From Stephen: Returning to Masks-Optional at 8:00 a.m. | Church of the Incarnation

Over the past two years since we returned to regular in-person worship, we've continued to retain a masking requirement at the Sunday 8:00 liturgy. We did this as a way to provide one service with additional safety precautions for those at higher risk.

This week, as of May 11, the COVID-19 federal public health emergency declaration will be ending. In addition, in April, hospitals and other healthcare institutions in California ended their own masking requirements. With these developments in mind, our wardens Linelle and Allan and I agreed this week that it's reasonable for us now to phase out our 8:00 mask requirement as well.

Of course, wearing a mask continues to be a good choice, especially for anyone at high risk, and we will continue to have masks available. However, as of this Sunday, May 14, worshipers at 8:00 will be allowed to choose whether or not to wear masks.

Please let me know of any questions or concerns. Thanks to all who have helped care for one another by faithfully wearing our masks at 8:00 through these past two years.

In Christ's peace,

Stephen

Tags: News & Notes

People decide to visit a church for lots of different reasons, often because they're at some sort of transition point in their lives. Maybe you're a longtime Episcopalian; maybe you have experience in another faith tradition; or maybe you've never been to a faith community at all.

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Incarnation is located at 550 Mendocino Avenue in downtown Santa Rosa, just south of the corner with Cherry Street.

Our church parking lot is located around the corner at 636 Cherry Street. The lot often fills up for our Sunday morning services. Additional free church parking is available in the small gravel lot at the corner of Mendocino and Cherry, or in the city garage at 521 7th Street (free on Sundays), which is a two-minute walk from the church. Finally, street parking is also free on Sundays.

We're also located close to several bus lines, and we have a bike rack in the central courtyard.

Children aren't just the church's future—they're an essential part of our faith community right now. At Incarnation we strive to serve our kids' growing faith, and we know they have much to teach adults, too. Children are always welcome in worship: any age, any time.

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Episcopal worship follows an ancient pattern that dates to the earliest days of the Christian church. The first half of the Eucharist is the Liturgy of the Word the second half is the Liturgy of the Table, also called Holy Communion. If you've spent time in Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, or Eastern Orthodox churches, much of our liturgy will seem familiar. If you're unfamiliar with liturgical Christian worship, don't worry. You're welcome to participate as fully as is right for you, or to just relax into the liturgy and let the rest of the congregation carry you in worship.

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At Incarnation we encourage all our members and friends to prayerfully choose a percentage of their income to give toward causes that serve God's mission. We ask that part of that intentional giving be a pledge of financial support to the parish, both so our leadership can plan ahead in making a budget, and as a tangible commitment to what God is doing here at Incarnation. For more on the practice of proportional giving, see this FAQ.

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