January 10, 2022 Dear Friends, As we enter this new year, everyone is looking forward to a renewal of normalcy in the life of Starling Avenue. While the Covid virus, with its new variants and continued high rate of transmission in our local area, is still a force to be reckoned with, there is hopeful news from the medical experts that we may begin to see positive changes within a very few weeks. The wearing of masks, social distancing, and careful safety considerations for in-person gatherings continue to be strongly encouraged for the near future. In anticipation of the expected improvements and the strong desire for our church to restart activities and worship experiences that have been so important to the life of our church, the Covid Advisory Team met on January 5th for a meaningful discussion and planning session. This week will see the return of morning and evening Bible Study with Pastor Joe Bryant. We are glad to have him with us as Interim Pastor, and are thankful that he will be leading these weekly sessions. You are invited to set aside time on Tuesday, at 10:30 am or 6:00 pm, to gather with Pastor Bryant. For the time being, seating in the Fellowship Hall will be spaced for social distancing during the meetings, and everyone is encouraged to wear a mask while indoors. Accommodations can be made for those who would like to attend, but are unable to wear a mask for a lengthy period. The return of the choir on Sunday mornings, congregational singing, and Sunday School are important considerations on everyone’s wish lists. Plans are in the works to begin these activities very soon. You will be hearing more in the next two weeks. Committees and teams have been meeting regularly and continue to support the needs of the church and its members. The Covid team continues to recommend and encourage social distancing and the wearing of masks during these inside meetings. We are appreciative of the IT and Communications team who has worked so diligently to improve our live streaming on Sunday mornings, and are looking forward to the installation of the new audio-visual equipment which has been ordered. We know that many have been able to participate in Sunday service through this avenue, and we hope that this will continue to provide a positive connection to the church for those unable to attend in person. Please let your deacon or Barbara, our church secretary, know if you need any assistance in accessing our virtual service. Continue to support the mission opportunities organized by the Mission Council. These provide important and meaningful ways to stay connected with Starling Avenue’s strong missional purpose. Your patience and understanding through these past two years of navigating a very complicated and frustrating experience for our church have not gone unnoticed. Please pray for our church as we move forward into this new year with hope and a renewal of energy and activity. The Covid Advisory Team Carol Merchant Anne Stultz William Smith
Reed Finley Donna Finley Katherine Long
Richard Caldwell Margaret Caldwell Bill Spencer