As the situation in Washington around the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, our ways of being Christ’s living presence in our lives, neighborhood and world are also adapting and changing. Today we have been wrestling with current Health Department recommendations to limit large gatherings (50 or more people) and a mindfulness of leaders in our community who technically fall into the category of people with underlying health conditions.

It is in this spirit, that we will implement the following changes to be in place through March 30th, when we will once again reassess the situation.

Beloved Family in Christ, 

On Tuesday, March 3rd, I gathered with other faith leaders at Queen Anne Methodist Church/The Well to meet with Health Department officials and receive guidance about best practices and instructions for our role in minimizing the community spread of COVID-19. Additionally, Shawna, as Executive Director for Immanuel Community Services, has been in several meetings this week about this matter. I am grateful for the conversations we are having and the leadership in our state to address this outbreak with vigilance, and care for all our communities, including the most vulnerable among us.  I am particularly grateful for the visible presence of Holy Currencies in the midst of all this. The Currencies of Relationship show up in the ways we are mindful of ourselves and the needs of others. The Currencies of Truth are present in the factual, science-based information we are receiving the holy conversations ILC & ICS leaders are having as we seek to balance containment, compassion and community. As we continue to be faithful, and I remain in continuous conversation with other leaders, I fully anticipate the flow of the Currencies of Wellness, Money, Time & Place and Gracious Leadership to make themselves known too. As this situation continues to unfold, we will update our practices accordingly.