Gathering Again
Use the links below to access the recommendations from the Office of the Bishop on Gathering Again, the Guidance from the ELCA on Returning to In-Person Worship, and the Forward Virginia website from the Governor Northam’s Office. Please carefully review the information found at all four links as you begin preparations for gathering again.
COVID-19 Guidance from the CDC (Feb, 25, 2022) – On February 25, 2022, the CDC released a new tool to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. The tool allows you to search by county and then suggests preventative steps based on the transmission rate in your county. In every case, the best way to prevent transmission and severe illness is vaccination, but the tool suggests additional steps for your area. You can access the tool at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html.
Current Statements
- September 21, 2021 – COVID-19 Update from the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop
- Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic (Updated June 8, 2021)
Previous Statements
- August 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Update from the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop
- July 6, 2021: COVID-19 Update from the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop
- May 10, 2021 – Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Congregations from the Office of the Bishop
- Revised Pandemic Office Protocols for the Office of the Bishop May 2021
- Office of the Bishop COVID-19 Guidance for Congregations – April 6, 2021
- Office of the Bishop Statement on COVID-19 Restrictions – March 1, 2021
- Resuming Care-Filled Worship: Celebrations and Seasons -Holy Week and Easter 2021
- Wisconsin Council of Churches Returning to Worship 2.0 January 2021
- Office of the Bishop Statement on COVID-19 Restrictions November 14, 2020
- Office of the Bishop Statement on Virginia Forward Phase 3 June 25, 2020
- Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop Communion Guidance September 10, 2020
- Responding to a Positive COVID-19 Test Related to an In-Person Gathering Toolkit
- Pandemic Office Protocols for the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop
- Office of the Bishop Statement on Gathering Again: May 14, 2020
- Chart Summarizing Office of the Bishop Gathering Again Guidance May 14, 2020
- ELCA Considerations for Returning to In-Person Worship May 12 2020
- Forward Virginia: Religious Services Website with links to CDC, VA Department of Health, and VA Mandatory Requirements
- Gathering Again Congregational Communication Example June 2020
- Considerations for Returning to In-Person Ministry (VA Synod)
For additional COVID-19 related resources and information, go to: vasynod.org/covid-19