News & Messages

Way Forward Task Force Update – 11/5/20

Our prayers are with all those who have the COVID-19 virus, for those who are caring for them and for the families who have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Wisconsin has continued to lead the country in the number of people contracting the disease. The most recent dashboard update showed all but three counties with a black status, more than 500 cases/100,000 population. This means the likelihood of someone being COVID-19 positive being at a group event increased beyond safe levels.

The task force two weeks ago and published updated Guidelines including two Standard Guidelines that decreased the administrative burden on parishes to conduct certain safe events.

The following are the links to those documents:

• Guidelines   
• Standard Guideline #1         
• Standard Guideline #2              

 The CDC continues to update its guidelines to reflect current science and data. One item of information of note is recommendations for the holidays. 

For all of us, including those of us in the higher-risk categories, the CDC has added the recommendation to get a flu shot. We recommend you get a flu shot soon.  Both diseases are dangerous for all of us.

Based on the numbers and the current trends, we along with others in the diocese are looking at how we can celebrate the upcoming holiday’s in our communities in a meaningful and safe way. 

We continue to work on ways to sustain our communities while making it possible for as many of us as possible to be there when COVID-19 has been conquered.

Deacon Bill Dunlop

Update from the Way Forward Task Force: September 24, 2020

The Way Forward Task Force met this week and considered changes to our guidelines based on questions asked and comments from you all.  This was done in the face of spikes in the COVID-19 case and death numbers, especially in rural counties as schools and universities reopened. Though the spike was anticipated, it still places all of us at greater risk. Wisconsin has the dubious honor of having many cities in the top 20 in the nation for cases/100,000 people.

The Task Force considered two things in the wake of these numbers: 1. Increasing the number of people allowed at outdoor services in ‘green’ and ‘yellow’ counties and, 2. Changes to restrictions on music.  Both of these items required an extensive review of published research data on aerosol spread of COVID-19.  The current published research does not support loosening the  guidelines for either at this time. Many of the references are studies that are due to be complete later this year and may result in changes.

Therefore, the  number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings will not change at this time. Many of you have taken advantage of the online services in the guidelines including Temporary Communion Under Special Circumstances. Currently, these services are one of the safest ways to navigate these times. 

Additionally, we have updated guidelines for music to reflect the recommendations in the current research available. The guidelines for music had been recommendations, but, as a result of the review, we made them requirements.  You can find the updated Frequently Asked Questions here.

We are just past the six-month point in of our journey through COVID-19. We are tired of the restrictions, the loss of our ability to gather and to worship as we please. This is a critical time in mourning those losses, and it is occurring as we enter fall and winter. It is a time when we need to tend to our wellness as individuals and communities, and to do those things that keep us well.  Whether that is prayer, exercise, cooking, calling a friend or being involved in online gatherings, we need to find those parts of our garden that need watering and bring new life to our gardens.

This coming week the Way Forward Task Force will provide an update to the clergy on COVID-19, and that update will be available in the ENews next week. As always, please don’t hesitate to ask questions and to pray for a safe end to this pandemic.

Rev. Bill Dunlop ( )

Way Forward Task Force Update (July 23, 2020)

Greeting as we continue in these challenging times!

The Way Forward Task Force continues to review COVID-19 data and reports to update our response to the crisis. We also continue to update our resources and respond to the questions that are posed to us.

This week we have updated the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to add a guide to the approved plans and responded to a question on Mask Exemptions. These are found in questions #9 and #10.

We have also updated the Reference List to include information and webcasts from Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) on pandemic response; American Medical Association (AMA), US Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Legal Review on Exemptions; and provided other sites on return to worship. 

The following are the links to those two updated documents on diocesan website:

• Frequently Asked Questions (updated 7/23/2020)
• Reference List (updated 7/23/2020)

If you have any questions, are planning to return to worship in some form other than online, or have a special event coming up, please contact us by emailing Bishop Miller ( ); Deacon Bill Dunlop ( ), and Patty Jaffke ( ).

Thanks and Peace.

Rev. Bill Dunlop