Dear Caldwell,
May the Lord be with you there ….
Usually that is something we say to each other if we are about to part. Today, it’s what comes to mind as I think of you and as we remain apart, at least physically.
We’re up to our hair follicles in events, happenings and news. So much to digest. So much to pray about. Gail gave us good advice Sunday to make more time for the Lord each week in these strange, painful yet hopeful days. That’s good counsel.
Meanwhile, the buffet of ministries and opportunities is spread out before us. Here’s just a sample:
Juneteenth
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, an historic date in ending slavery. BUT, as we know painfully, that work is anything BUT ended. There are many different ways to recognize this sacred day, including some in the community that have been posted to our Facebook page. I hope you will observe it in some way that is meaningful to you, perhaps reflecting on the Charleston massacre as well.
Returning to Worship
In the next few days, we will hear more guidance from Gov. Cooper and local officials about whether NC will change status in regard to public gathering practices and policies amid the pandemic. You may be wondering what Caldwell is thinking and planning about our life together.
A task force of elders has begun to meet to discuss our “return” to being together physically. As you may know, a court ruling intervened to allow churches to hold in-person worship (over the governor’s guidance). HOWEVER, Caldwell’s Session has stated we will not follow that court ruling and, instead, reach our own decision based on faithful and safe practices. As of now, there is no date slated for our regathering. Meantime, the committee will be guided by these principles:
- Follow the science.
- Be safe and sensitive to all, considering what is best for all and not just some.
- Be smart – follow the guidance of professionals and experts.
This morning, Dr. Raynard Washington with the Mecklenburg County Health Department met with clergy citywide. He reported that, as of today, 7,600 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County and 130 have died. (By the way, having been out in protests, I was just tested and heard this morning that I am virus-free.) The local health department advises against in-person gathering for inside worship above 10 people.
Dr. Washington put it plainly:
“Most of us are still at risk to this virus and it will continue to spread until we have a solution.”
“Mecklenburg County’s numbers are not flattening.”
Be assured that the “Return” Task Force will be deliberate, careful and comprehensive in its work. If you have input or questions, please feel free to contact me and I will share with the group or can share the members’ names. As the committee defines a roadmap for decision making, we will share it with you and stay in touch.
One thing we do know is that we will continue online worship regardless of any scheduled in-person return. A separate committee is exploring how to do that.
Celebrating and Mourning a Life
Please lift up in prayer our member Vicardo Streater and his family as they celebrate the life of his mother, Sandra Streater, who died last week. There will be a visitation Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Rosedale Funeral Home on Central Ave. and a homegoing service Saturday at 1 at Hoskins Baptist. He welcomes our prayers when we cannot necessarily be present with the family. The Streater family was part of the Piedmont Courts and Seigle Avenue community.
Don’t forget Vespers tonight at 8 p.m.
Yours,
John