Fourth Sunday of Easter and Update from the BSNC
From the Bishop
On Tuesday morning, April 28th, almost all the Judicatory leaders of Iowa Churches met to discuss the Governor’s inclusion of gathering for “religious and spiritual events” across the state as part of her opening authorization. We were surprised at the Governor’s statement, having had no consultation with her as part of the decision, and all of us agreed that we could not go along with her optimism. I enclose the statement which we wrote in response to her action, being clear that as leaders of our respective denominations, we were not yet ready to let our congregations begin to gather in person. I reaffirm that position.
Each Tuesday afternoon I have been meeting on zoom with all the clergy responsible for congregations, and in the evening with non-clergy leaders responsible for congregations. They have been helpful occasions for us to express ourselves about the various issues raised by ministry in an age of COVID-19. Most recently our focus has begun to shift somewhat toward how we might best prepare for the opportunity to re-gather in face-to-face worship. I called for a Task Group to assist our thinking, and to help develop a plan of phased or seasonal re-entry. This involves many dimensions, including the thresholds important for safe and wise re-entry; the protocols to follow from public health guidelines as we gather; resuming conversation on how we worship (with some new safety protocols in place); reviewing what mission and ministry may look like as we continue into the next phases of the pandemic; learnings of being virtual Church and a more networked Church which we don’t want to lose; and discernment on what God is saying to us as Church and as messengers of Love in a globally interdependent community.
It has been the nature of the beast that “closure and re-opening” dates are moving targets. I had promised, in my Eastertide update, that I would review our policy by May 5 on staying home to worship and today am extending that policy through the end of May. I am aware of “kicking the can down the road” as we go along, and I sympathize with the frustration and impatience this engenders. We all look forward to the day when we can be safely gathered together in person around the altar to share God's feast. And, in this time, our primary concern must be protecting the health and well-being of all of our communities.
My own Sunday schedule will remain online through May 31. And I ask us to remain in place until the Task Group can provide for us some clear principles and steps for the dimensions referred to above, and on their view of local conditions. By May 15, we may all have some more clarity about whether the Governor’s estimates are proven wise, sensible and appropriate.
Until the Task Group completes its work (also hopefully by mid-May) to develop guidelines for our diocese on the principles of a phased re-entry into our buildings, I ask you to continue to meet online only, and to continue the season of creative witness and ministry that we are seeing develop in different ways across our diocese. After the guidelines are in place, congregations can begin to assess how and when they will re-open safely, in consultation and coordination with me and our diocesan chancellor.
In Christ’s love and peace,
+Alan
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa
Bishop Electing Convention Announced
Bishop Scarfe announces the date for the election of the 10th Bishop of Iowa in 2021.
Diocesan Online Worship Continues
This Sunday, worship will be offered by St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Des Moines at 10:00am and will be found online on the diocesan Facebook page, the diocesan Youtube channel , and will be available on the diocesan website . Call-in option for members who only have access to phones (participants on the phone will NOT be able to be heard but will be able to hear the service): 312 626 6799 and enter the Meeting ID as prompted: 365 765 527#
Bishop Search Survey Available Online
If you have not yet attended a Listening Session, been interviewed by a BSNC member, or completed a survey, the Bishop Search and Nominating Committee would like your input in an on-line survey. The survey is available at: https://iowaepiscopal.formstack.com/forms/diocesan_feedback_survey .
The committee will be developing a Diocesan Profile to inform prospective bishop candidates about our diocese and to help them discern whether they might be called to lead us. Your input helps us to assure that the profile reflects the part of the diocese where you worship and serve! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. For questions or other communications, you can contact the BSNC by emailing bishopsearch@iowaepiscopal.org .
A Word to the Church: What Would Love Do?
Read the letter to the Church from our Presiding Bishop regarding the rubric of love during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Companion Resources for Download:
Changes, Cancellations and Postponements
Summer Ministry School and Retreat will not happen this year. Due to COVID quarantine and safety concerns, Grinnell College will not be hosting events in June. Both SMSR and the Small Church Summit that was to be at the same place and time have been re-scheduled for June 25-27, 2021.
EPIC Summer Camp is Changing to Online. Read More
Commission on Ministry's May Meeting has been cancelled.
