Greetings! I write today to inform all of you that on Thursday around 2 pm I tested positive for COVID. I began experiencing mild symptoms Wednesday morning. I truly felt it was just a head cold and therefore didn’t do much different. That was a mistake. Around noon on Thursday I learned that a number of people who were at the ordination last Saturday had tested positive. The list of those infected includes our bishop, Mother Melinda, and our own Rev. Joan Yetter. So far, no one has shown significant symptoms – at least, that I know of. I am still just experiencing mild symptoms and have been in contact with my doctor’s office.
So what does this mean for everyone else? Assuming I was exposed on Saturday morning, I would not likely have been contagious last Sunday. So, if you were at church last Sunday, you are extremely unlikely to have contracted COVID from me. I have been in touch with everyone I had contact with Tuesday through Thursday morning. I encourage people to test and make the best decisions they can for their own health; however, I hope no one feels unsafe at church.
Assuming I have recovered fine by early next week, all will be well for Christmas Eve and Christmas. I plan to resume wearing a mask when in close contact with others during worship, just out of an abundance of caution. This Sunday, Doris Gerstner has offered to lead an adapted form of Morning Prayer. I hope that y’all will come out for worship as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior.
Stay safe and warm,
– Father Stephen
