Mask Update: On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to end Governor Evers’ state-wide mask mandate, effective immediately. Local governments have the authority to continue their own mask mandates. At this time, the mayor of the City of Appleton has stated that he will not enact such an order and Outagamie County's Mask Mandate does not apply to businesses/organizations in the City of Appleton.
This means that it is now voluntary to wear a mask at indoor gatherings in the City of Appleton, unless a business or an organization decides to require masks. What does this mean for our worship services at St. Paul? It means that some may choose to continue to wear a mask or other face covering, and it means that some may choose not to, even if they do not have a medical exemption.
Here are a few recommendations for both groups.
To those who prefer/choose to continue wearing a mask:
• Feel free to do so as long as you wish.
• Realize that some may prefer not to do so, and there is no legal, nor scriptural, bind to do so.
• Especially when conversing with someone who is not wearing a mask, if you prefer to socially distance, please feel free to let them know and ask that they provide that comfortable distance.
To those who prefer/choose not to continue wearing a mask:
• Feel free to attend without the use of a mask.
• Realize that some may prefer to continue to wear a mask, and they have the right to do so.
• When conversing with someone, whether they are wearing a mask or not, if they indicate that they would prefer to social distance while standing or sitting, please respect their wishes and remain at a distance.
Online worship opportunities remain available for those who are more comfortable worshipping at home during the pandemic.
Social distancing will still be practiced during our worship services with seating in every other pew.
May God bless our worship at St. Paul this Holy Week!