Conference COVID Update - May 5 2021

Dear Florida Conference clergy and laity:
 
Blessings to you in this season when we celebrate the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. 
 
We thank you for your attention to guidance related to the COVID pandemic. At present, almost six million Floridians are fully vaccinated (27% of the population). We have lost 35,000 persons to death due to COVID-19, and 2.25 million persons in Florida have contracted the virus. Our guidance has always been given with a concern for the health and well-being of our laity, clergy and neighbors.

On Monday, our Governor announced continued relaxation of COVID-19 guidelines. The CDC however has not changed its guidance for places of worship, even for those who have been vaccinated. We ask that you continue to follow the CDC guidance. For our churches this means the continued wearing of masks, continued social distancing, and continued use of good ventilation. We know every church has a unique context and you are navigating this through shared leadership at the local level.
 
We encourage a hybrid offering of worship with in-person worship using the CDC protocols, online worship, and outside worship where possible. These multiple ways of offering worship will reach the greatest number of people.
 
You can find our detailed protocols and more information on our website: https://www.flumc.org/covid-19-virus-update
 
If you have any questions about our protocols, please reach out to your district superintendent or contact the episcopal office through ashanks@flumc.org.
 
The Peace of the Lord,
Bishop Ken Carter and the Appointive Cabinet