COVID-19 UPDATES

Holding Pattern Continues

We are open for worship, singing together, and breaking bread.  To do so during a global pandemic, we:
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-use the CDC Level of Community Transmission for Henderson County* to determine when and where masks are required on-site
-provide a quality online option for our communal gatherings
-prepare and serve food and drink in accordance with recommended protocols 
-follow NCDHHS guidelines for preschool and children/youth ministries
-encourage our community to get vaccinated
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*Community Level: Low (Masks optional)
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People can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.
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Grace Congregation Council

OFFICIALS CONCERNED OVER CORONAVIRUS CLUSTERS AT NC CHURCHES

Religious activities, including worship services, bible studies and youth group meetings, are the third leading source of COVID-19 clusters in North Carolina, The News & Observer reported.

At least 1,180 coronavirus cases in the state are linked to 88 clusters at religious events, and at least 18 people have died.

Meat and poultry processing plants are responsible for the most cases attributable to a cluster, followed by colleges and universities, according to Department of Health and Human Services data.

The state defines a cluster as five or more cases with positive test results or illness onset within a 14-day period.

The recent spread comes as more churches opt to return to in-person services. A federal judge in May said churches should be allowed to gather after several sued the governor.

One of the largest clusters traced to a religious gathering is at United House of Prayer for All People in Mecklenburg County, which has been the source of 121 COVID-19 cases and at least three deaths. The church held convocation events from Oct. 4-11 that attracted up to 1,000 people.

Mecklenburg health officials say 68 COVID-19 cases are connected to the United House of Prayer for All People church in Charlotte NC. Two people have died. The county said it will host a no-cost, drive-thru testing event Thursday and Friday.
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Finally, THANK YOU to everyone who shared their time and skills to safely record and assemble the various segments of worship for Reformation Sunday - especially Dave Carver, our Producer/Director for Video & Streaming Ministry, who assembled the service that you viewed as it was streamed.
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Pastor Greg

There is no need for reconsideration until that time.