The South Carolina Lutheran eNews Special: Coronavirus

The South Carolina Lutheran eNews

Special: Coronavirus

A Pastoral Message from Bishop Yoos

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you..." Isaiah 41:10 (NRSV)

I am writing this to you as we have had people reach out to us about how to proceed in the coming weeks. The Synod Office and staff are monitoring developments. We encourage people of faith and leaders to remain calm, provide the best information we have available, care for one another, and pray.

According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, DHEC has tested a total of 51 individuals for COVID-19, which includes the eight presumptive positive cases and two confirmed cases. As you are well aware, we are all facing the possibility of the spread of the Coronavirus which began several weeks ago in China.

As Bishop of this synod, I am not empowered to make decisions for your congregation in the area of having worship or canceling. There may come a time, in your context, where that may be the best choice. I encourage you to work together as councils and rostered ministers to assess the risks, pray, and make wise choices.

As followers of Jesus Christ and his great commandment to love one another, we are empowered to face this crisis with hope and compassion for those infected and for the medical community and researchers around the world who are treating those most vulnerable. As Jesus brought the healing reign of God’s kingdom into our world, we pray for Christ’s healing love to hold and enfold all who are impacted by this virus.

Please continue to visit our website as the latest information we have will be posted there.

Below is a message from Pastor Ginny Aebischer who serves as our Synod Assembly Manager and Assistant to the Bishop regarding our upcoming assembly.

Synod Assembly Update

The Coronavirus is of significant concern for all of us, and we are praying for everyone to carefully follow the precautions that have been outlined by health officials to minimize the effects of this virus on our society. We are monitoring the news carefully and following protocols regarding large gatherings of people.

At this time we are planning and expecting that we will be able to move forward with plans as they stand for the 2020 South Carolina Synod Assembly, but we also want to reassure you that we have developed an alternative 2020 Assembly plan that we can put into place should that need arise. We feel that everyone will know more over the next couple of weeks about what to expect with this virus and we can make a more informed decision about whether we need to implement the alternative plan. We will definitely keep the Synod updated on any changes that may need to be made as we move forward. In the meantime, know that we are praying for each of you and trusting in the presence of God which binds us together in Christ to lead us forward in a way that is best for all.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Ginny Aebischer,

Assistant to the Bishop/Assembly Manager

Story Matters is Postponed

Grace and peace to all in the name of our Lord Jesus the Christ.

With the latest news from DHEC and the current concerns about gatherings, we in consultation with the Bishop and in the best interest of all we are going to postpone the "Story Matters" Event scheduled for March 21.

For those already registered, we will be following up shortly with more information.

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Rick Carter

Stay Updated

Please note we will be keeping our website and social media outlets update as quickly and as often as possible in the days ahead.

Mission Partners

Information from Lutheran Services Carolinas

With concern growing over a potential coronavirus outbreak in this country, Lutheran Services Carolinas is preparing in every way it can to protect those it serves, from those in its senior care communities, many of whom are especially vulnerable to illness, to its child and family programs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials have warned that the virus will likely spread at a community level. It’s important that we all take the same precautions we would take to prevent the spread of other easily-transmissible diseases and viruses, like the flu. Here are the most important measure to take:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough, or sneeze or cough into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. Throw used tissues away immediately.
Maintain social distances of a few feet near people who show symptoms.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
Stay home if you are sick. Symptoms of the coronavirus – which is a mild to severe respiratory virus –include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

For more information, go to the CDC website.

CDC Website >

Update from SCLRC

As the public continues to monitor the recent spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the staff of the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers has been in continuous contact with our recent guests and future group leaders to prevent the spread of potential viral infections from one guest to another.

Because Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat operate under the South Carolina Synod (ELCA), our resident directors have been closely monitoring and following the Bishop's staff recommendations for public gatherings and suggest that all our guests continue to follow basic hygiene standards (i.e. frequent washing of hands, staying home when you are sick, wearing a mask if you have symptoms, and consulting a medical provider when necessary).

As far as current group reservations, the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers will currently leave the determination to host/reschedule/cancel events up to each group’s leadership team at this time. Should postponing or rescheduling an event be the best course of action, our dedicated staff will be happy to work with group leaders to transfer any current deposits/payments to a future date.

For updated information, please follow South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels.

SCLRC Facebook Page >

SCLRC Twitter >

Wider Church

New Public Health Page on ELCA.org

With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States and around the world, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The following information offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ.

Public Health Page >

Considering Streaming Your Services?

Our Churchwide Expression has put together an excellent starter guide with information to consider. Download it below.

Download the Guide >

Stewardship Concerns

Many members may be concerned about how to support the work of their congregations, synods and churchwide ministries if they are ill or choosing to stay home to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the virus. A majority of ELCA congregations currently offer online giving as an option for both one-time and recurring gifts, and all still accept checks. For congregations looking for online giving, the ELCA has negotiated with preferred vendors who can quickly respond with options.

Currently, the South Carolina Synod uses one of the preferred providers, Tithe.ly.

ELCA Preferred Provider Page >

Additional Information

South Carolina DHEC Page >

UN health agency warns against coronavirus COVID-19 criminal scams

The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning that criminals are taking advantage of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, to steal money or sensitive information.