Frequently asked question: "Do we really have to register for worship? That feels strange."

Great question, and yes it is strange. For the time being SVLC worshippers are being asked to register for worship for indoor sanctuary worship each Sunday morning.

This is a temporary practice, and will be eliminated as soon we can safely and feasibly do so. The rationale for worship registration is pretty simple: we are required to limit the number of people in the sanctuary per county health orders in order to reopen. Registration is an attempt to equitably do so. This is common, and nearly every in-person worshipping congregation I know of has to do it around the country. The limit may go up in the coming weeks, since we've set a cap on worshippers that is lower than county orders.

For many -- myself included -- having to register for worship feels absolutely antithetical to being a welcoming congregation. If you read my letter to the congregation in the Vistas this month, you know that evangelism was a top priority of mine in this process. Evangelism means having a strong center (being rooted in who we are, being rooted in God's love) and keeping an open door to anyone who comes our way looking for grace. Registering for worship feels like slamming that open door shut!

I have a few responses to those concerns. First, we'll do away with this as soon as we can, and we'll keep it equitable. Let us know if you've been unable to register, and we'll likely find a way to get you in the door. For now this is the best we could do to safely reopen worship, and I'm certainly open to suggestions. Indeed, if a stranger comes to church hoping to hear about God's love, I just can't imagine an SVLC member not giving up their own seat to welcome them in the door... that's just who we are!

Second, this is exactly why we've created outdoor patio worship. No registration is needed -- all are welcome. Come, bring your own chair, and worship outside among long-missed friends. Invite some new friends. Heck, bring a cup of coffee, too. This pandemic has gone on too long, and we're not made for isolation, so come and worship.

The epidemiologists assure us this is a very safe option for both vaccinated and unvaccinated folks. It's audio-only, but I think it'll be a joyful reunion of God's beloved people nevertheless. You'll receive communion, and can even stick around for some fellowship afterwards.

None of this is perfect, so I'm grateful for your grace and patience.

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