COVID-19: April 3 Update from Co-EP Scott Lumsden
Seattle Presbytery
April 3, 2020: SeaPres Update from Co-EP Scott Lumsden
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. (1 Cor 3:18-19a, NRSV)
Dear Friends,
About 12 years ago on April 1, I attended my first Seattle Presbytery meeting. It was pretty different than most SeaPres meetings I’ve been a part of because the purpose of this meeting was to be nominated (and then elected) to serve as Executive Presbyter. I actually still remember many things about that night: someone giving me a CD of their music; the nominating committee saying kind, if not exaggerated things about my character and abilities; and as we waited for the election results, being asked the ominous question every pastoral nominee gets asked -- what percentage of NO votes would result in me turning down the call. I also remember Madeleine Brenner and how meaningful her partnership would be to me in the coming years.
Shelter in place has officially flattened me. Time isn’t just blurred, it’s completely unreliable. Memory and emotion are now the x and y axis on my mental wellness graph and the cases and intensity of both are spiking.
A few days ago, almost instinctively, I downloaded a Great Courses lecture series, “Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization.” Only later did the meaning of it hit me: Scott, isn’t this how it all started for you? With your love for the Old Testament and its world? Oh, yeah. Wow. How could I have missed that?
What are you noticing about yourself in this disorienting time? What touchstones are you returning to? What memories stand out? What emotions are coming to the surface?
Though hard, I’m finding it necessary to set aside time to listen to how God might be speaking in the midst of life right now, strange as it is. I could keep going as usual, and most days I try my darndest to do just that, but to ignore the manna in this wilderness would be...well truly foolish.
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In other news, here are some resource updates for you and your church. For more information on these resources, visit the Relief page on our website.
In short, here’s what you need to know.
On a national level, the new Paycheck Protection Program includes churches, so feel free to apply to this program. You do NOT need to call a congregational meeting to receive PPP financial support, but your session must vote to approve the application (to receive a loan). We do not yet know which banks are participating in this program so if you find one, please share that info with our office. Please also read this important guidance from the SBA specifically for faith-based organizations.
The Board of Pensions just approved “dues relief for churches with congregations of 300 or fewer members that have a single pastor enrolled in Pastor’s Participation.” The dues relief is for no more than three months, but this is really good news for those churches who might be considering weighing layoffs and furloughs. This gives another option to ease the financial stress. The BOP also approved deferments of up to two months on payments for benefits for “other churches and employers, including presbyteries and affiliated organizations.” ,
Last, in addition to waiving 3 months of per capita, the Executive Board of Seattle Presbytery also approved a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant. This grant provides up to $5,000 to churches and new worshipping fellowships in our presbytery who need financial assistance.
In grace and peace,
Scott Lumsden
Co-Executive Presbyter
Seattle Presbytery Churches & New Worshiping Communities
(Links to churches & NWCs who have shared live streaming & other worship information. If you have information to share: send links to SP communications).