Update To COVID-19 Reentry Directive
From The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry

July 31, 2020

Dear Friends,

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the state of Michigan, Governor Whitmer has issued a new Executive Order prohibiting groups greater than ten people from gathering indoors. This order is in effect in our state until further notice.

What does this means for us?

For the safety of all, beginning Monday, August 3, 2020:

The Episcopal bishops and ecclesiastical authorities of the state of Michigan advise that no more than 10 people, including those people involved in leading worship services, videoing and or live streaming worship services, may be present in the building at the same time.

We advise that worship take place outdoors (limit 100 participants) and/or online.

This recommendation will remain in place until further notice. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Canon Hardy at jhardy@edomi.org.

Stay safe!

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry
11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

An Updated Pastoral Directive From Bishop Perry

March 24, 2020

A Note from Bishop Bonnie Perry

March 11, 2020

Friends,

In light of the growing concerns over COVID-19, sometimes referred to as coronavirus, I want to share some resources and best practices for both your congregation and your everyday life. The information below comes from the Episcopal Relief & Development, The World Health Organization, and the Center for Disease Control.

Our role in responding as churches, dioceses, and compassionate Christians, is to:

Combat fear with knowledge in order to encourage preparedness and decrease stigma.

In fact, 20% of all common “colds” are Corona viruses. Symptoms for COVID-19 are respiratory in nature and can include coughing, sneezing, and chest congestion. At this time, older adults and people with compromised immune systems or chronic diseases are most at risk. There is no known significant pediatric risk. COVID-19 is more contagious than the flu, and less so than the measles. The virus is transmitted through cough or sneeze droplets.

The best practices for preventing the spread of most viruses are to wash your handsregularly, cover your sneezes and coughs, and to get your annual flu shot. “Well” people do not need to wear face masks.

Maintain operational continuity and continue worship life in the case of potential quarantine and disruption.

We strongly recommend that you:

• Encourage everyone to come to church services and events, UNLESS they are sick. There is no need to cancel service or church events unless there is a community-wide action to cancel school or local events.
• Develop or enhance ways to minister to those who are sick, but still want to participate. These can include livestreaming services and developing e-giving methods.
• Determine who are at risk parishioners and reach out to them in advance. Those most at risk are our elderly, health care workers or first responders, those with chronic health conditions, and marginalized workers without sick day compensation or medical insurance.

The best practices for reducing the spread of viruses are:

• Basic hygiene – wash hands for at least 20 seconds.
• General cleaning and sanitation: regularly clean altar rails, bathroom handles, elevator door buttons, and door plates and handles
• Refrain from handshakes during the Peace
• Intinction poses a greater health risk than the common cup; consider not intincting
• Train the altar party to thoroughly wipe inside and outside of chalice
• Require that everyone in altar party to use hand sanitizer before the Liturgy of the Table
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Consider offering the bread only as full communion
• Remove all “soft” toys from children’s areas such as dolls, stuffed animals, blankets, etc.
• Stay home if you are ill

Show God’s compassion and care to those in our communities who are affected.

• Provide for the financial needs of those without paid sick days
• Take special concern for vulnerable community members in our midst. Those most at risk are our elderly, health care workers or first responders, those with chronic health conditions, and marginalized workers without sick day compensation or medical insurance.

When You Cannot Attend Worship:

In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated. I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.
From The Prayer Book of the Armed Forces (1988)

We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops, and we will communicate with you further as necessary.

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry
11th Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan

From Bishop Don Kreiss

March 17, 2020

Click to access Bishops-Letter-March-18.pdf

March 12, 2020

Dear Friends of Southeast Michigan Synod,

Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Over the past weeks, we have experienced increased concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the significant health issues associated with it. Today we have official confirmation of the first two documented cases in Southeast Michigan, one from Wayne and one from Oakland County. Given the way this illness spreads and the challenges around getting tested, it seems likely that there are other cases among us that have not been confirmed.

This leads us to the great Lutheran question: What does this mean?

• First, I ask everyone to do basic things like washing hands frequently, covering their coughs appropriately, and staying home if they feel unwell to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
• Second, please be aware that the best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 are to employ some common sense precautions: 

1. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer.   
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.   
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.   
4. Avoid contact with people who are sick.   
5. If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.   

This leads to our second consideration: I want to emphasize that we uphold and place great value on fellowship. And while we want to continue meeting and worshipping together, we also want to make sure we are all doing what is best for one another, and especially those who have an increased susceptibility to illness. 

Here are other ways to consider your health and the health of others:

• Ask yourself, are you sick? Are you vulnerable to illness due to age or existing medical conditions? Have you been exposed to Coronavirus yourself? If so, it is wise to stay home. If you are unable to come to worship, perhaps there is a way to participate in worship from home. Is your congregation equipped with some sort of way for you to be in community with your congregation? 
• I recommend avoiding physical contact during the passing of the peace. For now, avoid shaking hands. Elbow or fist bumps are much better. Better still would be simply speaking the words to each other, “Peace be with you.” 
• In terms of Holy Communion practices? Those distributing bread and wine should wash with soap and/or sanitize their hands before and afterwards. It is my understanding that intinction (dipping) is by far the least sanitary method of sharing the wine. Consider distribution practices that involve the smallest amount of handling of the elements. And remember, according to Lutheran understanding, if one receives only the bread of Holy Communion, communicants still receive the full benefit of the sacrament. 

Finally, we ask that prayers continue for those who have contracted Coronavirus, those who are ministering to the ill, those in the medical field, those working on a cure, and those working on prevention. 

Together we face this challenge faithfully and courageously, knowing that we are beloved children of God. We place our trust in our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Questions? We will update from the Synod website as necessary www.semisynod.com. 

And by all means, continue to monitor the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/. 

Grace and peace,

Bishop Don Kreiss