The following is an announcement from the Bridge Conference Ministers:

We continue to monitor the current uptick in COVID-19 cases and deaths both in our region and around the country and globe.  And we have been consulting with our colleagues across the country and our interfaith partners within our region.  We continue to see the risk of people gathering indoors over an extended period of time.  As a result we have decided that the offices of the Southern New England Conference will remain closed until at least January 1, 2021.  Our staff have done extraordinarily well at adapting to remote work. And we are continuing to learn, innovate and adapt all along the way.  We are also monitoring the condition of our offices to keep them safe and to prepare them for the eventual time when we can open again.

This does not apply to our retreat and outdoor ministry sites and facilities.  They are following protocols and guidelines in strict accordance with local, state, federal and CDC directions. 
 
Along with the decision regarding our offices, we have directed all of our staff to continue to work remotely and refrain from any in-person gatherings that could put them and their loved ones at risk. Most of our Conference programming for the fall has already been shifted to an online platform. While there is some sadness and frustration in not having in-person connections, we are learning a lot and discovering new creativity in this pandemic world.  Much of that creativity comes from listening to the insights that we are all gaining and sharing.  For that we are grateful. 

Your staff continues to listen to the needs and grief and excitement and innovation, and questions and discoveries from all of you.  Even in this extended time of exhaustion the Spirit of God is moving within and among you: perhaps because of this extended time. 

Thank you

Your Bridge Conference Ministers
Marilyn Kendrix and Don Remick


Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash