Presbytery of the Miami Valley

PMV Montage

March 12, 2020
Dear presbytery members and friends,
 
The past twenty four hours have brought significant changes in the overall response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19). As the number of Coronavirus cases continue to rise, we know that you are faced with many decisions surrounding church activities.
 
If you have not already done so, we recommend getting key decision makers together to coordinate your faith community's response. You know your faith community the best. There is no "one size fits all approach" as we respond to the Coronavirus.
 
Make your faith community aware of precautions that can slow or prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (and any virus for that matter). To help you think through what those precautions are, we have attached two documents, which you can download by clicking on the following links: 

The first is the Presbytery of the Miami Valley Pandemic Action Plan, which we have based on input from other helpful sources. 

The second is Guidance for Congregations: In response to severe infectious disease outbreak, which has been compiled by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
 
As you make plans to slow or prevent the Coronavirus, or any virus, remember that you do so as a community of faith. Let your faith in our Triune God guide your decisions. Your response can be a testimony of your faith and your trust in God's abiding love.
 
How can you exercise God's gift of creativity as you develop ways to care for the members and friends of your congregation? In what ways can you offer worship opportunities and resources that remind your people they are part of a covenant community, even if they cannot physically gather together? When fear threatens to overwhelm and drive decisions, how can God's words, "Do not be afraid" allow you to be a non-anxious presence?
 
As a reminder, the primary communication channels for the presbytery are Constant Contact, the presbytery Facebook page, and the presbytery website. We will share information with you as we continue to monitor this situation. You can be added to the Constant Contact list by visiting the presbytery website at  www.miamipresbytery.org and clicking on the "Join Our Mail List" button on the left side of the home page. If you are on Facebook, be sure to like our page "The Presbytery of the Miami Valley.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Executive Presbyter Terry Kukuk using the office phone number 937-258-8118. She can access the office phone at any location.
 
Grace and peace,
The Staff and Leadership Council of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley