New Guidelines Relax Mask Requirement at Church

“And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face?
Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!”

The first verse of Charles Wesley’s historic Methodist hymn expresses our thanksgiving to God as Gainesville First UMC announces changes to our protocols designed to enhance our worship and fellowship together.  

Beginning this Sunday, May 23, mask-wearing and social distancing will be optional for all fully vaccinated individuals attending worship or participating in other gatherings indoors or outdoors at GFUMC. We will also begin allowing food and beverages to be served inside our facilities (except in the sanctuary and chapel, where food and drink are prohibited).

Our new policy, recommended by our church’s Coronavirus Task Force and Church Council, reflects recently revised CDC guidelines that Americans who are fully vaccinated may stop wearing masks or maintaining social distance in most indoor and outdoor settings.

We are truly grateful to God for the proven effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine, and we strongly encourage everyone age 12 and older to be vaccinated.

Thank you for your participation as part of the Body of Christ at Gainesville First UMC, and especially for your cooperation with pandemic protocols to help keep everyone safe. May God’s grace continue to guide us as we build bridges to our community and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! 

Rev. Mike Morgan
Senior Pastor