As we continue to see encouraging trends and begin to see aspects of our lives opening up, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on how COVID-19 has affected our lives and how we have responded. We hear you – we know this has been and continues to be a hard road to travel. But we have seen the stories of courage, perseverance and God’s faithfulness throughout the pandemic.
Laity and clergy have partnered to keep their members together and engaged. Mission and ministry have continued through distance and precautions, and new ministries have been born. Our conference support to churches has been strong throughout the pandemic, including purchasing or upgrading communications equipment and Zoom accounts, upgrading internet for distance learning, funding missional outreach programs and assisting with insurance and pension payments, pastor compensation, and church operating expenses.
We thank you for all you have done during these times of anxiety, grief, and discouragement – for your faithfulness, courage and resiliency to make sure the church was present in the lives of your members and community.