COVID-19 Response
December 7, 2020
We will continue to hold remote-only services through the end of the year and into January. As we move forward, we will continue to reassess the situation, reviewing the CDC, the Oregon Department of Health, and the Governor's requirements and recommendations.
April 24, 2020
The Zion Leadership Table is extending the closure of the church based on the Governor's restrictions on large groups. As we move forward, we will continue to reassess the situation, reviewing the CDC, the Oregon Department of Health, and the Governor's requirements and recommendations. We will continue to meet for services via Zoom.
March 20, 2020
Zion Leadership Table has carefully discerned, based on current recommendations and mandates from the Oregon Governor’s office, to continue the suspension of all church gatherings and activities until April 28, which coincides with the current restrictions on school attendance. Although we are very hopeful that restrictions will be lifted by then, we will continue to monitor this situation and make further decisions and adjustments at that time. The church offices and entire church building will remain closed, with staff working from home and online during normal church office hours. All activities, including Sunday services, special events, meetings, quilting, youth activities, gym use, etc. are suspended until further notice.
As we continue to care for each other and our church family, we are also caring for our physical church building. Our regular cleaning company did extra cleaning this week, which included a disinfecting and sanitizing wipe down of the dining area, all fellowship areas, all door handles, push plates, handrails, door jams, light switches, and other typical places where people put their hands.
As always, if you have questions or concerns or know of someone in need at this time, please contact Bill, Jana, one of the Elders, or a member of the Zion Leadership Table.
March 13, 2020
Dear Zion Mennonite Church,
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled…”
While our community, nation and world faces the coronavirus pandemic, our desire is to love one another. Loving one another is to do the best we can in helping people stay healthy. The Zion Leadership Table decided the best way to help our church stay healthy is to cancel all church events for the next two weeks.
All activities including Sunday events, meetings, quilting, youth activities, gym use, etc. are canceled through Saturday evening, March 28.The church office and building will also be closed with staff working from home and online during normal church office hours. We may need to extend this time and we will update you regarding further closures and cancelations. If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact a member of the Leadership Table.
We are here for you and we will stay connected with you during this time. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Pastors and Elders are available to help you, (please see contact information below).
We recognize people in our broader community are being affected by the response to this pandemic requiring the closing of schools, businesses and social services. The church can play a significant role in meeting the needs of our community at this time. We are prepared to help the broader community. Please be in touch with people you know who may need help and let us know how we can support them.
Conference Minister, Katherine Jameson Pitts, in a letter sent to churches states, “Remember, God is with us wherever we are. We are church not just on Sunday mornings. Canceling services in areas where there is community transmission is a gift to those around you and a way to love your neighbors.”
Blessings,
Pastor Bill and Pastor Jana
Contact information for Pastors and Elders:
Pastor Bill Blank: zionpastor.bb@canby.com, 717-826-2203
Pastor Jana Gingerich: zionpastor_jg@canby.com, 503-577-9789
Jodi Hansen, zionmc@canby.com, 503-915-5879
Elders: Stan Oyer, Andy Coulombe, and Karen Tro
A prayer from Mennonite World Conference:
We pray for people in the U.S and around the world impacted by coronavirus. We pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who have been quarantined and are feeling alone. We pray for healing for those who are sick. We pray for safety, strength and compassion for medical workers who may be overwhelmed caring for those who are battling various illnesses, and workers who are exposed to greater risks. We pray that our public officials act with compassion and wisdom as they work to contain the virus. We pray for those without access to health care, and for those who don’t know how they will make it if they get sick and can’t go to work. We pray that your peace will guard our hearts and minds so that we are not overcome by anxiety and fear.
God, inspire in us ways to show your love to one another and to ourselves. Guide our hearts and our actions to greater care, kindness and generosity in the midst of these fears and uncertainties.