I ask that all meetings, church and outside groups, that are held indoors at the church observe the CDC guidance regarding masks and social distancing.
I encourage all congregations to offer their locations as a site for vaccine clinics in order that we provide easy access to receive a COVID 19 vaccination.
Thank you for all that you have been doing and continue to do to keep yourselves and each other safe.
Faithfully,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Friday, May 21
The Lastest Concerning Covid-19 from The Bishop
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There is encouraging news regarding the pandemic. The rate of infection from COVID-19 is decreasing and the vaccines have proven effective in stopping serious infections from the virus and, so far, the variants.
In Utah, 30% of the people have been fully vaccinated and 43% have received at least one dose. Studies have also shown that people have been fully vaccinated can safely gather together with other fully vaccinated people.
This is significant progress against this dread virus. I rejoice in this.
From the beginning of the pandemic, the first priority has been the safety of the clergy and people of our diocese and our larger community. The second priority has been the continuation of worship and outreach ministries in vastly different conditions than ever before.
All of our congregations and ministries have been diligent in their efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus and in adapting their ministry endeavors to provide worship, spiritual care and outreach to those in need.
I am grateful for the many ways that you all have carried on in mission and ministry during these past long months. I believe that we are getting closer to a time when we will be able to gather together much like we remember from before the pandemic.
We are getting closer, Yes!, and, we are not there yet. Children under the age of 12 cannot yet get the vaccine. We have a responsibility to continue our efforts to practice safe procedures that will help to ensure the safety of these most vulnerable and precious people.
What does this mean for us?
Research and studies have shown that outdoor events are much safer than indoor ones. One study showed that indoor events were almost 20 times more likely to spread the virus than outdoor events.
This, along with the reports from the CDC regarding fully vaccinated people, leads me to allow the following for OUTDOOR WORSHIP:
• People may gather without masks or social distancing. People should not, however, be packed tightly together.
• Masks shall be available for people who desire them.
• Congregational singing with masks is allowed.
• No physical greeting of clergy or other worshipers when the service concludes or in the Passing of the Peace.
• The use of the Common Cup for Communion is prohibited.
• Hand sanitizers shall be readily available for use.
• Coffee hour and receptions may be held outdoors.
A month after COVID-19 vaccinations are made available to children 2-11 years of age the COVID-19 safety protocols shall be lifted as long as the CDC and local health authorities advise that it is reasonable to do so. The month wait is to allow the vaccination to gain effectiveness in the children. Because we know indoor worship means a greater responsibility to ensure the health and safety of those most vulnerable, Therefore, for INDOOR WORSHIP:
• Worship attendance limited to the number of households your worship space can accommodate maintaining a six foot distance from others. Doors and windows should be open, weather permitting.
• Signs will be prominently displayed that people who are manifesting COVID-19. Symptoms should not enter the building.
• Hand sanitizer at entrance and in pews, used upon arrival
• Bulletins available on separate stand, perhaps with the Offering Plate (which will not be circulated or presented).
• Continued virtual Morning Prayer and other offerings.
• Practice health safety protocols — wearing masks, physical distancing.
• Sanitary masks will be worn by all persons when inside our buildings for worship.
• Strive to keep services no longer than 60 minutes.
• Congregational singing is allowed.
• Choir Members should be vaccinated and wear N95 or KN95 masks when performing.
• No physical Passing of the Peace or physical greeting of clergy or fellow worshipers when the service concludes.
• If Eucharist is to be celebrated, hygienic plans for distribution must be carefully thought through — the use of the Common Cup is prohibited.
• Coffee hour or receptions following the service shall be permitted if served outdoors.
• Clergy in charge and vestries/bishop’s committees are permitted to implement stricter measures.
I urge all congregations to undertake efforts to encourage and assist people in getting an appointment to be vaccinated when they are eligible. This includes helping those without access to a computer, smartphone or tablet to make an appointment. In most cities, drug stores are offering vaccinations without appointments. Please note those stores and assist people in helping them get to those places and wait with them as they wait some time before they can go home.
Thank you for all that you have been doing and continue to do to keep yourselves and each other safe.
Faithfully,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Friday, April 9
United Today, Stronger Tomorrow is a diverse team of civic and religious leaders, including Bishop Hayashi, who want to make sure Utah emerges from this pandemic stronger than we were before.
Bishop Hayashi, Luna Banuri, and Samuel L. Spector wrote this op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune about using this deep mutual consultation to form an equitable agenda for the future of Utah.
The Covid-19 pandemic, like previous crises, has shown that communities of color, poor people, workers, and rural communities are hardest hit and impacted for a longer period of time.
