Community Covenant
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
COMMUNITY COVENANT
United in relationships of holy connection and communion.
Relationships are the heart of the Church of the Redeemer. Our relationship with God is what brings us together, and the relationships we build and sustain here unite us and transform our lives. They are the lifeblood of this community. We, as a worshiping community, have worked hard at understanding how to live into those relationships – how to be Church - even when we are not in our building. How we are united even while physically separated. How we belong to each other, even in isolation.
At our baptism, we make a Covenant which expresses what it means to follow Christ and what it means to be a Christian. Amid these promises, we commit to live faithfully both inside and outside the church building, seeking to serve all persons in Christian love:
Will you seek and serve Christ in all person, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God's help.
While we recognize the Church transcends the building, at the same time, we know the building carries so many of the moments that remind us of the holiness of our lives. We are so excited at the prospect of being together in this space again. As we approach the time for entering our church building for worship, we remember our baptismal covenant. We remember our promise to take care of one another in Jesus’ name. With this in mind, we are establishing and committing to a new covenant for our worshiping community as we gather again in person. It is important that we all commit to a covenant that will demonstrate Christian love and care and provide for the health and safety of every person.
We covenant in community to take these selfless actions:
- We will wear masks (if special accommodations are necessary, please contact our clergy).
- We will keep the recommended safe distance (6 feet) from others.
- We will wash our hands carefully and fully.
- We will enter our spaces with care and intention.
- If we feel ill, we will stay home.
- If we test positive for COVID-19, we will not enter church property for any reason. If we attended a service or church event prior to our positive test, we will reach out to our clergy or parish leader so the church can provide assistance with quarantine, medical attention, and take steps for the safety of the community.
- If a member of our household or family tests positive, or if we believe that we have been exposed to the virus, we will not enter upon the church property for any reason for at least 14 days.
- We will assist with compassionate contact tracing.
The Holy Spirit is at work here as we move forward in our regathering. God is inviting us into an old space in a new way. May we have eyes to see the old and new side by side, and to welcome them both into the holiness of our hearts, as we move forward together.