We’re Back

Dear Cathedral of Hope Community, It has been more than a year since we were able to gather for ‘in-person’ worship here at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. 

Throughout this time, we have gathered virtually for worship and small groups. We have zoomed for Board meetings, leadership trainings and happy hours! We also upgraded our sanctuary during this time, and cast a vision for ourselves that will guide us boldly into the future. We have served our community faithfully and striven to be the church God calls us to be. 

I am grateful for your patience, your faithfulness and your loyalty to God who continues to be present with us, urging and inspiring us throughout this time. 

Over this past year, we have learned so much about COVID-19 and about the practices that help to keep us safe. We have learned and continue to educate ourselves on how the virus is spread and we are confident we know how to minimize the risks. We know that wearing masks and social distancing is some of the best advice that we can heed. 

We also know that more of us are receiving vaccines and that, God willing, anyone who wishes to receive a vaccine will have access to one by the end of May 2021. 

Additionally, our COVID-19 task force has been working diligently since the beginning of the pandemic to provide guidelines to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our church staff, members, guests, visitors, and the Hope Day School teachers, students and parents. 

While we know there is more to learn about COVID-19, and that CDC, state and county guidelines will continue to change as variants emerge and new protections become available, we do believe we have reached a place where we can open safely for in-person worship (with safety protocols and modifications to our existing practices). 

To participate in “in-person” worship you will need to pre-register, confirm that you are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19, and commit to wearing a mask while in the Cathedral of Hope building. During this time of COVID-19, our worship styles, needs and traditions have changed. While we are excited to go back to in-person worship, we believe that online worship will continue to be an important way that we share a message of hope with the world.

As such, in addition to live-streaming our in-person worship, we will continue to produce unique and powerful online worship services to meet the needs of our global community. No matter how, where, and when you worship with us, we are glad that you are a part of our community! 

Sincerely, in Christ The Reverend Dr. Neil G Thomas
Senior Pastor