COVID-19: April 23 Update from Co-EP Eliana Maxim

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident in this, that the one who began a good work among  you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:3-5, NSRV)

Dear friends,

This much beloved verse has been of particular comfort to me these past weeks. I've been focusing both my thoughts and prayers on all of you, our congregations, our ministry partners, and the strong work you are all doing for the sake of the Gospel. In these days of social distancing and quarantine, I am comforted by the knowledge that the Spirit of God is unrestrained, and will both comfort and challenge God’s people. And all this is due in no small part to your faithfulness to your call, your gifts of imagination, and your spirit of courage. 

One of the comments I hear the most among colleagues both within the PCUSA and among ecumenical partners is that perhaps this pandemic has offered the church a way to move more quickly to inevitable change than it would have done so voluntarily. This obviously does not mitigate the grief and fear being experienced around covid-19 illness, financial hardships, and emotional weariness. But what if we are being called to reexamine what it means to be church and do church through this universal experience?

The presbytery’s Executive Board has been meeting more frequently, discussing issues of financial support for our churches, and reimagining (and ultimately redesigning) what direction we are all headed in the midst of the pandemic. At its most recent stated meeting, the Board voted unanimously to cancel our May presbytery meeting.  We do not believe that there is pressing business that warrants a meeting. 

Instead, both Scott and I will be making it a priority to  visit (virtually) session meetings throughout the presbytery in order to share what we are hearing about both short term and longer term planning for the church, locally and denominationally. We look forward to these opportunities for conversations with church sessions and pastors in order to think about next steps.

In the meantime, should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us. Also, be sure you check out the SeaPres podcast, now available on both Google Play Music and Apple Podcasts. Join us in the conversation!

With you on this journey, in peace and grace,

Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter