Dear ABCNJ Family,

While we talk about re-opening church buildings, I want to remind everyone that “The Church” has never closed! I am so proud of what our ABCNJ churches are doing during this pandemic. Stories of how our congregations have found ways to remain connected with members and ministries within the community, while practicing physical distance, have shown the continued power the Body of Christ serves in all situations.

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy outlined a multi-stage re-opening plan for businesses, offices, and activities within New Jersey. Murphy stated that we are entering “Stage 1” (https:// www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200518a.shtml). The Governor did not include gatherings in church buildings, and dates for future stages are not yet identified. However, this does not preclude us from having conversations about the safety measures that need to be in place to re-open our church buildings.

We have several resources available throughout the region on re-opening. The amount of available information on re-opening is overwhelming. Next week we are holding several small group gatherings for our pastors and leaders to discuss the challenges of re-opening. We will provide a discussion guide for church leaders that will be shaped by the questions and topics brought up in those gatherings.

We understand that re-opening our buildings will be different for each congregation. Your geographical location, size of your building and building configuration, and congregational size need to be considered. Please know that our first and foremost priority is the health and safety of our congregations. Caring for the Body of Christ and our towns and cities require that our congregations continue to participate actively in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and together work to minimize potential future waves of infection and death.

My friends, we are Baptists, which means each church will need to make their own decision for returning to their building. However, my sisters and brothers, I want to encourage you not to be in a hurry to re-open. Do not neglect to follow safe and appropriate guidelines. I encourage you to be discerning in your conversations and think of timetables that will protect the most vulnerable in our congregations and communities. We must do everything within our power to protect and care for those who are most susceptible. Refraining from in-person gatherings at this time is a responsible pastoral and loving response.

In these anxious times, we are asked to wait. Our waiting has little to do with “stages” but has everything to do with compassion and mercy for one another. In these anxious times, I want to remind you that Jesus calls us to “love our neighbor.” We are to love as Jesus loved. This means we need to be mindful of others, take care of, protect, and support one another in our congregations and our communities. In these anxious times, we are called to love one another, wait on the Lord, and continue to be The Church!

Please know that your ABCNJ staff is here to support you during these anxious times. Together we can discern the safest and most pastorally appropriate way forward for our ABCNJ congregations. We continue to pray for you and hold you in the Light of Christ.

Walking by Faith Together,

Rev. Miriam Méndez

Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor