Dear Friends,

As most of you are aware as of 5pm on April 9th the mask mandate will be lifted here in Alabama. Governor Ivey said it was time to make mask wearing “a personal responsibility rather than a government mandate.” The removal of the mask mandate does not change the distancing requirements for adults in places such as our sanctuary.

As the number of those who have received the vaccine, or who have had the virus, has increased we have seen a commensurate increase in attendance on Sunday mornings here at Central. This increase has been encouraging as more people are feeling comfortable gathering in groups and we don’t want to hinder this growth in attendance.

In an effort to deal with the realities before us the session is providing these guidelines for worship attendance of those over 18 years of age. The practice of the children will be subject to the guidance of their parents.

If you have been fully vaccinated or have had the virus and you do not want to wear a mask to worship then please feel free not to.

If you have not been vaccinated and have not had the virus we encourage you to wear a mask.

In light of 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to others” we ask that you exercise your rights in consideration for the needs of others. Have a mask with you, even if you choose not to wear it, and if you are in proximity to someone who is wearing one or is concerned about exposure we ask that you would defer to his or her wishes and wear a mask when engaging with them. 

We will continue to serve the Lord’s Supper using the same safety protocols we have been using for the past year.

Please remember that the older an individual is the more vulnerable they are to the virus. Most, but not all of the congregation over the age of 65 have had the virus or have received the vaccine.

At the outside early service, beginning on Sunday April 11, the same guidelines will apply.

For the short term we will once again be taking temperatures when you enter the building on Sunday mornings, as there is an expected increase in the number of cases with the lifting of the mask mandate.

The session, in consultation with the doctors at Central, will review these guidelines regularly and revise them in accordance with the results experienced in the larger population of Huntsville.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Session or the church office directly.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Randy Jenkins on behalf of the Session.