tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22039996847211332412023-11-16T00:18:53.194-06:00Partnership In Ministries, Diocese of West TexasPIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-68105230751053267332020-06-19T17:01:00.001-05:002020-06-19T17:01:26.262-05:00Amending Guidelines For Phased Reopening of Churches19 June 2020<br />
<br />
From Bishop Reed today. Some good news!<br />
<br />
<br />
Amending Guidelines for Phased Reopening of Churches<br />
<br />
Fri, Jun 19, 2020 at 2:15 PM<br />
June 18, 2020<br />
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,<br />
Diocesan staff and I have been working for the past two weeks on guidelines with next steps<br />
for more extensive reopening of our churches. Then, the much-predicted post-Memorial Day<br />
surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases, along with increased hospitalizations, hit Texas. And it<br />
continues to hit numerous communities and counties within the Diocese of West Texas.<br />
Even knowing that there are a number of towns in the Diocese blessed with low case counts, it<br />
would not be wise to ignore the present situation and move towards a substantial reopening of<br />
our churches and their ministries at this time, especially since many congregations are just<br />
beginning to ease back into in-person worship.<br />
So, for the time being, the current Phase 2 guidelines governing public worship and the<br />
reopening of church offices remain in place at this time, with the following two limited<br />
amendments:<br />
<br />
1. Beginning July 1, Vestries and Bishop’s Committees may resume in-person<br />
meetings, following all protocols for gatherings outlined in the Guidelines for Reopening.<br />
Whenever possible, provision is to be made for members to participate remotely.<br />
<br />
2. Beginning July 1, AA and other 12-step groups; other support groups; and<br />
ministries related to social services such as mental health and feeding the hungry,<br />
may return to church facilities, with the permission of the Rector/Vicar and<br />
Vestry/Bishop’s Committee. Because of the critical need for these groups, clergy and lay<br />
leadership may choose to give them access to church facilities, even if the church has<br />
not yet begun in-person worship. All in-person meetings or gatherings at the church should<br />
follow protocols outlined in the Guidelines for Reopening.<br />
<br />
These amendments are made with the expectation that diocesan and local guidelines will<br />
continue to be communicated and followed. Physical distancing, use of masks, careful<br />
sanitizing of spaces, and common-sense hygiene remain key to reducing risks of gatherings.<br />
Prior to the above-mentioned groups returning to your church’s facilities and grounds, church<br />
leaders must provide them with their local plans for reopening, and also with the Guidelines<br />
for the Phased Reopening of Churches in the Diocese of West Texas, sent to all churches<br />
on May 1, and available on the diocesan website. Leaders of these outside groups must agree<br />
to abide by physical distancing and sanitation protocols. Unless the church provides cleaning<br />
and sanitation for the group, that group must have their own plan, in writing, for maintaining<br />
standards set in the guidelines. A copy of that plan is to be given to the church’s<br />
leadership. Your church’s leadership is responsible for determining the maximum capacity of<br />
any room used by outside groups.<br />
Questions will surely arise about why this kind of meeting, but not that kind of meeting. Please<br />
keep in mind that we are all having to learn new ways of being together. Adding gatherings in<br />
small, incremental ways allows people to experience, assess, and adjust much more easily<br />
than if we were to begin all things again, all at once.<br />
Finally, this surge in confirmed cases and hospitalizations comes at a time when quite a few of<br />
our churches had just begun to reopen for in-person worship. The combination for many has<br />
been unsettling—joy at being together in church, mingled with fear about the risks, and/or that<br />
they may have to reduce programming or return to online-only worship again.<br />
I remind Clergy and Vestries/Bishop’s Committees that the diocesan guidelines give you<br />
full authority to make that decision based on your own congregation and the local<br />
COVID-19 situation. We have said all along that the pandemic has not gone away; surges are<br />
likely; paying attention to local health officials is crucial; and we must all understand that we<br />
may need to backtrack. All plans these days are subject to change. As much as we share in<br />
