October 24, 2020
Hello all,
As always, I hope this letter finds you well.
In the last letter to the congregation, dated 10-17-20, our Church Council had set a ‘target date’ of November 1st for the reopening of 10:30 worship services. We knew this decision was an optimistic one, and depended on the data that measures the status of the virus remaining stable. Unfortunately it has not. Confirmed cases, and positivity rates are trending up in a majority of states. The data for North Carolina, although not as bad as many states, is already showing a move in the wrong direction with increases in confirmed cases and positivity rates.
Our Church Council met this morning and decided, in the interest of caution and safety, to delay our reopening until a later date. A new target date was not set. Instead it was decided to watch the data and wait for a more favorable time.
The council knows many of you are frustrated and eager to return. I have personally spoken with members who want to reopen now, and I’ve spoken with just as many who are apprehensive. We see churches around us reopening. Some are dealing with consequences of that decision, others are apparently doing well. We hope they continue to do well.
This was not an easy call, and I commend the council for their decision based on an honest evaluation of our status. We know that there are personal and financial downsides to this decision. But the upside, and the most important, is the safety of our members.
We ask for the continued patience of everyone. As a Church Council, we promise that we want to reopen as badly as any of you, and that we will do just that when we feel it can be done with minimal risk to those attending.
We will continue to watch the data and keep you informed. Our council meets again on November 9th. I assure each of you, reopening will be on the agenda and revaluated at that time.
Peace, health, and blessings to you all.
Terry
Hello all,
As always, I hope this letter finds you well.
In the last letter to the congregation, dated 10-17-20, our Church Council had set a ‘target date’ of November 1st for the reopening of 10:30 worship services. We knew this decision was an optimistic one, and depended on the data that measures the status of the virus remaining stable. Unfortunately it has not. Confirmed cases, and positivity rates are trending up in a majority of states. The data for North Carolina, although not as bad as many states, is already showing a move in the wrong direction with increases in confirmed cases and positivity rates.
Our Church Council met this morning and decided, in the interest of caution and safety, to delay our reopening until a later date. A new target date was not set. Instead it was decided to watch the data and wait for a more favorable time.
The council knows many of you are frustrated and eager to return. I have personally spoken with members who want to reopen now, and I’ve spoken with just as many who are apprehensive. We see churches around us reopening. Some are dealing with consequences of that decision, others are apparently doing well. We hope they continue to do well.
This was not an easy call, and I commend the council for their decision based on an honest evaluation of our status. We know that there are personal and financial downsides to this decision. But the upside, and the most important, is the safety of our members.
We ask for the continued patience of everyone. As a Church Council, we promise that we want to reopen as badly as any of you, and that we will do just that when we feel it can be done with minimal risk to those attending.
We will continue to watch the data and keep you informed. Our council meets again on November 9th. I assure each of you, reopening will be on the agenda and revaluated at that time.
Peace, health, and blessings to you all.
Terry
Lutheran Services Carolinas Hurricane Response
The situation:
Imagine being in your home with six feet of floodwater and your roof blown off. Now, imagine all your family photos and worldly possessions floating by.
Almost every year the Carolinas have faced devastating hurricanes and other major disasters. This year is no different. The most marginalized in our communities are at highest risk and don’t have the resources or networks to recover without the help of others. We respond to those who need it the most. We serve the most vulnerable: single parents, the elderly and disabled, veterans, and many other neighbors in need.
Hurricane Isaias, although not the strongest we have faced, caused loss of life and created wind damage, flooding, ongoing electricity outages and devastating loss to many.
Our response:
While following all safety precautions due to COVID-19, we are currently assisting with emergency sheltering, search and reunification efforts, coordinating feeding centers and helping supply and deliver immediate and emergency unmet needs and rebuilding supplies.
What you can do:
Pray
Please pray for people who have been affected by hurricanes. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.
Give
Your gifts designated for “disaster relief” will be used entirely (100 percent) for direct response until it is complete. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose lives have been impacted by hurricanes.
Thank you for being a vital part of this team. It takes us all to be one team, so we can help our neighbors in need.
Connect:
To learn more about the situation and our response:
The situation:
Imagine being in your home with six feet of floodwater and your roof blown off. Now, imagine all your family photos and worldly possessions floating by.
Almost every year the Carolinas have faced devastating hurricanes and other major disasters. This year is no different. The most marginalized in our communities are at highest risk and don’t have the resources or networks to recover without the help of others. We respond to those who need it the most. We serve the most vulnerable: single parents, the elderly and disabled, veterans, and many other neighbors in need.
Hurricane Isaias, although not the strongest we have faced, caused loss of life and created wind damage, flooding, ongoing electricity outages and devastating loss to many.
Our response:
While following all safety precautions due to COVID-19, we are currently assisting with emergency sheltering, search and reunification efforts, coordinating feeding centers and helping supply and deliver immediate and emergency unmet needs and rebuilding supplies.
What you can do:
Pray
Please pray for people who have been affected by hurricanes. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.
Give
Your gifts designated for “disaster relief” will be used entirely (100 percent) for direct response until it is complete. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose lives have been impacted by hurricanes.
Thank you for being a vital part of this team. It takes us all to be one team, so we can help our neighbors in need.
Connect:
To learn more about the situation and our response: