August 9, 2021
Dear ones,
This morning we learned that all of the counties in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin began to show substantial or high levels of Covid-19 activity according to the CDC. At an alarming rate, we are watching our region on trend for the fourth surge of Covid-19 in Wisconsin: this time, the highly contagious delta variant.
Here is what we know:
The whole Body is beloved of God and the whole body is inextricably connected. No one deserves the long-term illness and death that can come with this preventable disease.
The wellbeing of the Body, and of all creation, depends on vaccination and mask-wearing: proven, safe, and effective means of preventing the spread of Covid-19. The church will make decisions, act and urge others to act for the sake of the common good and particularly for the sake of the most vulnerable.
Masking protects even those who are vaccinated from spreading the virus. The Covid-19 virus spreads through airborne droplets. Masking is an effective act of love for vulnerable neighbors and children.
Physical distancing, providing options for gathering online, limiting large gatherings, and increasing air flow assists in mitigating transmission of Covid-19.
All of the measures we have used during previous surges are effective and important.
The bishop and synod office staff will:
Wear masks when we are in the office while Covid-19 levels are high. Visitors to our office: plan to be masked, as well.
Wear masks when gatherings, worship, meetings and events are indoors and outdoors when distancing is not possible.
When there is not affirmation that people in attendance for indoor gatherings will mask regardless of vaccination status, make accommodations for online meetings, outdoor meetings, or rescheduling meetings or events. To reschedule or reaffirm details, please call the synod office or e-mail ecsw@ecsw.org.
Continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC and other trusted sources and be ready to change our behavior and plans if needed, and communicate those changes with you.
We urge:
Mask wearing at all indoor gatherings for all people 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccination for all who are eligible.
Layered mitigation approaches, which draw on everything we’ve learned about preventing the spread of infectious disease: physical distance, handwashing, limiting singing, increasing airflow, etc.
Revisiting the plan your congregation has made and being flexible and ready to make new plans as the surge continues. Using science-based data that is consistent and clear is an act of faith in line with Gospel values. To participate in awareness of how other congregations in the synod are responding, participate in this brief survey.
Prioritizing care and hospitality for immune-compromised people and children.
Communicating clearly, often, and through a variety of voices and means. It is important that communication be shared from the decision-making body, the staff, pastor, and task force members. Communicate in diversified ways with your people: consider written mail, e-mail communications, social media posts, and videos.
Assisting your community in removing barriers to vaccination. Identify specific people who can help set up appointments and help answer questions. Be on guard against misinformation about vaccines and masking. Consult with experts who can speak on vaccination in a trustworthy way. Provide rides, care for pets and kids, etc.
Being a good listener in the midst of grief. Be on guard against cynicism, misinformation, and misdirected anger. Decision fatigue is real; the grief process is at work.
Above all, base decision-making on your congregation’s mission and the Gospel. Prioritize values which tend to the wholeness and healing of the most vulnerable: people with compromised immune systems and people who are not vaccinated, including children.
May the God of healing bring you peace as you continue the work of ministry in your context. We are all ministers, bearing Christ Jesus to the world. In the words of the call to ministers in the ordination rite: “Be of good courage, for God has called you - and your labors in the Lord are not in vain.”
Gratefully, your sister in Christ,
