Dear Members and Friends of the Pacifica Synod,

 

This is a short note to answer a specific question. I was reminded by one of our congregations that I recommended no in-person worship through Palm Sunday, and they wondered if I wanted them to stay apart longer. The answer is YES. Please follow the direction of the president of the United States and of the governors of California and Hawaii. We will need to postpone worshiping together until public health officials have told us that it is safe for us to be together. The earliest I've heard that we might be able to meet together is at the end of April, but I believe we will need to plan to be separated from each other for a longer time. The best way to love God by loving our neighbor is to protect our neighbors' lives by staying at home and, when we need to go out for food or supplies, to keep our distance from others. My recommendation is to refrain from joining together for in-person worship until your local health officials tell you it is safe to return to our regular practice.

 

Thank you to our pastors, deacons, musicians, youth workers, and other lay leaders who use a variety of technology to provide weekly worship, Bible studies, youth group opportunities, play dates for younger children, Lenten and Holy Week services, and pastoral care. You are doing a great job of sharing the gospel and caring for others in need, and for that, I give you thanks.

 

Please note that the Synod website continues to share updated information on the CARES Act and its applicability to churches, as well as other helpful resources during this COVID-19-related separation. Please go to pacificasynod.org and click on the rotating header message that reads " COVID-19 Resources and Updates."

 

Finally, remember that God is with you. Jesus, who gave up life for us, continues to give us life by being with us in our homes. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is there to comfort us and remind us that God's baptismal promise to us is that we are children of the God who creates all that is made and who loves us beyond our comprehension. That God is with you, and will guide you as you go through this.

 

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.