April 28, 2020
Dear Friends,
Yesterday Governor
Edwards announced that, if the metrics required by the health profession
are met, Louisiana will perhaps move into Phase I of the return to public
interactions May 15. Like you, I hope that we meet the necessary metrics to
begin moving toward our new normal of public life even as I recognize that
it will require a great deal of preparation. To that end, I have asked
Canon John Bedingfield to prepare for you a document outlining the
parameters of Phase I and the preparations of Phase I will require. You
will find that document attached. We will be discussing it together at tomorrow’s
Zoom meeting. Please look it over. And remember that we are here to help
you in any way that we can.
I have been
touched and inspired with your responses to this very difficult time. Your
love and creativity have kept your people mindful of Christ’s healing
presence. You’ve offered comfort and wisdom, insight and humor. Thank you!
As you read
through the attached
guidelines,
you may feel overwhelmed by the tasks set before us to get ready for and to
live into Phase I. Many of us are already pushing about as hard as we can.
Now we anticipate continuing virtual worship but also offering in-person
worship under controlled conditions of physical distancing and sanitation.
In other words, I recognize that you will be stretching yourselves thin
once again. So I bid you, take care of yourselves. Recognize that you need
rest, that you will make mistakes, and that you can only do the good that
you can do.
As I mentioned
above, we will discuss these guidelines and seek your input tomorrow.
Please review them. And know that we are all in this together.
In Christ’s Peace,
+Jake
The Rt. Rev. Jacob
W. Owensby, PhD, DD
4th Bishop of
Western Louisiana
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