We are suspending in-person worship until health conditions permit. We know that large gatherings are a main place where the virus is spread among all age groups. Because of the added risk to older adults, the CDC recommends that people over 60 refrain from gathering in groups larger than 10. After conferring with our Church Council, we will follow the Bishop’s recommendation.
All of the Synods that touch the Grand Canyon Synod are suspending in-person worship through the month of March and then will reevaluate as our Synod will be doing. I remain in conversation with the Bishop, along with the other Deans, and will keep you informed as things progress.
As a result of this action, we will cancel Sunday morning worship and Wednesday nights in Lent. The Scandanavian Dinner is canceled. I have informed the CoDA group that our church building will be closed until a reevaluation at the beginning of April. A small group of members is meeting at the church today to deep clean with disinfectant.
Gwen Rubenow, Eric Zettler, Chuck Peterson and I are working to have a live stream of an abbreviated service available to you until we are back together in our worship space. You will hear from Gwen about how you can connect to that service.
If you are in need of pastoral care during this time, please call me at (602) 663-3362. Let me know if you are hospitalized during this time. I am available to visit as needed.
My friends, we do not need to panic. We need to stay well informed, take actions to minimize our risks, and find ways to stay connected with each other. We continue to be called to love God and to care for our neighbors even through, maybe especially through, these times. God is with us and God is active in our lives and in the world around us, working for the healing and well-being of the whole world. That gives us confidence during these days.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Adele