Dear St. James Community,

It is with great joy that I am writing to let you know that with the Vestry’s endorsement, I have decided that we will return to public worship in our space beginning on Sunday, May 30. At that time we will be operating under the first phase of reentry created by our Vestry’s plan and phase 1.5 of the Plan for Reentry for Great Lakes Episcopalians that we agreed to by all the diocese in Michigan. We will not be celebrating the Eucharist that day in order to make sure that all of our protocols are working, but will resume communion very soon thereafter.

I am so thankful for all of the members of this community and your willingness to take on restrictions throughout this time as we have waited for it to become safer to gather together again. I have felt with you the pain of not being able to worship God together and to see each other face to face. But I am proud of the ways we have worked to still care for one another, to be the church in the world, and to protect each other and our community. It is thanks, in part, to your sacrifice that Michigan is again growing safer by the day. Thank you.

In the midst of the joy of gathering together again, I want to remind you that things will be different and not back to normal. Whatever CDC guidelines are, or what is legal in the state of Michigan, we are also following the protocols created by the four diocese of Michigan and those created by our Vestry. When and if these change, we will inform you just as fast as we can. At this point, we need you to still respect the protocols which means the following:

·         Only those signed up for one of the available pews will be allowed to attend a service

·         Masks must be worn in the church at all times and during all worship services (this includes Pentecost in the Park)

·         We ask you to stay in your pew during the Peace and to refrain from singing, but invite you to hum along with the hymns

An email will go out at 10:00 each Wednesday, beginning on May 26. You will be able to add your name directly to the sign up genius to reserve a pew at that time. If you have issue with computers or sign-up genius, you can call Michelle Metry at the church (248)644-0820. Spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis. We hope to also add an 8:00 service as soon as possible.

Thank you all, again, for your patience. We are so excited to be taking this important step toward resuming our worship, formation, and social life in full. And I just can’t wait to see you again.

Faithfully,

Josh