The Delta Variant of COVID-19: A PASTORAL letter

Dear Siblings in Christ,

​On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reinstated their recommendations for wearing masks in indoor gatherings, regardless of vaccination status. This change is due to the emergence of the Delta variant of COVID-19 and subsequent rising case numbers and hospitalizations in some parts of the country. 

According to the most recent CDC data, South Carolina is a state in the high-risk category. In fact, as of August 3, 2021, all eleven counties that comprise Trinity Presbytery are either in the high* or very high-risk categories (Abbeville, Aiken, Edgefield*, Fairfield, Greenwood*, Laurens*, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda*).

Every pandemic throughout human history has ended. We know that this pandemic will end, too. While we are yearning to speak of this pandemic in the past tense, the reality is that it continues for the present and immediate future. 

Therefore, as Sessions establish criteria for all church-related gatherings, including return to in-person worship and other indoor gatherings, the Presbytery Executive Coordinating Team strongly encourages everyone to continue to use common sense, wisdom, Christian love for others, and abide by all safety protocols. 

If you have returned to in-person worship and have not submitted a copy of your return to in-person worship plans for inclusion in your church files at the presbytery office, as directed by the Presbytery Coordinating Team, then please do so today.

For more information, please check the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html#print.

For the most up-to-date information on vaccination status and rates of infection, please visit https://www.covidactnow.org and https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map. These websites are real time U.S. COVID Risk & Vaccine Trackers.

To find a vaccination site near you, please visit: 
https://www.vaccines.gov

Faithfully yours,
Danny C. Murphy
General Presbyter