Dear Siblings in Christ:

This update will be a quick one.

Last week I strongly recommended that churches worshipping inside return to wearing masks and pause congregational singing. The CDC also came out with a recommendation that people wear masks indoors anywhere COVID transmission was “substantial” or “high.” A week ago, a little under half of our churches were in counties that did not fall within CDC guidelines.

As of the new numbers released today, this has changed. Every single one of the churches of the Pacific Northwest Conference are now in a county where transmission is “substantial” or “high” and masks are recommended by the CDC.

Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. Take another deep breath and let that one out slowly, too.
Some important things remain true even with COVID’s Delta variant:

• Being vaccinated and masked are still two of the best ways to avoid contracting COVID. 
• Although breakthrough cases are higher with Delta, they are still few and the vaccine will help prevent a more serious illness in most vaccinated people who do contract the virus. 
• Being masked and vaccinated are still two of the best ways to help prevent the spread of COVID to unvaccinated children, those at a higher risk because of immune system challenges, and those who are not vaccinated for medical or other reasons.

Facing the drumbeat of so much bad news can cause us to feel powerless and disheartened.  But the good news is that what has worked to help prevent the spread of the virus can still help to prevent the spread of the virus.

With hope,

Mike

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Rev. Mike Denton: Conference Minister of The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Church of Christ

You can give to the ministries of the Pacific Northwest Conference by going to www.pncucc.org and clicking on the “Donate” button.

Follow me on Twitter @denton_rev