Here in Ohio, a statewide mask mandate finally came into effect over the weekend, but in the Diocese of Ohio masks have been mandated for meetings, worship, and work since Pentecost, when in-person contact began to resume under Phase II guidelines.
In Georgia, the state governor has notoriously opposed any mask mandate, but Christ Church, Savannah sees its masks as a blessing without a disguise.
Local channel WTOC11 reports:
Reverend Michael White blessed more than 600 masks for his congregation.
“They will be a symbol of health and wellness for our members as well as the larger community. We are living under the idea at Christ Church that our building may be closed, but the church is open. In that context, the church is the people,” said Rev. Michael White of Christ Church Episcopal.
Dr. Bertice Berry came up with the idea. …
“When we decided to do this, I said it shouldn’t just come from us. There are other people at work who are making masks and it could be a church project. We cut all of the fabric and elastic and built kits together,” added Dr. Berry. …
“It’s a way to let people know that they are known, loved, and supported, but at the same time support our larger community of Savannah with this health practice of everyone wearing the mask, ” said Rev. White.
“As we wear the mask, we are connected. We are connected by the hands and the hope of many people that we all are a part of this one thing called Christ Church Episcopal. No matter where we are, we are still the church and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves,” said Dr. Berry.
As members wear these beautiful masks, Rev. White says they are keeping the faith and following the science.
Read more of the story at WTOC11.
At a recent Zoom gathering of Province V ECW members, one woman called the face masks “wearable love.” How is your church wearing its love for its neighbors publicly during this season?
Image: face masks at the bus stop bench outside the Church of the Epiphany, Euclid, Ohio