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Monday, August 16, 2021

 

Dear friends in Christ,
 
The writer of second Corinthians states: 16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16,18)
 
So, we do not lose heart! Here we are not a year and a half into this global pandemic of COVID-19. And I don’t know about you, but it feels easier to lose heart than not. But we are a people who are reminded that God invites us not to lose heart. Even when all seems wasted away, hard, dark, or lonely.

I have been so incredibly proud of each of you and your resiliency, faith, and love for your neighbor throughout this pandemic. But I write to you now, asking that you do not lose heart. Asking that you keep it up now more than ever. We are not out of this pandemic.

The delta variant of the corona virus has rapidly become the dominant strain in the US and is causing the current fifth wave of cases.  Unlike the alpha variant, this strain has been demonstrated to be able to be spread by fully immunized individuals who may not have any or just mild symptoms. 

Dr. Walensky, director of the CDC, acknowledged in her news conference on Tuesday, July 27, 2022 that she knows how weary and fatigued people are from this pandemic. During this news conference, she acknowledged the increased risks associated with the Delta Variant and the risk to unvaccinated individuals, including children not yet old enough to receive the vaccine.  Dr. Walensky’s concerns about the Delta Variant were due to the transmission of COVID 19 from vaccinated individuals to unvaccinated individuals and the small percentage of vaccinated individuals experiencing breakthrough cases.  In response to these new findings, the CDC was again recommending that all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, wear a mask when in an indoor public space and that all eligible individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible. She did not issue the recommendation lightly, but with great consideration of how the emotional well-being and mental health of Americans has been affected by the pandemic and with a full grasp of the science as scientists and medical professionals continue to grapple with understanding this virus and search for solutions.

If we can reduce spread with increased mask use in public, we can slow the mutation rate of the delta virus before it makes our current vaccines ineffective or significantly less effective.  
 
As of now, out of an abundance of caution and concern for our communities, I have moved our August Candidacy Committee and Synod Council to zoom. The Interim Ministry Retreat and Staff Retreat for September at Lutheranch has been cancelled. The Convocation for October has been cancelled. And there will be no in person meetings at the synod office at this time. Staff will travel only if necessary. We will readdress this again at the end of October. I am also encouraging each of you for God’s Work Our Hands Day on September 12th that you think of acts and ways of service that would offer aide to our neighbors without gatherings. One of the best ways we may think of this day of service is helping people find COVID testing, getting vaccinated, offering care baskets to those who work in the medical field, etc.
 
I now urge all congregations to wear masks indoors (whether vaccinated or not), and get vaccinated if you are eligible.  Advocate for the science behind the vaccine and its importance. Do not make it about politics, for in doing so, people may choose not to seek to receive this lifesaving vaccine. Instead, follow the CDC guidelines, and think strongly about phasing back to mitigate the risk and spread of this virus within your community.
 
Hospitals in all four of our states in this synod are becoming overwhelmed again; just as they were at the start of this pandemic. We cannot afford to regress. We must all fight to mitigate all risks, fight this virus, and help to ensure all who are able get vaccinated.
 
Please seek guidance from our synod COVID page: https://www.elca-ses.org/covid We will continue to offer synod sermons weekly to give your pastors a break and those are translated into Spanish and made available through a 1-800 line. Please also look at this page for resources from our ecumenical consultation, the CDC, World Health Organization, videos from around our synod, and sites offering vaccines.
 
Let us pray.
Facing the coronavirus, we pray
              for all who mourn their dead
              for the thousands who have contracted the virus
              for all who are quarantined
              for those who are stranded away from home
              for those who have lost their employment 
              for those who fear the present and the future
              for children who cannot assemble for school
              for parents with needs for child care
              for physicians, nurses, and home health aides
              for hospitals and clinics
              for volunteers who are serving their communities
              for medical researchers
              for the Food shelters and relief organizations. . .
              for adequate and wise governmental policies. . .
              for all the other things we lift now in lament. . .
              and for those who work tirelessly for a cure.
 
 
Journeying Together with you, so we do not lose heart!

In Christ,

      
      +Bishop Kevin Strickland

 

p.s. To download a PDF of this letter, CLICK HERE

 

ELCA-Southeastern Synod

Physical Address and address for UPS and FedEx
c/o St. John's Lutheran Church
1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA, 30307

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 400
Decatur, GA 30031

Phone: 404-589-1977
Fax: 404-521-1980
Email: synod.office@elca-ses.org