Dear Eden Family-
We find ourselves in challenging times, times filled with real and perceived dangers. These are times to be re-grounded in our faith and faith community. It’s a time to receive and respond with God’s wisdom given to us through the traditions of faith and Scripture to be sure, as well as the guidance of credible science and committed civic leaders. It’s a time to be CARE-FULL.
As I wrote last week, many precautions have been undertaken over the last week to make time at Eden as safe as possible, while safeguarding and amending habits of ministry where ever necessary.
You have likely heard that many institutions and larger faith communities have canceled events or been instructed to cancel gatherings of various larger sizes. I have spent a number of hours this week – along with pastors of various denominations – thinking and praying together, and discussing the “how to’s” of applying good counsel in contexts of different sizes and needs. I just attended a city-wide call with Mayor Lightfoot.
Eden’s Council has been at work by email and will meet this weekend to discern next steps. We’re are striving to be proactive but not panicked. We’ll be discerning how we are led to be of service and support to one another and community in this time. Along with the wider community, our decisions may be fluid and be amended as time passes.
With commitment to providing a safe place for community connection, this is how we’re proceeding:
a) WORSHIP – for the time being we will conduct regular services on Sunday morning AND RECORD IT AND SHARE IT REGULARLY. (Special invitation to this Sunday’s service with extended prayer and candle-lighting time.)
During worship, we will not pass the microphone or offering plates (please give at one of the plates near rear and front of sanctuary). We encourage you to spread out in the sanctuary, with the latest recommendations being 3-6 feet apart. (Risky contact is defined as 10 or more minutes of face-to-face contact less than 6 feet apart.) We have amended plans for how we distribute communion to make it safer.
b) ATTENDANCE – If you are in a “vulnerable population,” we care deeply for you and want you to take every precaution for comfort and defense. If you opt to stay home, which is recommended by public officials, we will understand and work hard to stay connected and serve you in practical ways (errands, groceries, calls, cards, visits etc).
c) FELLOWSHIP HOUR – Until further notice, refreshments will not be served during Fellowship Hour. Health professionals’ advice is to avoid more than 10 minutes of face-to-face contact less than 6 feet apart.
d) ONLINE – As of today, we have a new Facebook Group, which many of you will want to use for connection.
Council is discussing other “behind the scenes” matters and discerning the best choices for midweek policies.
Together, we’ll get through this time with the gifts of deepening faith, service, and resilience which God intends.
For the Good News,
Pastor Jacki