Beloved of God,
At a meeting of the NWIM Synod Executive Committee this
morning, the following actions were taken:
1.
The Regional Gatherings scheduled for April 25 (Pullman); May
2 (Twin Falls); and May 16 (Moses Lake) have been cancelled as they fall
within the guidelines issued by the CDC on March 13 that any gathering of
50 people be suspended through May 13. Pastor Phil Misner will be in
touch with our presenter, Linda Staatz, as well as our gathering partners
in each region to let them know of this decision. Due to the constantly
changing guidelines and extended timelines for this pandemic, there are no
active plans to reschedule these events. We are hopeful, however, that once
things even out that we might be able to revisit them for a future date.
2.
The Executive Committee extended the Synod Staff travel ban to
be in line with current CDC recommendations for gatherings, even if the
travel would be to meet with fewer than 50 people. This is an action of
abundant caution, recognizing that most of the meetings we travel to attend
can be facilitated in other, safer, ways at this time. We look forward to
being able to travel to be with congregations again, but we also take your
health and well being seriously enough that we are willing to practice this
abundance of caution.
3.
The Executive Committee is aware that the 8-week ban on
gatherings of 50 or more people will absorb the observance of Holy Week and
Easter. The Executive Committee will meet again on March 31 to discuss best
practices for congregations to observe these holy days safely and in
compliance with current CDC recommendations.
We are also hearing a great deal of concern about financial
needs in this time of pandemic, recognizing that some of our people cannot
or are uncomfortable with electronic giving. It is of vital importance that
you continue to financially support your congregations in this time. Staff
are continuing to work, and in ways that we have no muscle memory for—most
days it feels as though leadership is building the plane while we’re flying
it, and just when we think we have it figured out someone comes and tells
us that it was supposed to be a boat. This is not “time off” for your staff
and leadership. There are still bills that will need to be paid. So please:
work with your congregational leadership to find ways to continue to give
through this time. The Synod office will be working on a best
practices document for distribution, and that should be available by the
end of the week, however an uncomplicated plan for continued financial
support of your congregation is to simply drop your offering check in the
mail. Many congregations are keeping their offices open in limited
capacities, and your offering can be received in the mail delivery.
Many of our members are not fluent with technology. Please
make sure that you are communicating with them regularly, and make sure
that a paper copy of this letter is sent to them. The synod office does not
know who does and does not have access to electronic communication, but
congregational leaders probably do. We appreciate your cooperation in
making sure our most isolated folks feel connected to the Body of Christ.
As we weather this pandemic of COVID-19, I am consistently
surprised at the spirit, the compassion, and the care that I hear expressed
for one another. Thank you for your willingness to lean into this
weirdness. Thank you for caring for your rostered leaders. Thank you for
caring for your synod staff. It is a deep honor to be doing this work with
all of you—pastors, deacons, and lay people. As difficult as this time is,
I think we will learn a lot about what it means to be Church in this age.
If it is anything like I am seeing every day: all will be well. Different.
But well.
May God bring peace to your hearts,
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