A Statement from Bishop Erickson On CDC Guidance on Mask Wearing by Vaccinated Individuals

Friends in Christ:

Like many of you, I was surprised by the recent updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the use of masks by vaccinated individuals. This guidance has caused many businesses and state and local governments to revise their policies, and many are discontinuing their mask mandates and other restrictions. In many ways, this is great news, as we are learning that vaccinated individuals have a reduced risk of transmitting the virus to others.

These developments also raise numerous questions for our congregations and leaders as we try to make decisions that will respect the diverse needs of people attending worship services and other activities. I encourage all our synod’s congregations and ministries that are considering resuming in person gatherings to continue to explore ways to do so safely, bearing in mind the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. I also encourage you to review the recent guidance issued by the Wisconsin Council of Churches.

While we are all tired of the many restrictions brought on by the pandemic, I urge continued caution and thoughtful deliberations as we explore how to move forward, keeping these things in mind:
• The recent CDC guidance addresses the behavior of vaccinated individuals, not large, mixed groups.
• Worship is a public event and congregations need to presume that not all those participating will be vaccinated. Children under 12, people with compromised immune systems, and others who have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated will likely be present.
• People have varying levels of willingness and ability to tolerate risk. Congregations are encouraged to continue to choose practices that minimize risk (worshipping outdoors, limiting singing, wearing masks indoors, etc.) so as to create a welcoming space for all.
• Even though vaccinations are increasing, and infection rates are falling, most counties in our synod have vaccination rates less than 50% and case rates of between 5-10 per 100,000 in population. While we are moving toward a time when it is safer to gather in various ways, we are not out of the woods just yet.

Finally, let me offer a word of deep gratitude. I am convinced that the choices and sacrifices we have made this past year have saved lives, and I am proud of the ways that the congregations and leaders of this synod have prioritized our calling to love and serve our neighbors. Grounded in faith and guided by love, I pray we will continue to discover God’s amazing grace and sustaining power.

In love and hope,
Bishop Paul Erickson

Saying Goodbye

Yesterday, we held a memorial for one of God’s special creatures, a dog named Benji who was a faithful and loving companion to our newest member Jeanie, but who sadly succumbed to an ongoing illness due to his heart being too big.  Jeanie knew Benji needed extra love when she adopted him as a rescue animal.  The memorial was for Benji and Jeanie’s previous dog, a Jack Russel who lived to be almost 20 years old with a caregiver like Jeanie.  She is really made to care for animals that need extra care as a gift and calling. 

Caring for pets is a value that we have presented to the community and they have responded to.  Jeanie was one of 25 mostly nonmembers that came to our Pet Blessing in October under the canopy.  The event yesterday outside the Carnegie Apartments was attended by 15 people.  Pets and faith are deeply intertwined for many people.

For anyone, who has had a pet that they loved, we know how connected we become to them.  Dogs have always been examples of God’s unconditional love for me.  As I said at the memorial, our pets help us to accept love and learn to give love to others.  People are sometimes harder to love than pets, but when we practice love with our animals, we are more ready to share love with our neighbors and loved ones as well.   

The event was a great memorial for these pets and the others that people named or brought. It was also an opportunity for me to get out in the community and meet more neighbors, several of which were interested in becoming members of First after the service and conversations with Jeanie.  Sometimes a shared love, like being dog owners can lead to deeper connections between people.  We don’t always know how we will connect with others, but I love that God’s creatures seem to be helping to lead people to First. 

Jeanie sometimes wonders if Benji is a presence in her new dog Cooper’s life, when he jumps up on the windowsill, the same perch where Benji faithfully watched over the neighborhood.  And I wonder if we are also living into a legacy through extending a love for animals and following that into new connections with those seeking a faith community that also cares about their pets.  After all, the reason we are able to do the ministry we do now is because of the generosity of a woman who was passionate about First and care for animals, giving us our Memorial as well as to the Humane Society. 

The 23^rd Psalm closes by saying “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”.  The word for follow is actually a term for guiding that is the same word as dogs shepherding sheep.  Perhaps when we care for God’s creatures they return the favor and guide us on the paths God intends for us!