IMPORTANT NOTICE
A Letter to Elders and Church Leaders
Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is with us even as we
navigate these difficult times.

This Presbytery is fortunate to have faithful, skilled, talented and creative pastors leading our congregations and worshipping communities. I am personally grateful for their leadership and vision on the Presbytery Commissions and committees.

However, you, my brothers and sisters are leaders of your congregations as well: by virtue of our polity and by your ordination vows. Therefore it is crucial now more than ever, that you lead with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.

Our congregations are more than just buildings. They are sacred spaces of fellowship, celebration, spiritual formation and hope. Your pastors are called to articulate the hope of the Gospel and the leaders are charged with the care of the flock. It is important that you continue to financially support your church! Whether it is your staff, utility bills and other expenses, this sacred space and those who labor therein need your tithes and offerings. Times are tough and may be getting tougher in the weeks ahead. However, if you can continue to give, please do so. Congregations with endowments for a rainy day…. now is that rainy day (as one staff member phrased it). Your Commission on Ministry Leadership Team will be meeting this week to talk about financial assistance options from Presbytery and other ways to talk about staff and finances during this outbreak.

Next, please follow the CDC guidelines about gathering. As an Elder, I was at my home church sometimes three times a week. It is painful not to gather with friends and loved ones. But the most loving thing you can do right now is keep one another safe. Donald Trump suggests no more than ten, but I would go a step further to say, please do not gather for worship, Sundays or any other time until
the CDC, or the Governor says it is safe.

Lastly, pray for our world and for one another. This is a crisis, this is a challenge. We do not know how long this will last or what the future holds. But we know who holds the future! We are here for you.

Blessings,

-- Jackie



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