Pastors;
I’m sure that this time and the “busyness vs idleness” is an odd thing for you to negotiate because it doesn’t fit our habituations… It’s much like an Airline pilot describing flying; “Hours of boredom punctuated by sheer panic of taking off & Landing”
The District office would concur…. Kevin has been experiencing frenetic pace in especially with working with GoldenBell and attempting to find ways to keep the ship afloat. With “0” income for the camp and retaining staff and insurances etc. it is an incredible balance… Some churches have participated to give some support! THANK YOU!!!
And overall at the district we have been fielding concerns and wrestling with financial exceptions for churches that are on the bubble with loans etc. and working on District Assembly as to “How” or “If” we can pull it off….
To the point at hand; Many are asking about what recommendations are for their local churches …
I’ll keep it simple because you all are being bombarded with ideas/suggestions/commands/guidelines….
There seems to be bit of confusion about worship, is it permissible or not, size vs social distancing practices etc… and the Presidents guidelines vs the Governors “Stay at Home” guidelines…
But suffice it to say that ministers and houses of worship seem to be in a bit of a privileged class.
So the following is what I’m discerning from the “regs & guidelines”;
- Pastors Home visits, i.e., “In-person pastoral services” are allowed for crisis but one provision I read says that PPE (Personal Protection Equip) required… The Governors statement below only recommends “social distancing” precautions and that the “shelter in place” or “Stay at Home” order allows you as pastor to be an “Essential service”
- Virtual Online worship highly suggested; This is a statement from the governor (See below); Houses of worship/Faith Communities may remain open, (not advisable until further notice) but must practice social distancing or use electronic platforms… this is where I hear the President saying 10 or less and social distancing… but the Governors guidelines are that it’s open and Online Virtual services recommended… You can read the statement directly here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/colorado-releases-updated-public-health-order-include-other-critical-services
- For those who can broadcast your message from home for the next two weeks, that might be best. We always want to set an example of “best practices.”
- If you must broadcast from the church, explore ways to reduce the required number of people on that team to under 10.
- Thank you for all you are doing Pastors to lead and serve in the front line trenches during this time.
-DS Dave Ralph
Just prior to the Governor limiting gatherings to ten or less, the camp began to experience cancelations of groups. Once Public Health Order 20-23 was implemented all revenues to the camp were eliminated. When the camp is closed all incoming revenues cease. Golden Bell immediately implemented all possible cost saving measures, including those that directly impact staff. Covering only essential functional costs requires approximately $36,000 a month. This is our camp and the people who work there are our people. They need us now more than ever. Would you be a part of the miracle God is in the midst of providing?
Would your church, or individuals within your church, consider sponsoring part of the survival of Golden Bell? Our concern is that groups lost during the shutdown are lost for at least this full year. There will likely not be a chance to regain those lost revenues. Even once the shutdown is lifted, how quickly will guests and groups return? We are trying to immediately raise enough funds to support the camp for at least ninety days. Below are the sponsorship’s representing the immediate need.
Sponsor Golden Bell for one month – $36,000
Sponsor Golden Bell for one week – $9,000
Sponsor Golden Bell for one day – $1,200
Sponsor Golden Bell for one half day – $600
Sponsor Golden Bell for one hour – $50
After supporting your local church, you can give online as a guest through the district website through this link. You can also give through the Golden Bell donation link. Mark your donations for children 12 and under and receive 50% credit toward your Colorado State taxes through the FYI Income 35: Child Care Contribution Credit. See attached flyer for details.
God has always provided, and we believe He will again. I just listened to my pastor preach about God’s provision to Elijah through the widow of Zarephath. My He use you in a similar way.
-Blessings to you all,
Kevin Compton, Golden Bell Executive Director
