Dear minister members and clerks of sessions in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay,
Patrice, Libby, and I had a lengthy conference call this morning in light of new information that's become available since Patrice and I wrote to you on Thursday evening.
One item in particular from later Florida-specific guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) jumped off the page:
- For organizations that serve high-risk populations, consider cancelling gatherings of more than 10 people.
So many members of our congregations and organizations are in one or more of the “high-risk” categories that we could no longer recommend social distancing and hygiene as primary responses in light of this update.
Today's letter from Patrice reflects that information, our discussions, and Patrice's particular passion for you, your ministries, and everyone in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.
Click here or on the image to download it.
In her letter today, Patrice also mentioned that I'd be sending additional information from the CDC and other PC(USA) leaders that has come out since we wrote on Thursday night.
You'll find excerpts from and links to the latest (as of a few minutes ago) available CDC updates, additional resources for holding meetings and other gatherings electronically, and a few some suggestions from leaders around the church of things to think about.
We offer all of this to you in the hopes of empowering you, as the CDC guidance says,
“to implement recommended actions, particularly in ways that protect persons at risk of severe illness such as older adults and persons with serious underlying health conditions (e.g. Dialysis patients, congestive heart failure, emphysema),” especially since so many members of our congregations and organizations are in one or more of those categories.
We’ll look for ways to offer more resources in the days to come . . . and feel free to share them with me at
statedclerk@pbty.com.
- IF YOU ARE OFFERING WORSHIP ONLINE THIS WEEKEND: please let me know ASAP so that we might share that with others who may not be able to offer that opportunity..
- IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ONLINE WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND: please send me an email and I will send you whatever information I gather as soon as I have information to share.
As always, you, the people you serve with and care for, and all the settings in which you serve are in our prayers throughout this challenging time.
If you have a colleague in ministry or clerking who did not receive this email, please forward it to them and send me an email to let me know.
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Manager of Communications
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2
My work is supported by per capita funds from congregations in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, which also help unite all Presbyterians in sharing God’s love through mission and ministry. Thank you!
