The End of Mandates at VBPH (COVID-19 Update)
Over the last 24 hours, we have heard some very encouraging announcements from the federal Center for Disease Control and Governor Northam. The medical experts have now decided that mask mandates are no longer necessary indoors or outdoors for vaccinated individuals. We've all been anticipating this time when each person can again determine for themselves what mitigation efforts are required. So here at The Potter's House Church, we are happy to announce that we are dropping all blanket COVID requirements. We will no longer be checking temperatures as you enter the front door because we believe you are smart enough to know if you are well enough to attend services. Today, we begin to put the COVID-19 outbreak behind us for good.
In this time of transition back to normal, we will need to exercise the spiritual fruits of patience, lovingkindness, and longsuffering with one another:
Some of us might believe that COVID-19 is still a serious enough threat to warrant continued use of facial masks and social distancing. That is OK.
Some believe that widespread vaccinations are a good enough reason to end personal masking and social distancing. That is OK too.
Some believe that since they have recovered from COVID that they have antibodies and natural immunity to the virus. That is OK.
Some are young and healthy enough that COVID-19 was never a looming threat to their health. That is also OK.
Some love to lick doorknobs. That's OK as well. (Just Kidding)
The point is that over the last year, we have gotten used to removing these critical decisions from individuals by mandating behaviors. That phase is now over. As a church, we leave it up to each person to determine what is best for themselves. As pastor of this congregation, I want to ask you all to be understanding towards one another. Every person can decide how best to handle these essential decisions of health and well-being. Please respect their decision as you want to be respected.
This development should not be a reason for division, strife, or gossip. If someone is wearing a mask out of an abundance of caution, respect their decision. If someone isn't wearing a mask, respect their decision. If someone is vaccinated, respect their decision. If someone is not vaccinated for health reasons or personal convictions, respect their decision.
Let's remember the words of the apostle:
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." –Rom 13:8 NKJV.