Task Force Update

Beloved St. Andrew Community,

As we make our way into the summer months, the administrative commission (a.k.a. Coronavirus Task Force) appointed by the St. Andrew Session thought you might appreciate an update. We continue to meet via Zoom on a weekly basis, and have found ourselves addressing high level questions, but also spending quite a bit of time in the “weeds” working out the specifics of how and when we can be together. From our perspective, here’s what’s happening around St. Andrew.

​We have set a goal to resume in-person worship on Sunday, August 2, 2020. We are very excited about the prospect of being physically together again, even though many will wisely choose to continue to limit their exposure. Stay tuned. This goal does has a number of preconditions that must first be met, among them are these:

1. King County must be in Phase 2 of reopening. You may already be familiar with the four phases of re-opening charted by Washington State. And, perhaps you saw the article in Tuesday’s Seattle Times noting King County’s application for phase 2. Assuming the application is successful, and infection trends don’t spike before August, we would be able to host worship for up to 50. We anticipate moving to a new live-stream model of worship that will incorporate best practices for religious communities per King County Guidelines for physically gathering while also offering a live-streamed option for joining us in worship remotely.
2. We need to ready the building. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to many who have continued to maintain the building and provide upgrades that will enable us to more safely be together physically. These include
   1. small things like installing covered toilet seats (thanks Dan Clawson!). That’s right! One way that the coronavirus can spread is via a plume of aerosols created by the flushing of toilets! So remember to close those lids prior to flushing! That’s only the half of it, though.
   2. We are installing fresh air intakes and fans to ensure air flow that will prevent the stagnation of aerosols that are a primary danger for transmission of the coronavirus. Thanks to Craig Johnson, Paul Mitchell, and the Golden Hammer & Saw Team for already volunteering to help.
   3. In addition to ventilation concerns, we’re also establishing mutual protocols for disinfecting after building use for all building users. We’ve developed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Manantial de Vida that will enable them to use the facility safely along with us. We anticipate MdV’s usage will happen in two stages. First using the building with a small group for live-streaming. Second, when county and state guidelines allow, using the building for assembled worship.

How you can help.

1. Technology upgrades: Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to purchase cameras and equipment that will enable live-streaming once we begin to gather in person. We could use a few partners with installation and technology knowledge to help us install and ready the equipment in the next few weeks. This will require being present on-site with a few others in controlled conditions. If you’re interested please contact Scott by Monday, June 25, 2020.
2. Other facility improvements: As outlined above, we have some projects to complete prior to August 2nd. If you want to add your name to the list of volunteers, please contact Teresa Platin (tplatin@outlook.com or 425-830-0971).
3. Masks: We understand masks will be essential for meeting in person. We are looking for a few volunteers to make masks we can have on supply for anyone who might attend without one. If you can help, please contact Andrea Shirey (ashirey@standrewpc.org).
4. And more: Watch other announcements for additional needs.

Even with all these preparations, and a myriad of others not mentioned, the way forward is unsure. When and how can we sing with one another again? Are outdoor meetings a viable option given all our considerations? What other ways can we be together? These are ongoing discussions for which your prayer and insight is appreciated.

We are, of course, planning for uncertainty, for a tightening of restrictions in the event of spikes in infection rates, and for changes in action and behavior based on information and wisdom we do not yet have. We are grateful for your patience, your partnership, your goodwill, your generosity and love, and your personal responsibility through it all.

It may be worth recalling the values named by the Session that we continue to hold and be guided by as we have worked together over these last months:

1. Being physically and emotionally connected.
2. Worshiping together regularly.
3. Predictability.
4. Stability.
5. Reasoned, fact-based responses.
6. Caution and care for the most vulnerable in our community and the broader community.
7. Sustainable practices that care for staff and volunteers.

Finally, I want to take a moment of privilege to offer my gratitude for the tenacious and attentive leadership of the Task Force (Teresa Platin, Andrea Shirey, co-chairs, Dan Clawson, Pattie Holt, Amber Oakes) and many others who have logged into our weekly meetings to help along the way with particular matters. This group has worked exhaustively to help us find our way through these uncertain times. We owe them and many others who have quietly added their own effort and skill to keep us together while we are apart, and to chart the way to our physical reunion.
​
Grace & Peace,
Scott (for the Task Force)