You might be seeing something new around the sanctuary and in the Gathering Place — orange silicon bracelets that say, “Being Cautious.” What are they for? Who’s being cautious, and why?

They’re social distancing awareness bracelets. Wearing one tells people that you’re keeping your distance and maybe forgoing hugs or even handshakes.

Who’s being cautious?

We’re a friendly church and it’s nice to sit close to our church family members, to shake hands, and to greet one another with a hug. But there are times when that’s not the best choice:

• You have a suppressed immune system, so you can catch things easily and if you do, it can be serious.
• You’ve been traveling and you’re not sure what you might have been exposed to, but you’re sure you don’t want to spread it around.
• You’re an introvert and hugging isn’t comfortable, even during the Passing of the Peace.
• You have an injury and need to be careful of contact just to avoid pain.
• You have a lot on your mind right now and you want to feel close to God — but not so much to people.

There are plenty of reasons. Sometimes if you’re being cautious, you feel that you have to fend off those friendly handshakes with an explanation, and that can be uncomfortable on both sides. In the face of discomfort, people may go ahead and make contact when they shouldn’t…or slip out to avoid it.

Instead, grab an orange bracelet in the Gathering Place before church. They’re in a basket on the table by the door into the Sanctuary. Drop the bracelet off again after church so it will be there next time you need it.

What if we see an orange bracelet?

When you see someone wearing an orange bracelet, give them a little space. Let them initiate the handshake (or not). Don’t hug them. Remember social distancing from the pandemic era? That’s the idea.

As long as we wear the orange bracelets when we need them and respect them when we see them, they’re a tool for making our gatherings more inclusive and comfortable.