COVID-19 Prevention & Mitigation
Updated - 3/26/2020
Dear St. Michael's Family,
This month, all of the young adults serving in the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission Program were sent home as a part of the ELCA's COVID-19 mitigation procedures. Megan Hunter Mong, a young adult missionary serving in the West Bank wrote, "Sometimes accompaniment is staying away to keep people safe and healthy." We are living into that reality at St. Michael’s as we are living out our call to be church in this unique and uncertain time.
As you are aware, over recent weeks we have been working to stay up to date on recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the ELCA churchwide and synodical offices, and local and state government officials and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since our decision on March 13th to suspend in-person gatherings including worship, we’ve received additional guidelines from the CDC and state officials. Because of their guidelines, we will continue to suspend in-person gatherings until at least May 11th. While we were hoping to resume sooner, we know that it is prudent to follow the best course of action being proposed at this time.
Taking these steps to ensure the health of our community is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, but brings with it a great sense of loss and heartbreak. Postponing our traditional Holy Week worship services, including Easter worship, is particularly painful. We also know how devastating it is to suspend beloved church programs and activities such as Women’s Circles, Sunday School, and the Easter Breakfast. None of these decisions are made lightly, and were done with much prayer and great hope in God’s ability to work through this time of fear and loss.
Currently, our building partners’ activities have also been suspended, and they will continue to make their own decisions about meetings and operations. Our custodial staff will continue to ensure that the building is sanitized and clean for when activities resume.
Though our building is closed, we will continue to gather in creative and unique ways. Perhaps you’ve already engaged in our online worship experiences and faith formation resources for families. Hopefully, you’ve stayed connected through calling friends and fellow committee members or checked in on our social media platforms.
In terms of our staff, we are encouraging pastoral, program, music, and office staff to do as much of their jobs remotely as possible. We appreciate your flexibility and adaptability as this means a closure of the church office and changes in staff availability.
Some important FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
We made plans to celebrate Easter on April 12th this year. And while that is sadly not looking like a possibility, we are an Easter people. More than just a day on the calendar, we know that life is stronger than death and we seek to proclaim that witness every day in how we live. When we are able to gather again, we know that worship will be a glorious celebration of God’s resurrection promise.
As we move through these changes and the world facing this global pandemic, we pray for health and healing in the days ahead, for wise leaders and responsible citizens, and for the move from fear to deeper commitment in caring for each other. We cling to the one who bears hope and life to a world in need; even in the darkest and most challenging moments, God is found and proclaims a word of grace and new life.
Blessings to each of you!
Pastor Brad and Pastor Ali
This month, all of the young adults serving in the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission Program were sent home as a part of the ELCA's COVID-19 mitigation procedures. Megan Hunter Mong, a young adult missionary serving in the West Bank wrote, "Sometimes accompaniment is staying away to keep people safe and healthy." We are living into that reality at St. Michael’s as we are living out our call to be church in this unique and uncertain time.
As you are aware, over recent weeks we have been working to stay up to date on recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the ELCA churchwide and synodical offices, and local and state government officials and health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since our decision on March 13th to suspend in-person gatherings including worship, we’ve received additional guidelines from the CDC and state officials. Because of their guidelines, we will continue to suspend in-person gatherings until at least May 11th. While we were hoping to resume sooner, we know that it is prudent to follow the best course of action being proposed at this time.
Taking these steps to ensure the health of our community is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, but brings with it a great sense of loss and heartbreak. Postponing our traditional Holy Week worship services, including Easter worship, is particularly painful. We also know how devastating it is to suspend beloved church programs and activities such as Women’s Circles, Sunday School, and the Easter Breakfast. None of these decisions are made lightly, and were done with much prayer and great hope in God’s ability to work through this time of fear and loss.
Currently, our building partners’ activities have also been suspended, and they will continue to make their own decisions about meetings and operations. Our custodial staff will continue to ensure that the building is sanitized and clean for when activities resume.
Though our building is closed, we will continue to gather in creative and unique ways. Perhaps you’ve already engaged in our online worship experiences and faith formation resources for families. Hopefully, you’ve stayed connected through calling friends and fellow committee members or checked in on our social media platforms.
In terms of our staff, we are encouraging pastoral, program, music, and office staff to do as much of their jobs remotely as possible. We appreciate your flexibility and adaptability as this means a closure of the church office and changes in staff availability.
Some important FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Worship: We will continue to send out a link for our online worship experience and post links on our website and social media pages. Though these times call us be physically distant, we will remain spiritually close through regular worship and devotional opportunities.
- Sunday School/Faith Formation: Our hope is to resume Sunday School, Confirmation, and Religion in Life on Sunday May 17th. In the meantime, Jon Bates, our director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries is working with the other CYF staff to create educational opportunities and connections online.
- Pastoral care: We have been advised to do the majority of pastoral care via phone or an alternative technology. For a pastoral care or emergencies, please call the church line (651-631-1510) or email (brad@stmichaelselca.com or ali@stmichaelselca.com)
- Funerals/Memorials, Baptisms, other life events: Please contact Pastor Brad or Pastor Ali if you are concerned about a scheduled wedding, baptism, etc.
- St. Michael’s meetings: We recognize that this time of uncertainty brings high levels of anxiety, while for others brings a desire for normalcy. Please check in with your committee and/or the staff liaison to learn ways we can continue to work on important projects or pause non-essential work for an interim period.
- Office Hours: Because our staff members will be working remotely when possible, we ask that you call or email to make an appointment prior to dropping by the office. If you are unable to reach a staff person over the phone, please leave a voicemail and we will return it as soon as possible.
- Offering/Financial support: One of the implications of not having worship on Sunday mornings is that our regular offering will not be collected. We encourage all who are able to support the mission and ministry of the church through on-line giving or mailing offering to the church to do so. https://www.stmichaelselca.com/giving-methods.html Your generosity allows us to continue to care for those in need, support our staff, and ensure we are able to resume all programs quickly and efficiently. Knowing that our income will be impacted, we encourage those with extra resources to consider a special gift.
- Volunteering: A number of parishioners are interested in volunteering by grocery shopping for others, writing letters or sending notes, and calling and check in on people who are feeling the effects of being isolated. If you are interested in volunteering in these ways, please let Pastor Ali or Pastor Brad know. If you know of someone who could benefit from these resources please contact us. We continue to be in regular conversation with our community partners to learn how we can help meet their changing needs.
We made plans to celebrate Easter on April 12th this year. And while that is sadly not looking like a possibility, we are an Easter people. More than just a day on the calendar, we know that life is stronger than death and we seek to proclaim that witness every day in how we live. When we are able to gather again, we know that worship will be a glorious celebration of God’s resurrection promise.
As we move through these changes and the world facing this global pandemic, we pray for health and healing in the days ahead, for wise leaders and responsible citizens, and for the move from fear to deeper commitment in caring for each other. We cling to the one who bears hope and life to a world in need; even in the darkest and most challenging moments, God is found and proclaims a word of grace and new life.
Blessings to each of you!
Pastor Brad and Pastor Ali
