To the Parish Family:
The Vestry has recently established a policy for
communicating with the parish if church services or Sunday School are being
canceled due to inclement weather. I appreciate their work on this policy, which
follows my comments.
As a church, worship is the heart of our mission and I believe we have a sacred
obligation to worship God as long as we are able. Because I can to walk to
church, it is unlikely that I would ever cancel services. My experience is that
those few of us who are able to safely get here on such a Sunday (sometimes
including neighbors who cannot make it to their own church) usually have a
joyful experience of worship.
Even if we have worship, we may cancel Sunday School, Kids’ Klub, and the
Nursery, as I do not want our dedicated teachers feeling obligated to come out
to teach children who may or may not be able to show up. I always touch base
with Ellen Switzer to make this decision, as streets are sometimes clear in my
part of
Allentown
when she can’t get out of her driveway in Macungie.
I want to be clear that if the weather is bad all parishioners should use their
common sense in deciding if it is safe to come to church. Even if you are
scheduled to serve, as an acolyte, Lay Eucharistic Minister, choir member, etc.,
if you do not feel comfortable or safe going out, please stay home. Those
of us who are able to get here safely will pitch in and fill in for those who
are missing. I am concerned about everyone’s safety and trust that only those
who are able to get to the church safely will do so.
Maria
Guidelines for Church Closing Due to Inclement
Weather
The Rector will make the
final decision if any church services or Sunday School on Sundays should be
canceled due to bad weather by 7:00am Sunday morning.
How Cancellations will
be reported to parishioners: WFMZ.com, Channel
69 News, Through a Church post email, and, if possible, it will also be posted on the
church website at www.episcopalmediator.org.