It’s been a few months since I wrote about Covid.

I had hoped, like all of you, that we were past this virus.

We want to be done with Covid, but Covid isn’t done with us. It’s a phrase we hear a lot lately, as the Delta variant spikes the number of reported cases in the United States to 100,000 per day, eerily repeating last winter’s trajectory. 

Recently, the CDC recommended that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask while inside buildings to help flatten the curve. Consistent with past communications from this office, I encourage you to follow the CDC guidelines. Following this advice, the Office of the Bishop team will follow the CDC guidelines and mask when we are inside with groups. This includes worship.

Frankly, this back and forth creates confusion, exhaustion, frustration, and sometimes anger. It was delightful and freeing to share the joys of gathering, without worrying so much about health consequences. 

Then along came the Delta variant. Covid seems to be a never-ending ride on a carousel of disorienting déjà vu.

The good news is that after a year of Covid, we know how and why we protect our neighbors through safe practices, even when we know there will be those who disagree with our decisions.

We remind ourselves and others, that our actions are not from fear, but from love. We live with the vaccinated and unvaccinated, the old and the young, the healthy and the compromised. 

I’ve heard from many around the synod about current Holy Communion practices that vary from using the individual prepackaged bread and cup, one kind or individual cups that can be disposed, and that servers wash hands and are masked. 

I am deeply aware of the energy it takes to make and announce these decisions, because there are implications. Many in your communities will see masking as an action done out of love for our neighbor and community health. And some worshippers will see masking options as a reason to stop coming to worship, or even more sadly, a reason to leave God’s place of worship where you serve.

In these moments, we recall God’s promises to be present in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, trusting that God is creating new life and opportunities for us to love and serve. 

Grateful for you and your partnership in proclaiming and living the gospel,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA