Dear Church:
After a meeting today with CitySalt leaders and considering the latest developments surrounding the Coronavirus, we have decided to proceed with canceling all public gatherings and events including our Sunday evening services for the next four weeks. We believe this step will align us with public health recommendations and supports a larger collective effort to minimize the potential spread and protect our most vulnerable citizens.
I understand that many of us are grieving the loss of many normal routines, yet the human spirit is creative and resilient. Also, God is still at work among all the disruptions and distress. This national emergency affords us a unique opportunity to reconsider priorities and a new chance to practice spiritual disciplines and traditions like Sabbath-keeping, stillness, solitude, silence, rest, devotional reading, and prayer while providing loving care for loved ones, neighbors and co-workers.
At this point, our goal is to keep our normal 5:30pm Sunday time slot as a dedicated time for gathering online through a live video stream via our Facebook page. This is a relatively new idea for CitySalt, but we are excited to explore this and other tools that can help us stay connected and support each other through this season.
In the meantime, we will be working to implement the following:
Prayer Requests - As needs arise, you are welcome to share prayer requests that can be forwarded to our intercessory prayer team. You may send requests to Pastor John Rice by completing the Google Form at https://forms.gle/cTJqH6gGZaKVEvdC8.
Phone Tree Check-Ins - As a proactive expression of care, we are in the process of mobilizing a team of people who will be calling and texting those in our church directory to stay connected and informed as to each other's needs. Be expecting a call in the days ahead. If you don’t hear from us, there is a chance that we don’t have your information. To be sure, you can complete the following Google Form to share your information with us. https://forms.gle/RMusWjtuhK3AqW8WA.
Facebook Live Video Stream - This resource allows users to stream live video through Facebook and will be new territory for us. We will be exploring this tool and hopefully using it to keep you connected and encouraged in creative ways. If you don’t have a Facebook account, consider signing up or we will look for alternative ways for people to connect through an internet connection. Link: https://www.facebook.com/citysalt/
Social Media Support - Our leaders will continue to explore and implement social media tools that enable us to connect online for Triads, Bible Studies and other group meetings. If you need assistance with setting up and using your smartphone, tablet or computer to connect through one of these apps, feel free to call our church line at (541) 632-4182 or email at info@citysalt.org.
Benevolence Fund - There will likely be financial needs that will arise for individuals and families as this health crisis impacts our economy. In addition to your regular giving to support CitySalt, you can make a tax-deductible contribution specifically to the Benevolence Fund, that is dedicated to providing assistance to those with practical needs. To make an online contribution, you can visit https://www.citysalt.org/give. Or, if you prefer to write a check it can be mailed to CitySalt Church PO Box 5830 Eugene, OR 97405.
We will continue to use our website (www.citysalt.org), Facebook page and group emails to provide you with updates as more information is available regarding events, creative connections, or practical ways to serve those in need.
If you have any questions or would like to request a meeting with a pastor, please feel free to contact Mike D’Eliso at (541) 632-4182 or mike@citysalt.org.
Together in His Grip,
Pastor Dusty
(on behalf of our Church Council and Leadership Team)