With the recent policy updates by the CDC, State of Illinois, and local municipalities, and with steep declines in the metrics used to measure risk, we believe it is time for O'Fallon First UMC to make masks optional.

Our Wesleyan Methodist heritage teaches us three basic rules:
Do no harm,
 Do good, and
Stay in love with God.

We have required masks for so long because of the first principle: Do no harm! We believe in the value of loving our neighbor, and now we feel we can safely love our neighbor and not wear a mask.

However, we realize that not everyone feels comfortable taking their mask off. We want you to know that we still support your option to wear a mask, and we encourage those who need to wear a mask to please do so. Masks will continue to be supplied for those who want them.

The following policies have been put into place for Sunday mornings and throughout the week.

• Make use of the hand sanitizing stations frequently.
• Extend mercy, grace and peace to one another during this time. We all have different needs and comfort levels.

Communion Safety Practices

• Those serving communion will  thoroughly sanitize their hands
• Elements will be served by the Pastors and Communion Stewards
• Sealed, self-contained elements will continue to be provided for those who need them