Report of the Interim Pastor April, 2020

Opening Prayers

Loving God, be with us and guide us during this time of transition and discernment. Fill our leaders with your wisdom. Keep us mindful of the work you would have us do. Lead us and guide us, O God, to be about the work of establishing your reign here on earth as the search for a new pastor continues. Bless all who have taken on extra responsibilities and fill them with a sense of your love and presence. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

For all who have contracted coronavirus,
     We pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable,
     We pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety,
     We pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families facing decisions between food on the table or public safety,
     We pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance or support systems,
     We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care for any reason,
     We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world,
     We pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decision makers,
     We pray for wisdom and guidance.
During this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort, and love to all.

When Will We Gather Again?

Well, we really do not yet know. Our latest SIP (shelter-in-place) directive runs through the month of May, so perhaps we will resume Sunday worship as early as June 7 (Holy Trinity Sunday). This we know – that life will be different for some time after we meet again. For example, we will honor physical distancing and spacing (no greeting of peace, worship leaders spaced apart, etc.). We will require all people to wear masks for all gatherings, including worship (masks will be available). The common cup will only be used symbolically, only individual cups offered. Communion will be accessed through a single line only. Hymn singing may be altered or discontinued, and the choir appropriately spaced. Fewer chairs will be placed around the tables in the Parish Hall. Of course, we will still find ways to be in regular communication with members who may not wish to gather for health reasons. There may be changes each week, but we’ll begin planning now for what will be a grand home-coming!

What Have I been Doing During this time?

In addition to the regular e-newsletter on Fridays, members of CCL have been receiving a weekly invitation to the Zoom gathering each Wednesday and worship resources sent each Saturday. I have three to five phone visits each day on average. I continue to meet monthly (on Zoom) with the pastors from the San Francisco Peninsula Conference, and regularly with other local pastors around issues of homelessness, health, seniors, etc. I have been in regular contact with local politicians as well as part of a series of meetings with Governor Newsom and other faith leaders around the State. I stay connected with the Synod office. I stop in at the office regularly and hope to have the first draft of the Pastor/Administrator Manual ready to share with you by May 31.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lyle J Beckman