COVID-19 Update: June 23, 2021

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to share with you that effective immediately and in accordance with State of Michigan policy changes, we are lifting all mask requirements at Mariners’ Church. Staff are no longer required to wear masks in the building, and worshipers are no longer strongly urged to wear them. Please note that anyone who would still feel safer wearing a mask is, of course, welcome to do so. If any parishioners or friends have questions or concerns about this or other changes we will be making in the coming weeks, please reach out to me. Also note that the City of Detroit has still not yet updated their mask policy and so masks are still required in the Ford Underground Garage.

As Lt. Gov. Gilchrist highlighted yesterday, this milestone represents a significant turning of the page in what will hopefully prove to be one of the final chapters in the Covid-19 pandemic. I’d like to thank everyone for your cooperation during this challenging time, which has allowed us to worship safely without a single instance of Covid-19 transmission connected to Mariners’ Church. This is significant, cause for great rejoicing and thanks to God for his gracious protection upon us.

This Sunday we also look forward to welcoming parishioners to gather inside the building before and after services. The Julia Anderson room will be open once again, with coffee available. We will still open the west doors at the conclusion of services to provide the option of gathering in the plaza for those who would prefer to socialize outside.

Over the coming weeks we anticipate continuing the transition back to normal at a steady pace. During this time we ask for your patience, understanding that doing so is a process but we are taking action to this end. The transition to our current rhythms of worship together took place over a period of time, the transition back to normal will take time as well as we get back into the swing of things on the various teams that all work together as part of our worship. Know that we are working towards this in earnest.

We are planning for an in-person (and indoor!) kickoff to our Catechism Class beginning July 25 at 9:55 a.m., for a joyous Parish Picnic at Patterson Park in Grosse Pointe on August 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and resumption of all seasonal activities in the Fall (Children’s Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, and Theology on Tap) in their regular schedule and format. Plans for Outreach and other activities in the Fall are also already in the works; you’ll want to stay tuned to your email inbox, the weekly bulletin, and our social media (Facebook and Instagram) for those updates!

There are many good things on the horizon and our best is yet to come!

Grace and Peace,
Jeff+

P.S. You can follow us on Instagram @marinerschurchofdetroit, on Facebook at facebook.com/marinerschurchofdetroit, and when you invite family and friends to church, they can get quick and direct access to our Directions and Parking page by typing visitmariners.org into their web browser.