eConnections (extra) - February 8, 2025
eConnections Extra
February 7, 2025
From the Dean
Good afternoon, Cathedral community.
In 28 years of ordained ministry and 60+ years of life, I don't recall a single incidence of a "spreader event" such as it appears we had last Sunday at the Cathedral of Saint James. After sending out eConnections yesterday, I have heard of many more cases of people who fell ill this past week with symptoms consistent with either Norovirus or Influenza A. By my count, we are up to at least 24 people - nearly 25% of those who attended worship or Bible Study. While Norovirus and Influenza A are not typically deadly, this is serious; any GI or respiratory disease carries risks of complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Area hospitals are currently at or near capacity treating those suffering the worst effects of this outbreak.
So this weekend at the Cathedral, our theme is "Abundance of Caution." Here's what we're doing to prioritize the health of all:
Many, many thanks to the herculean efforts of a cleaning team featuring Catherine Craker, Kirk Philippsen, and Dave & Donna Woods who bleach-washed every surface, floor, and fixture in every common area of the Cathedral campus, sanitized every Communion vessel, and steam cleaned every textile in the sanctuary yesterday and today in an effort to kill Norovirus.
Tonight's Trivia Night has been postponed to Friday, February 21 in part due to the potential for icy conditions, and mostly due to illness.
Because I am still not back to 100% following my bout with the flu, I will be masked tomorrow and - if I have time - will pre-record my sermon for playback during the service, just like in pandemic days. I strongly recommend masking for everyone else both as a protection for you and for others; we've all been exposed to something at this point, and my immune system is already working overtime.
I recommend that the exchange of The Peace be smiles and waves or elbow bumps.
Clergy & Eucharistic Ministers will be hand-washing and -sanitizing a lot.
Communion from the Common Cup will not be offered tomorrow.
Hospitality Time will feature beverages only.
Youth Group is cancelled this Sunday.
It is my hope that these measures will help get us through this moment of high infection rates in our community. Trust me... this flu sucks and Norovirus, by all accounts, is no fun.
Blessings to all.
Brian
.
Join Fr. Mark Hummell tomorrow morning at 9:15 am in the Conference Room for conversation on Dialogue Across Differences considering the lives of several saints on the Episcopal calendar in February, including Absalom Jones.
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