UPDATE (5.14.21)

With the new CDC Guidance released yesterday, we are further updating our COVID-19 Policy for our Sunday Gatherings.

Even though we had already moved to mask-optional, we kept our seating arrangements following social distancing recommendations. However, with the new guidance, we will be adjusting most of the seating to match what was normal before COVID-19. The back two rows will still remain socially distanced for those who would feel more comfortable staying spread out. And for those who need it, we will continue providing a roped-off section where both masks and social distancing are mandatory.

If you would like to know more about how we process and make decisions regarding COVID-19, please read the last email we sent out. The factors we look at have not changed, and we will continue to stay up to date.

Good afternoon, New Eden family and friends!

As we mentioned last week, we have updated our mask policy for our Sunday gatherings. As an Elder Team, we value transparency and clarity, so we wanted to post this blog explaining the new policy and the factors we considered. We understand that this can be a touchy subject, so we ask for much grace as we move forward together. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, you know that we are always available.

NEW POLICY

Following the Alabama government's lead, we are moving to mask-optional for our Sunday gatherings. In line with the Governor's most recent order, we still encourage you to consider wearing a mask, especially when in close contact with other people. We will also provide a section in the back that is mask-required.

Listed below are some reminders and clarifications.

• Please stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

• If you see someone else wearing a mask, please do not get within six feet without first putting your mask on (unless you know they do not care).

• Please do not enter the mask-required section unless you have a mask on. When in that section, please wear a mask the whole time, even when seated.

• Regarding Missional Community Groups, we will allow each group and its leaders to decide its own policy.

FACTORS WE CONSIDERED

We understand that not everyone will agree with the decisions we make regarding COVID-19 and how we move forward as a body. We have talked to many of you, and we want you to know that we are listening to your thoughts and opinions. Even if you disagree, we want you to understand how we made this decision, so listed below are the factors we considered.

The Alabama State Government

From the beginning of COVID-19 regulations, we have tried to follow the government's lead in the language we use when talking about masks and guidelines. When not an issue of right or wrong, we believe that Scripture calls Christians to submit to the ruling authorities as an act of trust in the One who has sovereignly placed them in their position. Due to the Governor's most recent order, we are adjusting our language to agree. The primary statement we are following is the one from the order Governor Ivey released on April 7th: "Masks will no longer be mandated statewide, but individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people."

Current Trends in Alabama

Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in our state and Morgan County are trending downward and heading in a positive direction. We will continue to monitor these numbers and adjust accordingly if there are drastic changes in a negative direction.

Vaccination Availability

For those who would like to get one of the COVID vaccines, they are now readily available. And those who are most at-risk at New Eden have already received the vaccination. Long term, we understand that not everyone in our body will receive the vaccine. However, we know that over 90% of the adults in our body have antibodies through either vaccination or natural means, which means that super spreading at one of our gatherings is highly unlikely.

Ability to Spread Out

We can provide a separate mask-required area for those who wish to stay socially distanced and wear a mask at all times. If we were unable to do that, we would reconsider our policy.

GRATITUDE & CHALLENGE

As elders, we want to express our gratitude for how each of you has carried yourselves during this time. We know that varying responses to this pandemic have become politicized. Still, within our church family, on the whole, we have been able to stay unified and motivated by love for each other. For that, we are thankful.

We want to challenge each of you to continue assuming the best about your neighbor because that's what love does. If you'd like to better understand someone's choice about masks or the vaccine, we encourage you to reach out and ask for that conversation.

Again, if you have any questions at all, please let us know. We are grateful for each of you!

In Christ,
The Elders of New Eden Church
(Joel McCarty & Kevin Perry)