COMMUNICATIONS: General and COVID19-related
03-15-22: Church Family: I thank you for your long cooperation and consideration in wearing masks indoors at church. Over the past two years the Session has taken measures to reduce risk through virtual worship, masking, reduction and spacing of seating, and they have been following the downward trend of cases and paying attention to the county guidelines. With the Mecklenburg County removal of the indoor mask mandate on Feb 26, masks will be optional at Good Shepherd beginning Sunday, February 27. I know you will continue to be respectful of those who desire to wear masks and desire precautions around physical contact and close proximity. Thank you for your continued patience, support, and understanding as we get through this season of life together.
02-26-22: Church Family: I thank you for your long cooperation and consideration in wearing masks indoors at church. Over the past two years the Session has taken measures to reduce risk through virtual worship, masking, reduction and spacing of seating, and they have been following the downward trend of cases and paying attention to the county guidelines. With the Mecklenburg County removal of the indoor mask mandate on Feb 26, masks will be optional at Good Shepherd beginning Sunday, February 27. I know you will continue to be respectful of those who desire to wear masks and desire precautions around physical contact and close proximity. For now we will continue to request masks for those involved with children and youth activities outside of worship. Additionally, we will designate the expansion area as a masked area with continued distancing for those who desire those accommodations. Thank you for your continued patience, support, and understanding as we get through this season of life together.
08-13-21: Pastor Robert requests that folks choose to mask in worship because of the Delta spike in NC and Meck Co. (full letter)
07-18-21: We have discontinued offering a livestream service in the Norton Hall Youth Building.
05-31-21: On May 13, 2021, the CDC released an update that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in any setting except where required locally. A day or two later, NC similarly updated state guidelines. The CDC does continue to offer masking recommendations for those who have not been vaccinated or who have certain medical conditions. Recognizing the range of perspective and practice among the congregation and potential visitors at Good Shepherd, the elders have approved the following to be in effect at Good Shepherd starting Sunday, June 6, 2021:
- Masks will not be required in the sanctuary for the 11:00 service (we will not be inquiring about vaccination status)
- Masks will be required in Norton Hall for a live viewing of the 11:00 service via livestream [service discontinued 07-18-21]
- We will continue to livestream on Facebook and the church website (gspc.net), and archive services on YouTube (bit.ly/GSPCyoutube).
05-23-21: I know you all are encouraged and excited, as I am, for the CDC and then for North Carolina to lift the mask and gathering requirements for those who have been vaccinated. We will continue having an early service masked (time tbd) and will revise the 11:00 service protocols starting on June 6. Thanks for your understanding, patience, and cooperation as we work out the details!
As of 05-02-21
- 8:30am Sunday worship: masked, distanced, no live singing
- 11:00am Sunday worship: masked, distanced, live singing (incl. up to two unmasked worship leaders and up to four masked worship leaders on platform)
04-25-21: Approved up to four singers to sing/lead masked from platform during 11:00 service
04-01-21: Approved up to two singers to sing/lead unmasked from platform during Maundy Thursday and ongoing at 11:00 service.
02-14-21: Video announcement regarding the addition of an 8:30am in-person service (masks/distancing, no singing) and modification of the 11:00am service (masks/distancing, with singing); continuation of 11:00am livestream
06-26-20: E-mail to full mailing list with an update in online service and Sunday school times (LINK)
06-12-20: E-mail to members and regular attenders with recommendations from the re-opening task force and short survey request (LINK)
05-21-20: Letter regarding staff transition of Zach Drummond (LINK)
05-20-20: Financial Update from Mark Katibah (members, please contact the church or Robert for a copy of this)
05-18-20: Letter to Congregation updating time-table to resume use of facilities and move toward in-person worship (PDF)
03-19-20: Letter to Congregation regarding ongoing church life and ministry (PDF)
03-14-20: The session has suspended ALL group activities at Good Shepherd, effective Monday 3/16, and until further notice. (LINK) This includes all church activities, preschool, and all outside group usage of church facilities. We are working out online options for a number of activities, including streaming worship services and some web/phone options for group meetings. The preschool will be communicating directly with parents and via its regular Parent Talk newsletter.
03-13-20 Interim update (on this page) that Session was discussing suspension of activities.
03-12-20: E-mail/Letter to the congregation (LINK) describing a three-fold response (w/specifics) of modification, monitoring, and communication.
COVID-19 INFO & RESOURCES