Letter From the President Regarding COVID and Call to Action
We have received many calls and letters regarding the use of masks in church and congregational singing. I wanted to write you to clarify our position.
By Minner Labrador Jr.
President, UCC
Dear brothers and sisters,
As we reflect on 2020, it was a year of challenge like none we have faced in more than a century. Several of our churches have experienced COVID-19 outbreaks and members have gone to their rest. These are not faceless statistics of some far-off land — these are our family members, our neighbors, and our friends. These losses are increasing at an alarming rate.
We have received many calls and letters regarding the use of masks in church and congregational singing. I wanted to write you to clarify our position. Since COVID-19 was first detected in the Pacific northwest, it has been the position of Upper Columbia Conference to support and abide by state and local mandates regarding COVID-19. The health and safety of our members, neighbors, and friends should be among the top priorities of all churches.
As we enter 2021, the end of COVID-19 is in sight. Researchers estimate that, through vaccine use, the pandemic in the United States could reach herd immunity before the end of the year. This final push towards the end of this pandemic requires action from each of us. Here’s how you can help:
• We pray.
We can use this time to pray. We can pray for our medical personnel, who are exhausted from this year-long battle; we can pray for our government leaders; the researchers and scientists; our churches; our pastors; our educators; our students; and our members.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
• We act in brotherly and sisterly love. Wearing masks and taking other precautions while attending church and other public forums is for the benefit of our neighbor. We wear masks not out of fear, but out of love. Our actions literally communicate “I don’t like wearing this mask, but I do it for you because you are my brother and my sister.” Taking these steps are true acts of benevolence, as we are making sacrifices for the health and well-being of others. Extending grace towards pastoral staff and church board members is also needed. Our many church boards will need to consider love and grace as they determine timelines and how to best proceed in the interest and health of all of their church members.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.
• We continue the work of One More. Our work will never stop. If we are pushed into the streets — we minister in the streets. We use every method at our disposal. We use social media, we use video, live streaming, door-to-door, yelling from the mountaintops — however we can to reach out to our neighbors and develop a relationship with them to bring One More to the Kingdom. We must act!
“How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10:15.
Have courage, my brothers and sisters. Be diligent to His work. Please help make our churches safe for all who enter.
May God continue to bless this conference in all of our work to bring One More to His Kingdom.
Minner Labrador Jr.
President
Upper Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
For more information regarding COVID and the Upper Columbia Conference, see our COVID page.
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