Hello and welcome to this Florida-Bahamas Synod update! Today, I’d like to share some updates from throughout our synod. I also have some very important updates on the COVID-19 situation, so please read this entire article.
First, I want to celebrate some of the exciting things happening around our synod this month! On October 8, we held a Let’s Talk! Zoom Event to discuss best practices for reopening our congregational schools during COVID-19. Here’s a clip from that event!
(Watch the Synod Update on YouTube to see this clip!)
If you would like to watch that meeting, a recorded version is available! Find the link on our synod website or in this week’s edition of E-Spirit.
Next, I have a wonderful updated from Pastor Matthew Shapton on the progress being made at Babcock Ranch. Let’s take a look…
(Watch the Synod Update on YouTube to see this clip!)
Thank you Pastor Shapton! Babcock Ranch is the focus of our MP100 efforts this season. If you would like to become a ministry partner and support Babcock Ranch, please visit our synod website and search MP100.
We’re in the middle of October now, which means Election Day is just a couple weeks away! The ELCA has been reminding our members of the importance of voting with their ELCAvotes initiative. This initiative provides faith-based resources for voters and tools to help us all engage in positive discussion with our communities. For more information on ELCAvotes, please visit the ELCA website! And remember to vote, either by mail in advance or in person on November 3rd!
Last week, several Gulf Coast states were impacted by severe weather once again as Hurricane Delta made landfall. We’ve also been dealing with increasing COVID-19 cases around the world. With an update on Hurricane Delta and our current COVID situation, here is our Director of Disaster Response, Jim Habermehl.
(Watch the Synod Update on YouTube to see this clip!)
Thank you, Jim. As we continue to navigate this COVID-19 pandemic together, we need to maintain strong communication between our congregations and our synod. As I mentioned before, COVID cases are on the rise around the world. Many rural areas that escaped the first wave of COVID are now seeing more cases. It is still extremely important to protect yourself and your congregation from COVID.
We have received reports of COVID-19 in our own congregations here in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. It is very unlikely that these folks contracted COVID while attending worship, but unfortunately, those who also attended worship are now at risk. Please continue to practice social distancing, wear your mask when in public, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and most importantly, stay home if you feel sick or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID.
If a member of your congregation is diagnosed with COVID-19, there are several important steps you must take. Please visit the COVID-19 Resources page on our website to see the CDC recommendations for responding to a COVID case. Please be sure to notify the synod office immediately, so that we may pray for you and prepare to assist you. And if you need any help developing a COVID response plan ahead of time, please contact our Director of Disaster Response Jim Habermehl.
