One Day at a Time

posted on November 10

One Day at a Time 
 
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, 
His mercies never come to an end; 
they are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
                                                             -Lamentations 3:22-23 

Dear Influential Leader,

First of all, a big thank you for the resilient leadership you are exhibiting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many (if not most) of our churches have been able to safely resume indoor worship following our recommendations in September. (Click here to read current recommendations). Some congregations have had to adjust quickly when outbreaks have occurred in their midst; I regret to say we have had a few situations where worship leaders, congregation members, and church staffs have fallen ill. At this writing, all incidents are well communicated, but they have resulted in missing in-person worship for at least two Sundays.  
 
I want to commend you on your agile leadership, your good communication with one another and your community, your continued commitment to online worship, and your care for the well-being of others. We have all been humbled by this pandemic. To stay aware of current COVID cases in your zip code, check these sites frequently: 

Please know that even if you return to indoor worship, you can still change plans quickly. You may need to offer a few Sundays of online-only worship, and then resume as you are able. Several of your sister churches have had to do this very thing. Most of you have also enjoyed outdoor worship, and we encourage you to do that as long as you can. (Autumn has been quite generous!)  
 
We also encourage careful planning of Advent activities. As hard as it will be, this might be a good year to let go of some of the dearest gatherings that mean so much to us. I trust your creative minds and willing hearts to think “outside the box” for ways that you can wait together patiently for the Advent of Christ this year, and especially ways that you can reach out with Christian love and compassion to those who are lonely and in need. We may feel deprived of our traditional in-person and table-based rituals,  but our essential mission can still be accomplished with hope, peace, joy, and love.  
 
Lastly, thank you for continuing to be the church for each other during this contentious election season. We give thanks that the cross is always central and lifted high, beyond any political affiliation, beyond even the flag of any nation here on earth. Even in a divided period of American history, you have been good to each other and modeled the faithful citizenship that John Wesley so cherished. We also thank you for the many ways you have stayed connected to our district and to the global mission, including your connectional giving via apportionments. Thank you!!  
 
As always, we are here for you. Encourage your pastors to embrace the ministries offered by the district, to continue to grow in their technological abilities, and encourage your congregation to stay connected to one another – and most of all, to Christ, who is Lord of all.  
 
Gratefully, 
 
Bev Coppley  
 
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
 


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