common, each church has its own particular characteristics that should be considered when<br />
deciding whether to hold in-person worship services.<br />
Size of the congregation, age of members, number of families, size of the worship space,<br />
number of available staff and volunteers are all significant factors that make it hard to come up<br />
with a one-size-fits-all plan for the entire diocese. Church leaders should remain focused on<br />
what they believe is best for their congregants and staff in regard to resuming or continuing<br />
public worship. They should also value and seek out regular conversation and collaboration<br />
with neighboring churches to support and learn from one another.<br />
Please note, the 14-day consistent decline in confirmed cases, which has been such a<br />
significant part of government and public health rules and recommendations, and thus, a<br />
consistent piece of diocesan communications, is no longer being emphasized nearly so much.<br />
Instead, as testing for the virus has become more widely available, health officials have begun<br />
emphasizing the “positivity rate” (positive test results, relative to all tests administered), as well<br />
as hospitalizations. While the statistics can be confusing and, at times, interpreted in<br />
contradictory ways, the present reality is that none of the measurements are trending in a good<br />
direction statewide.<br />
For any questions or concerns that arise, you may contact the Rev. Mike Besson, Archdeacon,<br />
at mike.besson@dwtx.org or 281-787-6311.<br />
Please know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, and that if I have to go<br />
through a pandemic (which apparently, I do), I would not choose to go through it with anyone<br />
other than you, the clergy and people of West Texas.<br />
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face his face to shine upon you<br />
and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.<br />
Faithfully yours in Christ,<br />
David M. Reed<br />
Bishop of West Texas<br />
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas | (210) 824-5387 | 111 Torcido Drive, San Antonio TX | dwtx.orgPIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-52652095353189392442020-05-22T11:43:00.002-05:002020-05-22T11:43:58.220-05:00Phased Reopening of our Diocesan Churches for WorshipGood morning!<br />
My apologies. It has been WAY too long. I hope all is well with you and yours. Although we are all looking forward to being together again, we must do so safely. I'm sure y'all know that on the day of Pentecost, this year 31 May, we can get back to some new type of public worship. It will have some restrictions, but be "public" none the less. I have included the link to Bishop Reed's direction here. God bless!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-regarding-phased-church-reopening">https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-regarding-phased-church-reopening</a>PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-1137627509033958652020-03-27T15:32:00.002-05:002020-03-27T15:32:32.136-05:00The Next Right Step: Apportionment and Public WorshipHi, All,<br />
It's been a few days since my last post. Bishop Reed did a Blog post today. Also, this was published in several places. I have included the link to his post. The Diocese has a page dedicated to COVID-19. I miss y'all, but it looks like it could be 30 April before we can get together. The Bishop said depending on life in general, that date may change. God bless.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-apportionment-and-public-worship">https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-apportionment-and-public-worship</a>PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-69228620504352661972020-03-20T15:47:00.001-05:002020-03-20T15:47:39.578-05:00Worship Service Live Stream Within the DioceseThe Diocese has a COVID-19 resource/info page. Here is the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dwtx.org/resources/covid-19-resources/">https://www.dwtx.org/resources/covid-19-resources/</a><br />
<br />
Scroll toward the bottom and you will see a heading, Worship Services Live Stream Within the Diocese. There are links to several of our churches that have live streaming or recorded services.<br />
