When will we worship together in person? When will St. Luke’s be “open”?

The Church and buildings may not be open yet we worship virtually and continue with ministries such as our contributions to Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA) and planning other outreach events!  The Church is HERE.  WE ARE HERE!

St. Luke’s is part of the Diocese of Southeast Florida.  Our diocesan bishop the Rt. Reverend Peter Eaton has led the preparation of a pastoral document that  is determinative in HOW we open the campus, with safeguards in place. St. Luke’s has a prepared Re-Gathering Plan to be approved by the Bishop. The second factor is WHEN which is based on the data measuring the presence of COVID-19 cases in Martin County.

From the Guidelines you will find the Community Conditions for Season II (where we are currently); all must be met to allow us to go forward to Season III with our Re-Gathering Plan.

• A sustained reduction in new local cases for at least 14 days

• Local hospitals are safely able to treat all patients without resorting to crisis standards of care

• Everyone with COVID-19 symptoms can be tested

• Contact tracing and active monitoring are in place

• Systems are in place for targeted quarantines as needed

Below you will find these two documents:  On Being Faithful and On Being Faithful: Guidelines in this Season of CoVID-19, a power point presentation.  Please read and watch.  Both have been prepared by the Diocese of Southeast Florida with care and concern for our safety of the congregations and our own parishioners for each other.  Mutual love and respect are the guiding principles in this Baptismal vow:  “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.” This concern includes putting others at risk.

It is with the greatest desire I look forward to seeing us gathered again.  Until then, I encourage you to be part of the virtual service each Sunday and to pray with me using the Daily Devotions found in the Book of Common Prayer, pps. 137-140 Monday through Saturday.

Christ’s peace be in your heart and with all blessings,

The Rev. Carol Barron+