March 12, 2020
Beloveds,
With deep sadness, I write to say that our present public health emergency necessitates that we suspend all in-person gatherings connected to the Fellowship until further notice. And that means everything — Sunday services, and things like Auction events, covenant groups, and meetings.
We are planning for regular Sunday services but we will not be together physically. Instead, we will start this Sunday with one service at 12:30 p.m. via live stream, led by me. (Staff and lay leaders who are participating in these services will be maintaining at least a six-foot distance from one another). Our service will include all of our usual elements – chalice-lighting, meditation, music, a pastoral prayer, and a reflection. So gather your family and join us at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday. Instructions for joining us will be shared as soon as they are available. School of the Spirit will also livestream on Sunday, either before or after the regular service. Please keep an eye out for more information.
We need each other, perhaps now more than ever. And we are planning for all the ways we can stay connected through this difficult time. We have established a COVID-19 Response Team:
- Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry, Minister;
- Carol Pranschke, Office Manager;
- Jessica Laikeman, Director Lifespan Faith Formation;
- Marky Lloyd, Board President;
- Deborah Mensch, A/V;
- Nancy DiLaura, Vice President; and
- Karen Axe as our Information Curator.
This group is meeting at least weekly and in regular contact to plan communications and responses to this rapidly changing public health emergency.
We have developed a communication plan:
- I will send a weekly email with updates on Wednesdays with the subject line: COVID-19 and the Congregation.
- Connections Weekly will have weekly updates.
- Coronavirus updates will be shared during our Sunday livestream.
- The home page on the website will be updated regularly.
Staff will continue to work their regular hours, unless they are needed to take care of their own health or that of their families. We are working to create ways to gather as a community online, in groups large and small. Please watch for announcements about these options.
Our Caring Council is already planning ways to keep connected with vulnerable populations and isolated individuals. As always, I am available to anyone who would like pastoral care around this public health emergency or anything else. If you have concerns or ideas to help the Fellowship during this challenging time, please contact Carol Pranschke or Marky Lloyd.
As we have said many times before, we are the congregation — no matter where and how we gather. We will continue to care for one another and stay connected through this time.
May you be well (and stay well),
Rev. Lydia
(720) 272-8284
Note: Please check out the links below. The first four lead to content that is suitable for printing.
Center for Disease Control: What you need to know