Dear Church,

My how things have changed in just one week and how they will continue to change in the coming days. 

Last Friday I sent out a communication that urged congregations to offer alternative worship that was not in person, and if they did hold worship to follow the CDC guidelines. At that time the CDC recommended groups of less than 50. And on early Monday the guidelines shrunk to less than 10 people in a gathering. I also thought that this request would be until early April, and now the CDC and World Health Organization are suggesting that this may be 6-8 weeks. As the Grand Canyon Synod, I support following their recommendations.

For today, please remember that we are church together for the sake of the world. We are better together. We get to model a different kind of community than one that is motivated by fear and hoarding. 

You have been creative with online worship, Facebook posts of prayer and encouragement, drive up food pantries, Zoom Bible studies, and calling those who are homebound and isolated. The Holy Spirit is working and through us to create new opportunities.

Among the opportunities, we anticipate that these days will also bring grief, sorrow and loss as we face the realities of being frail human beings in the midst of this devasting disease. You have experienced grief, sorrow and loss, but probably not to this extent. Our Lutheran theology and belief in Jesus reminds us:

We are grateful for the ways you continue to witness to God’s love for the world. You know best of all that ministry is lived in many ways.

I will update you on a weekly basis, sharing the information that I believe you may want to know. If you have questions, please direct them to me, or to any of the Grand Canyon Synod staff or to the Conference Deans.

In this post I’m including a devotion written by Pastor Mark Holman, Bishop’s Associate for Mobility and Leadership. Perhaps it will give you some additional courage and reminders this day.

Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

Ancient words that speak today

by Pastor Mark Holman

Psalm 121 is known as a Pilgrim Song. Imagine how these words were sung back and forth, antiphonally, while pilgrim bands travelled a rugged road to the holy city of Jerusalem.

The pilgrims had never travelled these roads before. While filled with anticipation and hope, surely, they experienced anxiety about what was ahead.

What was around the next bend? Did danger lurk? Would they be safe travelling through the unknown?

Despite their questions, they pressed on. For comfort and confidence, they looked to the hills. While they had never seen that hill, they were desert people, very familiar with the hills of their home territory.

They reminded each other that it was the same creator who made the hills behind and before. They pressed on, and sang…