Announcement: No More Face Mask or Face Shield Required, Hoorah!!!

Dear Costco Member,

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently announced new guidance regarding COVID-19 and vaccines. Among other things, the CDC now says that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most settings, except where required by state and local laws. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

Based on this new guidance regarding vaccine effectiveness, beginning May 14, 2021, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings in some U.S. Costco locations.

U.S. locations with no state or local mask requirements - revised policy
In Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy. Face coverings will still be required in healthcare settings, including Pharmacy, Optical, Hearing Aid. Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield.

U.S. locations with state or local mask requirements - no policy change
In those Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require members and guests to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt. If a member or guest has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield.

As before, our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests and to provide a safe work environment for our employees, while following public health advice and applicable laws.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Craig Jelinek
President and CEO
Costco Wholesale

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I love you, but you hate my God?

This was an unforgettable convo that impressed me for its truths, honest answers, and a Dad's defense of his oldest son (Elija M).  











Elijah M: Having an awesome time of worship here at Deeper 20...!!

JJL: Ghandi said he came to love and respect Jesus Christ and would have became a Christian except for all the Christians

Tom M: Yes, but such a charge could be leveled against virtually any group based upon the select conduct of some of its adherents. For this reason, our focus must always remain on Jesus Christ and what he taught, because men and women of any and every creed will eventually disappoint us. Even the Apostle Peter denied Christ three times. Who of us is any better?

JJL:  I'm done with the church

Tom M: I understand, but I am certain that Elijah has never wronged you and so I find the comments out of place here.

JJL: Perhaps you are right. My apologies.  Please convey that to him.  I am sorry

Tom M:  I will, but I am sure that he will see your followup comments here. I love you, call me if you want to talk

JJL: Thanks.  I actually didn't realize it was his post

Tom M:  I have been hurt by people in the church many times too and it's fair to say that I have hurt others along the way as well. I don't believe that someone being a Christian is the source of the problem, but rather the sinful nature that continues to operate in every single person (even if that person becomes a Christian). When I consider others at church who have hurt me, I don't view it any differently than if I was at the hospital getting care for my injuries and then someone else who was there for medical care unexpectedly vomited on me. You tend to run into sick people at the hospital. There are a lot of sin sick people at church.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

(John 13:35)

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Your Speech is Performance Art

I first laid eyes on C.D. during his visit to our church last year. First impressions count, right?  This is what he looked like.

So, not an overtly handsome fellow. I got the heads-up the week before that he had wanted to go on the church-Speaker route as a "career" but had not had many invitations.  Hmmm ... was he any good?!! He made self-deprecating remarks. In his hurry, he forgot his cell phone at home (which was 4+ hours away). That would fluster me.

He began his message at the dais by telling us a little about himself: Raised by grandparents, rejected by the rest of the family, lost his  "inheritance", but felt God directing him to attend Bible College where he eventually received his degree.

Forty-five minutes felt like 10. I wanted to hear more. He was interesting and appealing. My mind never wandered. He knew his audience, and what to say and not to say.  His timing was perfect. He spoke at my level and was very non-threatening. Seemed like he innately knew what to avoid per the video by the public-speaking expert below. Chris was really, really GOOD!!!

Speaker: Please AVOID these 3 mistakes

1. STOP speaking to the audience

and START speaking to the individual

2. STOP caring about the audience's feedback

3.  STOP thinking that you're changing lives

Forbes: 10 Secrets of Public Speaking

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