The following letter was sent to SNEUCC Pastors on March 12:

Dear Pastors:
 
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46
 
This is a time when we need to say this to ourselves over and over again.   It is one of those touchstones, a reminder that in times like this moment that we can rely on God’s presence and accompaniment.  It is that blessed assurance we need in times of trouble and uncertainty.
 
As your Bridge Conference Ministers, we are keenly aware of how the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting you and your ministries.  We want you to know that we value your leadership in the churches of the Conference.  These are uncertain and challenging times and we know that there is so much information and misinformation in this day and age to process that it is overwhelming for many among us.  We are holding you in our prayers.  We are working with Conference staff to find ways to support your ministries and to pass along reliable information from the medical field as well as from state and national guidelines for how to proceed and gather in these days.
 
Things are changing rapidly as we walk through this time together. You may feel a little out of balance, off kilter if you will.  You are not alone.  We need one another.  We need connection and we need to be aware of the ties that bind us to one another.  You need to take time for your own care and to nurture your spirit.  We will try to find ways to utilize technology to make connections if we cannot meet together in person for this time.  
 
We stand alongside you as your companions in the faith.  Let us build one another up.  We see you.  We know you face challenges.  We care about you and we value your ministries and the impact that your leadership makes.  It matters.  In the days and weeks to come we promise to pray for you and to continue to lead as best as we can. 
 
Remember,  “God is our refuge and strength.”  We give thanks for YOU.
 
Lenten blessings,
 
Marilyn Kendrix
Don Remick
Kent Siladi