<br />PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-83662108034658326862020-03-18T20:08:00.002-05:002020-03-18T20:08:35.512-05:00The Next Right Step: Public Gatherings SuspendedThis was sent out this afternoon from Bishop Reed's Office. All public meetings and in person worship is suspended until 1 April. Below is a link to his article. Remember, we are the church. Check the PIM web site for some links to online resources. We will get thru this.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-public-worship-suspended">https://www.dwtx.org/departments/communications/dwtx-blog/the-next-right-step-public-worship-suspended</a>PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-41774896831242759022020-03-18T13:09:00.002-05:002020-03-18T13:09:59.265-05:005th Sunday CanceledSadly, due to the virus, our gathering at St. James, Hallettsville has been canceled. The Diocesan Standing Committee is meeting with the Bishop today and we should have more info and guidance regarding worship later. Stay strong!PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-31510977747830722612020-03-17T12:51:00.002-05:002020-03-17T12:51:37.739-05:00Worship OnlineGood morning,<br />
Seems we may not be gathering in some places for a time. I want to make online resources available by providing links. Please, send me any you ma have as well for this blog and out PIM website. Thanx. Stay safe.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/wncathedral/playlists">https://www.youtube.com/user/wncathedral/playlists</a>PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-30286950950621111602020-03-10T10:44:00.000-05:002020-03-10T10:44:07.731-05:00Think GodThe following was written by Rev. Gina Yochem and published in the Goliad Advance-Guard on March 5, 2020:<br />
<br />
THINK<br />
GOD<br />
<br />
While driving in San Antonio, usually on some journey with a purpose and a list of<br />
things to do, I sometimes see a billboard that catches my attention. This billboard<br />
is all white. With two words in utterly plain black print. THINK GOD. The first<br />
time I saw it, I glanced briefly and wondered what the gimmick was. Who was<br />
trying to sell me some thing or some group. But I noticed.<br />
As time has gone on and I see it on occasion I have all kind of thoughts.<br />
Whoever it is who has bought the billboard on a busy commercial stretch of the<br />
freeway wasn’t trying to tell me what to think, or where to think it, or with whom<br />
to think it. Instead of being defensive about some other church having an<br />
advertising budget like that, I feel grateful for the nudge. The nudge I clearly need<br />
since my reaction comes from a shopping frame of mind or an attitude of<br />
competition.<br />
I also just feel grateful to know there is someone who offers the reminder<br />
with no strings attached. a word to bring an open moment in the heart of any<br />
person in any frame of mind for God to be present in a driving-around-place in<br />
the middle of life.<br />
Sometimes, I just realize I need to quit thinking so much……and THINK GOD.<br />
It is all we need, especially in the Lenten season we are beginning. We are called<br />
to recall our sins. To pray for forgiveness and amendment of those ways we<br />
break with God and to ask for help to do these things. To remember His life and<br />
sacrifice and to give thanks for the eternal life we receive with Him. To study and<br />
read those who share the journey of life. But mostly, I wonder if God’s main call<br />
is to keep Him in our minds and hearts as much as we can. To think God.<br />
Rev. Virginia Yochem<br />
Partners in Ministry<br />
St Stephens , Goliad<br />
Church of the Ascension, RefugioPIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-47665284513632215492020-03-09T13:44:00.000-05:002020-03-09T13:44:28.933-05:00PIM Council Meeting"Mornin",<br />
Don't forget, our monthly PIM Council meeting is this Thursday, 12 March. The place remains St. Francis in Victoria. Remember, the time has changed to 11:30. See you there!PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-67871639809153623782020-03-03T11:59:00.001-06:002020-03-08T08:41:33.783-05:005th SundaySt. James, Hallettsville, will be our 5th Sunday in March. Stay tuned for more info. The main dish(es) will be a surprise! Looking forward to it. I love these get togethers.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203999684721133241.post-70369547236724159972020-03-02T12:12:00.002-06:002020-03-02T12:12:54.562-06:00Good morning!I am the PIMWebmaster. Our Episcopal Churches (6) are in the Eastern Convocation of the Diocese of West Texas. Our Bishop is the Rt. Rev. David M. Reed. Our Presiding Bishop is the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church.<br />
<br />
On this Blog, we hope to share information and events occurring in our 6 churches and communities.<br />
These are St. James, Hallettsville; Trinity, Edna; Church of the Ascension, Refugio; St. Matthew's, Kenedy, St. Stephen's, Goliad.<br />
<br />
Please, feel free to comment and send your info. Have a blessed day!PIM Webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576080788836980298noreply@blogger.com0