Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea,
I write on behalf of the wonderful clergy and staff of Bethesda and the lay leadership who are looking after the safety of our congregation during and following the worst of the Covid pandemic.
As I’m sure you have heard, the CDC released new guidance on Tuesday, July 27. We encourage everyone to follow that guidance by wearing masks during Sunday services until transmission rates in Palm Beach County decrease to safer levels. We particularly encourage masks while singing hymns and approaching the altar to receive Communion. For those who prefer to be even more cautious, we will continue to livestream our worship services and to open our Nave for those who want to enter and pray/meditate during the week.
I join your clergy and staff to encourage all of you to be vaccinated. Please consider that these vaccines are an answer to prayer. The number of hospitalizations will decrease as more people are vaccinated.
It is our hope and prayer that we will return to normal worship soon.
Faithfully yours,
Bob Dannals
Interim Rector