St. Mark Church,
When we made plans to reopen late summer, St. Mark Church Council was required to create a protocol plan for reopening and have that plan approved by our District Superintendent. The protocols in that plan set metric numbers at which we would move church online only. In addition, we had set in that plan a protocol that we would follow Knox County Schools guidance, and if they went to a district wide 'red' mode of learning (all students virtual) we would also move all activities online for that period of time.
Given these approved protocols, St. Mark will be online only for the next 2 Sundays, December 13 & 20. Myself, and church leadership will speak soon about plans for Christmas Eve and we will notify you of any changes to those planned services. I know this is hard news for us all, and it is heartbreaking the number of traditions that this year has taken away from us. However, the memory of what we have already experienced in years past cannot be taken away. The hope of a better tomorrow cannot be taken away. Let us remember that Christ makes all things new, and though we will remain apart, the love of Christ unites us.
Stay safe, stay well, and let the grace of God lead us on.