Greetings my friends in Christ!
Happy Pentecost! May God’s Spirit be with you always, and especially on this day as we celebrate the coming of God’s Spirit on all people and the birth of Christ’s Holy Church! Happy Birthday to us and to all believers everywhere!
I have a few updates for you as we move into the last Sunday of May while still social distancing. As you know, this part of NYS has recently been approved for Stage II of the plan for reopening businesses and our communities, following the period of time we stayed apart to reduce the impact of infections and deaths that would overburden our health care system. We can celebrate that these steps have been successful, so far, in assuring our safety. However, as you know we’re not out of the woods, yet. There are Four Stages in the plan and we are to remain socially distanced while we wait until churches are cleared for reopening. At the present time, we are allowed to hold small meetings and gatherings of not more than five people, who wear masks and remain 6 feet apart. Clearly, this does not allow for worship gatherings at this time.
However, the good news is that we have received guidelines from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and from the New York Annual Conference through the office of Bishop Bickerton, which we are using to develop protocols and safe procedures for our reopening. I have called a Task Force that includes: Jeff Ackerly, Carol Greene, Liz Frisbee, Cathy Johnson, Chelsea Frisbee, Edie Campbell, and all our staff (Deb Kearney, Pat Nabinger, Evelyn Jacksto and Pam Savage). These people were invited because of the specific role they have as an officer of the church, member of council, leader of a specific ministry group, and the work that they do in assuring the function of our church and ministries. We have reviewed all the documents we have received and met this week to begin to develop our protocols, which will be specific to United Ministry’s congregational and community needs. Once the protocols are written, they will be reviewed by all relevant committees and approved/adopted by the Church Council. There is very likely going to be a congregational survey to gain your input and feedback, as well as an invitation to express your concerns. We hope that you know how important you are and how hard we will work to do things in ways that assure the safety and protection of all, while also being the church where you can continue to come to be spiritually nurtured and supported by the bonds we share.
I’m sure you know, there will be changes. Change has been a focus of my updates to you during this time apart as we’ve focused on grief, adaptation and challenges related to embracing change. Please remember that we are all adjusting to the change this time has brought and that it will be difficult for each of us, though possibly in differing ways. No change is being made without prayerful consideration and thoughtful preparation with the focus on safety for all involved, including the congregation, staff, visitors, building users, and cleaning personnel. Cleaning the building and keeping the standards expected is has huge implications and is a large part of the focus of our protocols.
The good news is that with the support of the trustees, council and staff (especially Evelyn Jacksto) we are well ahead of the curve in having our building ready for reopening. The cleaning, reorganizing and painting are all steps that we have completed or that are nearly done. There are a few remaining projects to complete and then, with our protocols, we will present our report on what we have done and how we intend to move forward to the District Superintendent, Rev. Karen Monk. It is my expectation that once Karen sees our plan, she will provide us with the “seal” that we are to display on our doors and throughout the building. This seal states that we have completed the process for reopening and have plans in place to minimize possible coronavirus infections. Once we have reached this level and NYS allows group gatherings of 50 (or more), we will reopen. I am optimistic that we will be ready by the end of June/beginning of July and that the approvals will be in place. In the meantime, we will continue to worship remotely, pray for our church, one another, and the world at 8 am and/or 8 pm daily, and connect by phone, computer and limited (safe) contact.
Bishop Bickerton has been very clear that taking these precautions allows us to demonstrate Christian love for one another and to model that love for the community. We may be tempted to want to hurry the process and get back to former ways of living, but the reality is that the former ways are no more. This is a new time and it provides us with a wonderful opportunity to “Do Good” while “Doing No Harm” as we “Stay in Love With God” (John Wesley’s “Simple Rules”).
Please pray for the leadership task force and all the leaders of the church at this time. This is exhausting and challenging work and we need your prayers to keep us strong. We’ll get there! The time is coming soon and very soon when we will be together again. Until then, stay safe and well. You are in my prayers and, remember, I love you all and I need you to survive.
Peace,
Betsy
