Coronavirus Resources and Links
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Ways to help or find help:
Online fun things to do:
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Good Podcasts and Internet Shows:
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How are we deciding about when and how to resume in-person gatherings?
Session is staying current with all new public health and safety information and recommendations. We know that gatherings of people indoors, in close proximity, with singing, talking and touching, are the most contagious environments. Until there is widespread testing and/or a vaccine, we will not be gathering indoors, in any size groups. When we do resume gathering, it will look different than it has for a while; what was "normal" is not an option for the foreseeable future. We are committed to keeping each other, and those with whom we share our space, as safe as possible.
As we consider what building use will look like in the coming phases, in addition to our theological commitment to caring for one another and our community, questions of proper cleaning and sanitization, liability and insurance, and contact-tracing will come into play. (For example, with even small groups, will we need to have name and phone number of each person, so that when/if one person becomes sick, the conveners of the meetings can contact each participant and let them know they were exposed?)
Addressing building use in September will give us a better big picture about the virus in the Twin Cities and best practices for moving ahead with indoor gatherings. It also allows us to give attention and focus to being Church now, and discerning the ways we are being called to minister with each other and to our community in the present.
If you'd like some more detailed background information, the following is helpful, and can be found on our website under “Coronavirus Resources.”
Session is staying current with all new public health and safety information and recommendations. We know that gatherings of people indoors, in close proximity, with singing, talking and touching, are the most contagious environments. Until there is widespread testing and/or a vaccine, we will not be gathering indoors, in any size groups. When we do resume gathering, it will look different than it has for a while; what was "normal" is not an option for the foreseeable future. We are committed to keeping each other, and those with whom we share our space, as safe as possible.
As we consider what building use will look like in the coming phases, in addition to our theological commitment to caring for one another and our community, questions of proper cleaning and sanitization, liability and insurance, and contact-tracing will come into play. (For example, with even small groups, will we need to have name and phone number of each person, so that when/if one person becomes sick, the conveners of the meetings can contact each participant and let them know they were exposed?)
Addressing building use in September will give us a better big picture about the virus in the Twin Cities and best practices for moving ahead with indoor gatherings. It also allows us to give attention and focus to being Church now, and discerning the ways we are being called to minister with each other and to our community in the present.
If you'd like some more detailed background information, the following is helpful, and can be found on our website under “Coronavirus Resources.”
- This video of a conversation (half hour) with medical expert Dr. Michael Osterholm with the ELCA Lutheran pastors in the Minneapolis Synod in early May.
- This article, by a microbiologist/immunologist and professor of biology explains how the virus spreads in various environments
- This guidance document put out in early May by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.
- This document from our national office released in early May - pages 4-12 give specific practical considerations and guidelines.
- This reflection on the Church’s calling of waiting. (Kara’s Daily Devotion 5/16)
- This reminder about Church that came from our zoom bumpiness last week. (Kara’s Daily Devotion 5/17).
