We, as United Methodist Clergy in the Central Coast area of California, stand in solidarity against today’s violence at our nation’s capital, and hereby reaffirm the statement of Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church: Today is when the Congress of the United States certifies the votes of the people. This duty fulfills Congress’s constitutional role in the democratic process.   The peaceful transition of power is a pillar of representative democracy.  Even as we affirm the right to peaceful assembly, nothing must disrupt this democratic process.   We condemn the rhetoric fromRead More →

While we are anxious to have life return to “normal,” so far this summer we are continuing to see increasing numbers of new COVID-19 cases in California. Even so, we are considering how we could return to in-person worship. Our California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church has been testing re-opening protocols by working with 8 small churches in rural areas.  In weekly webinars, they are sharing what they have learned about the planning, training, and communication needed to provide a safe setting for in-person worship services.  (See more here.) In our church, a reopening plan has been developed by Matthew Hendrickson (as Chair ofRead More →

At the May Leadership Team meeting, we gave thanks that “the church” remains open and active despite COVID-19, even though we are unable to meet in person in our church facilities.  Looking forward to a relaxation in shelter-in-place, we brainstormed questions we need to consider as we prepare to return to in-person worship services.  For example: How many people can be allowed in the building at a time, and how do we limit them? Will masks be needed?  If yes, do we need security to protect from “mask deniers”? How to sanitize the pews, bathrooms, etc.?  How to keep bathrooms sanitized while the building isRead More →