From the General Presbyter

“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May God remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.” Psalm 20: 1 & 3

f you haven’t already heard, the 224th General Assembly will not be coming to the city of Baltimore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though we are still considered “the hosts,” the denomination leaders are still fine tuning the details of a “virtual assembly.”

I am grieving this loss. Our Committee on Local Arrangements has worked diligently over the last two years and some months to plan for this gathering of the national church and now, that will not happen. What makes it even more difficult is the nature of this pandemic that still claims lives and leaves many separated from friends and family, the church being considered both. We are waiting for the final word on what it will mean to host and what needs to happen with funds already collected.

I want to thank everyone in our Presbytery who “stepped up” through time, tithe and talent, especially our chairs Carrie Finch Burriss and Barbara Yancey as well as all of the COLA team. If you don’t already know this, you all are amazing servants of Christ and I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Now what? Stay tuned for instructions from on high, but in the meantime, your presbytery will continue to post resources on the website and staff will continue to answer your questions and help you and your congregation navigate. I am also attending webinars and gathering resources on the topics of: church staff issues, re-starting worship gatherings, and what it means to evolve into a steady virtual ministry beyond COVID-19.

Until then, don’t gather, stay safe and healthy, support your congregation financially to the best of your ability and stay connected!

Blessings,
Jackie