Elgin's St. Hugh parishioners reconnect outdoors
After weeks of not worshiping together in person, a pilot outdoor service was held on the grounds of St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin Thursday, July 16.
Careful planning went into the preparations for this open air venue to ensure maximum safety for up to 50 people.
For example, to track attendance, parishioners accepted an email invitation and agreed to bring their own chair, service bulletin and sanitizer, as well as to wear a mask and sit 6 feet apart from one another.
On the day of the service, a portable sound system was setup under a large tent and at 6 p.m. the Rev. Marion Phipps welcomed more than 30 people spaced comfortably apart.
With singing prohibited, instrumental music was provided by music director, Dr. Margaret Brady and her husband, Jim Davis.
When asked for comments, parishioners confirmed that this casual outdoor venue provided a great opportunity to see, talk and wave to friends in person.
While they appreciate that the St. Hugh staff offers Sunday morning services via Zoom, this one helped fill a need to reconnect on a more personal level without the risks of meeting inside the building.
As a result, plans are to schedule more midweek services over the warm weather months and invite people to come and worship while sitting on lawn chairs instead of in pews.
Dates, times, and details on all St. Hugh services are available online at www.sthugh.net.