President Biden and Congress have passed the American Rescue Plan, which will provide for those in need and help states address the impacts of the crisis. Utah will receive billions. More than $1 billion will go directly to local governments, and roughly $1.66 billion will go to state governments for vaccine distribution, education, health, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and family support.
By working across lines that have traditionally divided us-- be they religion, race, or political partisanship--we can build a Utah where we all truly rise together. Please consider filling out this survey https://unitedtoday.org/ut-arp-survey/ and share your thoughts as to how these funds should be spent.
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
Tuesday, March 23
I had a very productive meeting with three other local Salt Lake Episcopal rectors: Christopher Szarke, St. James; Trace Browning, All Saints; and Tyler Doherty from St. Mark's.
We are all in agreement that it is too soon for indoor in-person worship. We want everyone to have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated and complete the process first. Additionally, our 14-day incidence remains in the "Very High Rate" category (>200) according to
https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/.
We have agreed to pursue some outdoor worship offering by the end of April. These will likely vary in style and size, but they will all require masks and social distancing.
We are extremely grateful for what we share as Episcopal communities and are committed to staying connected as we move forward in the future.
I am currently focused on a 1 p.m. courtyard service Sunday, April 25. There is a Vestry subcommittee working on this offering.
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
Tuesday, March 3
The Lastest Concerning Covid-19
Bishop Hayashi has just released guidelines for in-person worship going forward. Click here for the Bishop Message.
Salt Lake County remains in the "Very High Rate" in its 14-Day Incidence, but there is hope that this rate will continue to drop. https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/
I will be discussing these developments with the Vestry at our meeting on Tuesday, March 9 and I welcome any feedback you wish to give me prior to that meeting (or you are encouraged to show up: see the Vestry announcement below).
I am committed to continue offering Sunday virtual services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. for the foreseeable future, virtual services for Holy Week and Easter, and a virtual musical Easter offering similar to what we did for Christmas.
It is also my hope that we can additionally offer small weekly services outdoors as the weather gets favorable.
I encourage you to get the vaccine if you are eligible, wear your masks, and continue to practice social distancing.
Faithfully,
Rev. Kurt
Friday, Feb. 26
Members and Friends of St. Paul’s
Utah lowered the age restriction to 50 yrs. Old to receive the vaccine. Are you eligible to receive the vaccine? Do you need help navigating this system? There are people here at St. Paul's, including Rev. Kurt and Selma, who are willing to help you line up your vaccination.
Please email: rector@stpauls-slc.org or call 801-322-5869 so we can help in any way we can.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Vaccinations Begin
My dear parishioners,
We are just over a week away from Christmas, experiencing an Advent like no other where the sadness of forced isolation has been looming over us for so long. Our community has forgone meeting in person for months to keep one another safe, and many of you individually have done the same.
Many of us have used technology to stay as close to one another as we can, knowing that our physical distance has played an important role in slowing the virus among our families and neighbors.
And now, a glimmer of hope has become a reality with the vaccines reaching Utah.
Having the vaccine here clarifies our call as Christians: The need to love our neighbor as ourselves is interwoven in our path forward as a community.
I can't say when you will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine, but from everything I've read, it is essential that we not miss this moment and take part in the scientific answer before us.
For those of us who must wait longer to receive the vaccine, I pray for patience and understanding that a strategic distribution to those most vulnerable remains in the best interest of us all.
And please remember that the continued use of masks and social distancing remains absolutely critical in stopping the spread of this virus.
The promised joy of Christmas will come, but the gift of life may also be ours to give.
Faithfully,
-Rev. Kurt
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Message from Rev. Kurt Concerning Covid-19
On October 8th, Robert Gehrke wrote the following on the surge of COVID-19 infections:
"So it's gut-check time. Do we have the compassion and toughness to persevere and do what needs to be done to fill the leadership vacuum? Because if we are unable or unwilling to do that, we are in for a long, dismal October"
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/10/08/robert-gehrke-utahs-worst/
I am grateful for the many conversations that I've had with the Vestry: we are determined to keep people as safe as possible in this frightening time. We are committed to keep following up with all the people in the congregation to the best of our abilities.
Please be kind to yourself and others, even those not taking this virus as seriously as you might wish. I pray that there is no terrible individual reckoning of lament for any choice that an individual makes. I don't want anyone to face a crisis. I don't believe anyone desires an opportunity to chide "I told you so", and it will be a relief to me if no one in the Diocese additionally gets sick, and people think that we were too cautious.
There are 217,000 confirmed COVID related deaths in the US, and still an uncertain future. I believe God weeps for so many of us right now. I also believe God desires that we reach the other side, and promises that we will. Let me know if there if you believe there is any additional way I (or we as a Vestry) should move in our public or private response in our communal work in this COVID time.
