COVID-19 Guidelines and Resources

New COVID-19 advisory, from Bishop Marc (December 10)

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

As you well know, the Bay Area is experiencing a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, and state public health officials are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution in the coming weeks to avoid overwhelming our already stressed health care facilities. In the face of this grim reality, I am advising our congregations to discontinue all in-person worship gatherings, with the exception of outdoor funerals, until further notice.

I issue this advisory with a heavy heart; we are, after all, in Advent, a season of hopeful watching and waiting, and approaching Christmas, one of our holiest and most beloved holidays. I also make this recommendation with the full understanding that the six counties in which we operate are still allowing religious groups to gather outdoors. However, just because the law allows us to gather does not, in my view, mean we should at this time, especially since so many of our neighbors — from restaurant workers to hairdressers to performing artists — are being asked to make tremendous financial sacrifices on behalf of public health.

I am confident that you will navigate this season of hope and anticipation, but also sacrifice, as you have throughout the course of this pandemic — with love, creativity, and a deep commitment to keeping our congregations, staff, and communities safe. As I said on yesterday’s clergy Zoom call, worship teams may continue to livestream and record indoors, provided the group is stable (the same people from week to week), following all diocesan safety protocols, and as small as possible. Essential services for the community, such as food pantry operations, may also continue.
Though this may feel like a darker than usual Advent, please know that your ministries, in whatever form they are taking, shine brightly with their messages of hope and comfort. As always, please reach out to me or diocesan staff with any questions or concerns you may have. I wish you and all those you love a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas.

In faith,
+Marc

 

Click here for the Current Worship Guidelines and Diocesan Regathering Plan

Haga clic aquí para ver las Pautas actuales de adoración y el Plan de reunión diocesana

Pandemic Resource Pages:


Previous Updates from the Bishop's Office 

Health Information

For the latest updates in your specific area, we advise keeping an eye on information coming out of your county health department:

Reach out to DioHouse for support!

The bishop's staff wants you to know that we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out via email, phone, or video chat! Click here for the staff directory, where you can find staff email addresses. With staff working remotely, it is best to reach out via email first and arrange a time for a phone call or video chat.

 

Páginas de recursos sobre la pandemia:

Actualizaciones anteriores de la Oficina del Obispo (se incluyen las traducciones al español)

Información de salud

Para conocer las últimas noticias sobre tu área específica, te recomendamos mantenerte al tanto de las actualizaciones que publique el departamento de salud de tu condado:

¡Comunícate con DioHouse para obtener asistencia!

El personal del obispo quiere que sepas que estamos aquí para ti. ¡No dudes en comunicarte con nosotros por correo electrónico, teléfono o videochat! Haz clic aquí para consultar el directorio del personal, donde podrás encontrar las direcciones de correo electrónico de nuestro personal. Debido a que nuestro personal trabaja de forma remota, lo mejor es comunicarse por correo electrónico primero y programar una hora para una llamada telefónica o videochat.