Dear Florida Conference family,
As we progress through another new week, our prayer is for continued healing in our country. We press on in these uncertain times with a renewed sense of our mission as a church and as members of the body of Christ ministering to a broken world. Let us continue to walk together as one, remembering that, ultimately, God is in control. If you haven’t already, we invite you to take a few moments to join your Florida Conference leaders as they open their hearts on this important topic in a video message:
Video response to social injustice: https://youtu.be/FZdGk5ng-ZM
Last weekend, the Conference also released an official statement, which is posted on our website. Printed statement on injustice: https://www.env-floridaconference-fcoldweb.kinsta.cloud/george-floyd-statements.
We know these issues are important to the world and to you, our church family. Please know they rest heavy on our souls as well.
In planning for more ways to bring our Savior’s love to bear in these times, our pastors and church leaders have begun forming plans for the reopening of our churches. We have previously issued guidelines to assist them in their planning process, but each church is unique in size, configuration, and membership. Please understand that because each church is different, they will not all reopen at the same time. Ultimately, the decision regarding a reopening date lies with the pastor and the local church board, and will be based on the needs of each specific church. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to your local church leaders. We urge patience and understanding for these leaders during this process. It will take considerable time and preparation, since the safety of our members is of utmost importance.
Meanwhile, the same careful consideration is being given to plans for reopening our schools for the coming 2020-2021 school year. We encourage each of you to engage with your local schools in the registration process as they roll it out, so you will be fully informed and prepared when the time comes.
As we close, remember that even though the path before us may be cluttered with difficulties, our God is greater than every trial we face. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3.
May God bless you always,
Florida Conference Administration