Beloved,
Who ever thought that August 1st was a major feast? Well, this year, it most certainly is as we will keep the feast of the day that St. Paul’s and the Lee’s officially begin their journey together!
It will be a special time for rejoicing that will extend long beyond this Sunday because there will be much intentional time to get to know one another over the next few months. Stay tuned for more information about opportunities beyond Sunday mornings. My family and I have enjoyed getting to know many of you over the past few weeks as you have graciously helped us get settled and brought us gifts of flowers, cards, and yummy dinners. We are most grateful for your hospitality and warm welcome to Wilmington. The time has come to begin this new journey and for me, the excitement is too much to bear.
On top of it all, this pesky Delta COVID variant is threatening to upend all the fun. I won’t let it. I want you to know that, although I am fully vaccinated, I am choosing to wear a mask on Sunday during parts of the liturgy in which I am not speaking. The CDC changed its guidelines on Tuesday of this week.
The new guidelines suggest that “to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.” New Hanover County is an area of substantial transmission. Until I am instructed otherwise, I am taking the advice of our Bishop and the old Anglican adage, that “all may, none must, some should.”
I look forward to seeing you Sunday where I will be rejoicing greatly and singing boldly alongside you, with my mask on.
With great anticipation and blessings, I am faithfully yours.
Caleb+