updated in-person protocol per new CDC guidelines

Hello Saguaro friends!

During the last 16 months you have done so well at keeping our community safe and healthy. You've loved each other in beautiful ways, friends. We are grateful for your trust, flexibility and resiliency. THANK YOU!
Throughout the pandemic, we have done our best to listen to science and trusted experts in how to keep each other safe and well. We continue to do so even now.

On Wednesday July 28, the CDC introduced updated guidelines for vaccinated individuals.

We're paying particular attention to these two items:

• To reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta variant and possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.

• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

Pima County is currently in the substantial category.

Our In-Person Return Task Force(IPR-TF) met on Wednesday to discuss how these recommendations impact our protocol for in-person opportunities at Saguaro. These thoughtful and informed individuals agreed that beginning today a mask/face covering is recommended for anyone 3 and older anytime we are indoors on campus, until our status as a county has changed. We will monitor our status and update you as needed.

Your worship leadership (all have been fully vaccinated) will continue to remove their masks only when actively leading in worship.

The Delta variant is proving to be sneakier and more contagious than the other strands. Please choose to get a vaccine when you can. Visit VaccineFinder to find one near you. If you are 12 or older, you are eligible and can make the choice. Which means anyone younger than 12 isn't eligible, yet. If you need help making an appointment or arranging transportation to get a vaccine, reach out to the church office, we can help.

Let's live our love for one another by choosing to make smart and healthy choices for us all. Let's do our part to get rid of this virus. Please choose to wash your hands, make smart choices, practice safe distancing, stay home if you are sick, wear a mask when you are indoors and strive to see Christ in each other,

We have masks available in the gathering space for you to wear during worship, including fun child-size ones! Perhaps wear your favorite when you come to worship on Sunday. (10am in person or online)

We are thankful for your support in this effort. Be gentle with one another as you let love continue to lead the way! We are, after all, in this together.

Y'all....we can do this!

God's Peace,
In-Person Return Task Force
Church Staff and Leadership