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Beloved,

We find ourselves in the heart-breaking position of holding worship online only this week.
Here is our plan. Although it may lead to some uncertainty and possible confusion, we have decided to evaluate the current data according to www.covidacttnow.org/us/washington-wa/county/walla_walla_county/ every week on Thursday, and make a decision about whether or not to worship in-person, and if so, what protocols need to be in place.

The latest guidance from our conference can be found here: https://greaternw.org/changing-course-as-covid-19-cases-rise/. When Pioneer returned to in-person worship last spring, we chose to follow Option 2, which allows some adjustments for local circumstances. Strictly speaking, we should be limiting any indoor gathering according to the risk level.

At a new case rate of 75 or higher, there can be no singing, and worship will be online only. Period. From 25-75, ensembles may sing if fully vaccinated, masked, and distanced. From 1-25, congregants may sing if fully vaccinated, masked, and distanced. When the rate falls below 1, limits on the number who gather for worship are lifted, but vaccination, masking, and distancing are still highly recommended. We have not found a manageable, equitable means of limiting the number of people in our sanctuary for worship. As you can see from the guidance, we have already been exceeding the recommended limits on the number of people who can gather indoors. We have reluctantly justified this because the numerical limits are based on smaller sanctuaries than ours. During December we had a couple of Sundays with more than 100 in worship.

As a wise man recently said to me, “God is big, is [not only] in church on Sunday, but in our homes and our very being. I think separation is best until statistics are in our favor.” We know this is difficult. It is probably a test of our faith, though I do not believe God causes suffering in order to test us. Still, the result could be that we come to know more deeply what holds us together. What I pray, and what I trust, is that we are held together by a commitment to the common good – the beloved community – the realm of God. Stay tuned for weekly updates.
-Pastor Paul and Pastor Danielle

Given the steady decline of COVID-19 cases in our metro area, we are pleased to welcome everyone back for in-person worship here at Pioneer! We have all been longing to be together, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come back together. So far, we have had one Sunday back together, and what a Sunday it was! Due to high winds and some power struggles, we had quite an adventurous Sunday. Thanks to our hard-working AV team, we carried on and had a great first service back together. We continue to ask everyone to work hard at wearing their masks, refraining from hugging and hand shaking, and maintaining social distance as much as is possible. We will continue to live-stream worship for those who wish to continue to worship online. Thank you all for your patience and understanding during these strange times. We look forward to seeing you in worship!

Blessings,

Pastors Paul & Danielle

We’re encouraged by CDC’s new guidelines and at what they mean for us all — that vaccines work and that vaccinated people are able to do more, safely. However, we will continue to adhere to the current advice from our Bishop and Washington State, which asks us to wear masks indoors and refrain from singing together. So, until further notice, keep those masks with you! We will let the congregation know as soon as we receive new guidance.

On Wednesday, May 26th at 6:30 pm, Pioneer will be gathering virtually and in-person for an All-Church Charge Conference to discuss the leasing of the Grace UMC property, pastoral salaries for our incoming ministers, and the establishment of the PUMC Endowment. You can attend virtually via Zoom Webinar or in-person. In-person attendees must register, as space is limited under current COVID regulations.

Click HERE on May 26th to join us virtually via Zoom Webinar

OR

Click HERE to register as an in-person attendee