March 17, 2020

Beloved of God,

At a meeting of the NWIM Synod Executive Committee this morning, the following actions were taken: 

1. The Regional Gatherings scheduled for April 25 (Pullman); May 2 (Twin Falls); and May 16 (Moses Lake) have been cancelled as they fall within the guidelines issued by the CDC on March 13 that any gathering of 50 people be suspended through May 13.  Pastor Phil Misner will be in touch with our presenter, Linda Staatz, as well as our gathering partners in each region to let them know of this decision. Due to the constantly changing guidelines and extended timelines for this pandemic, there are no active plans to reschedule these events. We are hopeful, however, that once things even out that we might be able to revisit them for a future date. 

2. The Executive Committee extended the Synod Staff travel ban to be in line with current CDC recommendations for gatherings, even if the travel would be to meet with fewer than 50 people. This is an action of abundant caution, recognizing that most of the meetings we travel to attend can be facilitated in other, safer, ways at this time. We look forward to being able to travel to be with congregations again, but we also take your health and well being seriously enough that we are willing to practice this abundance of caution. 

3. The Executive Committee is aware that the 8-week ban on gatherings of 50 or more people will absorb the observance of Holy Week and Easter. The Executive Committee will meet again on March 31 to discuss best practices for congregations to observe these holy days safely and in compliance with current CDC recommendations. 

4. Synod Staff are working from home at a timeline that is in accordance with current CDC guidelines. You can continue to email synod staff at kristen.kuempel@nwimsynod.org; phil.misner@nwimsynod.org; mary.morrow@nwimsynod.org; cathy.steiner@nwimsynod.org; and melody.green@nwimsynod.org. Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can continue to call the synod office during normal business hours and talk to a real live person! 509-838-9871. If no one picks up, please leave a message as we are also able to access voicemail to that number remotely. 

We are also hearing a great deal of concern about financial needs in this time of pandemic, recognizing that some of our people cannot or are uncomfortable with electronic giving. It is of vital importance that you continue to financially support your congregations in this time. Staff are continuing to work, and in ways that we have no muscle memory for—most days it feels as though leadership is building the plane while we’re flying it, and just when we think we have it figured out someone comes and tells us that it was supposed to be a boat. This is not “time off” for your staff and leadership. There are still bills that will need to be paid. So please: work with your congregational leadership to find ways to continue to give through this time.  The Synod office will be working on a best practices document for distribution, and that should be available by the end of the week, however an uncomplicated plan for continued financial support of your congregation is to simply drop your offering check in the mail. Many congregations are keeping their offices open in limited capacities, and your offering can be received in the mail delivery. 

Many of our members are not fluent with technology. Please make sure that you are communicating with them regularly, and make sure that a paper copy of this letter is sent to them. The synod office does not know who does and does not have access to electronic communication, but congregational leaders probably do. We appreciate your cooperation in making sure our most isolated folks feel connected to the Body of Christ. 

As we weather this pandemic of COVID-19, I am consistently surprised at the spirit, the compassion, and the care that I hear expressed for one another. Thank you for your willingness to lean into this weirdness. Thank you for caring for your rostered leaders. Thank you for caring for your synod staff. It is a deep honor to be doing this work with all of you—pastors, deacons, and lay people. As difficult as this time is, I think we will learn a lot about what it means to be Church in this age. If it is anything like I am seeing every day: all will be well. Different. But well. 

May God bring peace to your hearts, 

Bishop Kristen Kuempel

Click here to download a copy of the letter.