Faithfully yours,
- Rev. Kurt
New Guidelines from Governor Herbert:
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Update from the Rector:
Bishop Hayashi outlined four seasons for our community concerning COVID-19
Season One: Stay at Home - Mitigation of the Spread of Covid-19
Season Two: Continued Mitigation
Season Three: Lifting of Physical Distancing with Protection
Season Four: Application of Learning’s and Future Preparations
Season One: Stay at Home - Mitigation of the Spread of Covid-19
We have been in this season since the middle of March. As I stated above, we shall continue in our present pattern of worship and behavior to help mitigate the spread of the virus at least until the end of May. We do this not only for ourselves, we do it for the sake of our entire community, state, nation and world.
In Salt Lake City we remain in Season One and have not gone under the sustained reduction rate at any time. https://covidactnow.org/us/ut/county/salt_lake_county
Season Two: Continued Mitigation
When there is a sustained reduction in cases for at least 14 days, then we will transition to in-person worship, work and outreach. (This may happen in one location of our diocese before or later than another.)
This includes:
• Church offices may open in spaces large enough for physical distancing.
• Smaller churches may worship in spaces large enough for physical distancing.
• Scale-able worship 10, 50, 100 – in spaces large enough for physical distancing. Face masks will be worn, households will sit together with physical distancing of six feet from other households or individuals. Disinfecting of hard surfaces shall be done following each meeting or worship service. Common cup shall not be used for Holy Communion.
• Signs will be prominently displayed that people who are manifesting COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the building.
• Continued virtual Morning Prayer and other offerings.
• In-person pastoral visits resume to low risk parishioners.
• Practice health safety protocols - wearing masks, physical distancing.
• Outside groups that use the building will be required to follow physical distancing and health and safety protocols.
• Coordinate all plans with the Bishop’s Office
• Outbreaks in the virus will mean a return to Season One practices until there is a reduction in cases for at least 14 days.
Season Two may last for several months or longer. The John Hopkins Center for Health Security advises that we “recognize that the desire to get back to normal as quickly as possible is a common reaction in the catastrophic context, and it is an impulse worth restraining.” We cannot ignore that superspreading events have been linked to religious services and choir practices. We still do not know much about COVID-19, one of the most consistent findings is that the disease carries a much higher fatality rate among older adults. According to data from the CDC, 91 percent of all deaths related to the virus have occurred among people 55 and older.
The whole Pastoral letter can be found here: https://www.episcopal-ut.org/wp-content/uploads/Pastoral-letter-April-29-Final-Version-with-Link.pdf
Monday, March 30, 2020
Update from the Rector:
THE CHURCH BUILDINGS ARE NOW CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
Due to the coronavirus we will not have services until further notice
The Food Pantry ministry remains active for its preparation for its Saturday distribution hours, 9am-1pm.
If you wish to contact The Rev. Kurt Wiesner, please email him at rector@stpauls-slc.org
If you wish to contact the Church Office, please email admin@stpauls-slc.org or call 801-322-5869. The phones will be connected to the parish administrator during regular office hours, and messages will be returned during the office hours as well.
We love our buildings, but our Church is our people and the relationships we tend with each other and with God.
One question that we are all wondering is “how long will this virus continue to upend our lives”, which leads to a connected, rather specific question, less important but certainly on many of our minds: “How long before we can once again gather as the full community at St. Paul’s?”
No one knows the answer to this question, but I can safely say that it will not be resolved by Holy Week and Easter. So I will say out loud the sad, and difficult words now:
We will not have services here at the church during Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
This is a hard decision in the sense that we know our services sustain people in their daily lives, especially in times of crisis. This is also the right course for our community, for we are called to care for one another to the best of our abilities. This action may not only prevent individuals from getting sick, but from spreading the virus to those most at risk, and could potentially keep our healthcare system from being overrun. These precautions are worth it precisely because they may make a difference.
I am working now on a series of reflections and videos to be released daily during Holy Week. It is also my intent that, whenever it is safe to return to public worship together at St. Paul’s, that that Sunday will be a Festive Easter Resurrection service, no matter what the calendar says.
Please remember: we are the church because God loves the life that God created. We remain the church because of our relationship to God and one another. By practicing "social distancing,” we commit to an act of grace, living into the idea of "loving neighbor as ourselves."
We will continue update and post resources here to help sustain us through this time, which while certain to be difficult, also promises to be rich with God's presence as we find inventive ways to care for one another.
Faithfully,
Kurt
The Episcopal Church: Concerning-COVID-19
Episcopal Relief and Development: Faith-Based Response to Epidemics
https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/