March 10, 2020: SeaPres Update from Co-EPs Eliana Maxim & Scott Lumsden
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” Ephesians 6:9-10
Dear friends,
Staying alert, remaining hopeful, practicing creativity, and maintaining connection without physically gathering as a congregation can be exhausting. Weary making. Scott and I want you to know that we are so grateful for your care and faithfulness to your communities, at the cost of doing church in a traditional and trusted way.
We’re sure you continue to follow news reports, King County Health Department and CDC updates. Unfortunately, our area is still considered a hotspot with the Covid-19 contagion, with more people being diagnosed, hospitalized, and even dying.
We particularly lift up our siblings at Queen Anne Presbyterian who informed us that a member of their congregation passed away Monday morning from the coronavirus. May God’s tender embrace comfort and console the family and church members at this sudden loss.
Scott and I continue to recommend, based on the current health recommendations of King County Health Department, that church sessions cancel large group gatherings, including Sunday morning worship. Just a little polity reminder: this is not a directive from your presbytery executives, but a strong recommendation. Remember, worship is the responsibility of the session and can only be cancelled by them.
Many of you hosted online, live streaming worship this past Sunday, and it was wonderful to be able to watch many of them throughout the day. Several of our churches are partnering with each other to provide this service. We are so appreciative of your imagination and flexibility!
A few questions have come up regarding “doing” church while we’re in this strange season of social distancing. Both our Stated Clerk, Glen Ferguson and the Office of General Assembly’s Constitutional Services were consulted for these answers.
Our session needs to meet. Can we do this over the phone? On a video call?
The Revised Code of Washington allows for organizations to hold electronic meetings and votes so long as everyone is able to participate and be heard. Seattle Presbytery By-laws include the following section: “Electronic meetings; Directors (Board), Commissions and Committees. Some or all of the members may attend a meeting by electronic means so long as the meeting provides conditions for simultaneous aural communications among all participating members equivalent to those of meetings held in one room or area. Notice of any meeting where attendance by electronic means may occur must include an adequate description of how to participate. In order to be counted towards a quorum, participants must have a means of submitting motions in writing simultaneously with the meeting. Whenever any member is attending electronically, votes must be taken aurally by roll call or ballot.”
Our congregation celebrates communion every Sunday. How can we do it when we’re live streaming and people are at home?
This situation can very well be considered similar to home communion for congregation members who are homebound. You can preside over the sacrament via video streaming, then request that those who would like the elements (in disposable, individual packets) either contact the church for delivery, or designate a location where they can be picked up.
We scheduled a congregational meeting to call a new pastor. Can we do this virtually? And how?
Again, this is akin to question number 1. So long as all can participate, hear the motion, participate in discussion should they choose to, and vote, you can conduct this congregational meeting electronically. There are several technical options for you to consider. Please contact EJ Lee in our office for more information.
Our church has a youth mission trip planned for the summer. Should we cancel?
It’s hard to predict that far ahead as to how and where this virus will spread. Our denomination has cancelled all international travel “for the foreseeable future”. The conversation around the June General Assembly in Baltimore is about waiting and seeing. Unless you absolutely have to make immediate plans, we recommend you wait to make a final decision until mid-April.
Can we advocate for pastors to get tested for Covid-19 since they are in contact with vulnerable populations?
One of the more challenging aspects of chartering this virus is the scarcity of test kits. According to the King County Health Department, the limited test kits currently available are reserved for individuals in high risk populations who may have been in contact with someone already diagnosed. Unless the manufacturing and distribution of the tests ramps up dramatically, we would be hard pressed justifying testing pastors over other groups such as first responders.
I keep the verse from Romans taped to my desk at home. And honestly, sometimes I do grow weary. And worried. But the opportunities to work for good, and to serve our congregations and communities is the call God has put on all our hearts. We can navigate this challenging path because we are connected, and because God leads our way. May we find strength, endurance, and courage in one another. And may God watch over you, your loved ones, your congregations, and our world.
In grace and peace,
