COVID-19: May 5 Update from Co-EP Eliana Maxim

For some reason, May 4 became a special destination on my calendar. It was the day the state was to lift the social isolation mandate, and in my mind I had envisioned a family dinner where I would finally embrace my daughters and parents. Yes, I know. How naïve of me.

And truth be told, I don’t believe that’s how things will unfold when we do begin the work of re-engaging in person with the world. But nevertheless, I was a little more than disappointed when Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order until at least the end of May.

So here we are, staying in place for another month. Practicing social distancing when in public for those furtive but necessary grocery trips, and trying to understand how and when we will begin to experience the familiarities of our old ways.

Groups of 50 or more are not expected to gather until the state moves into Phase 3 of the governor’s staged re-opening of the state, and the earliest they anticipate this would be the end of July, if we give each phase 3 weeks as prescribed.

Which of course presents a series of questions for church leaders to consider. 

If your church usually has 50 or more attending worship (including worship leaders), will you offer more than 1 in-person service a week? How will you ensure that your facility is safe? Are there separate entry and exit doorways? What form of sanitizing process will you use after every building usage? Will you offer childcare? Will you continue to offer a virtual service for those who choose to not risk coming to in-person worship?

How will you handle communion? The offering? Sharing of the peace? Will you still have greeters? Bulletins? Bibles and Hymnals? Will there be a coffee hour? (The Wisconsin Council of Churches has produced an excellent document outlining considerations and practices for returning to the church building. https://www.wichurches.org/2020/04/23/returning-to-church/) 

As you can see, the questions can go on and on. And some of these may not have answers at this moment.

But let’s see what we do know. For now. At this moment.

1. Our churches, pastors, and sessions have been incredibly resourceful, creative, and resilient. You have pivoted and adapted in ways you may never have imagined, and have been able to not only provide meaningful worship in a variety of virtual ways, but also to create community and keep your congregation connected. I know this has been hard work. Long hours, and lots of learning. But you did it and it is good.

2. We will need to continue this social distancing form of worship for at least through mid-summer, if the state’s plan stays on track (a spike in contagion can set us back).

3. Our pastors, particularly those serving as solo pastors, need a break. You can only keep up this pace and intensity for a certain amount of time. We value you and we need you to care for yourself. So let us invite you to consider this: Take a break. Take a week off from preaching. We will cover for you. We have preachers available in our presbytery who would be happy to lend a hand, including your Co-EPs (that would be Scott and me). Lean into our connectional DNA and collegiality and allow yourself the gift of respite.

4. Finally we know that God is doing and will continue to do amazing things in and through us. That in the midst of our grief and losses due to covid-19, God’s faithfulness will break through in doing something new among us. 

May this time of sheltering in place, thinking of what might be, and planning for the immediate future be filled with peace, imagination, and yes, joy.

Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter