Women of the ELCA’s churchwide president Lisa Plorin and its executive director Linda Post Bushkofsky are closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus and its implications for the upcoming convention (July 14-16) and gathering (July 16-19).
“To be honest, the virus is preoccupying my thoughts these days,” Bushkofsky said. “With circumstances changing rapidly and with attendant uncertainties, the considerations are many. Of course, the health and safety of our participants is a priority.”
At this time, Plorin and Bushkofsky agree that the best approach is “to proceed with both events, to engage vendors and service providers in conversations about the ‘what ifs’ and to consider alternate plans, should they become necessary.”
The churchwide executive board will discuss the issue when it meets via video call on April 25.
Leadership is tracking all travel restrictions issued by the U.S. Government, information and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The organization will continue to provide updates as we know more. If you have any questions, please contact us using the contact form at the top of the site.
We also encourage you to sign up for Bold Connections to receive the latest updates by email.
Helpful Links:
Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash
reply
retweet
favorite
The Sheraton just cancelled our room for the Gathering.
Hyatt just cancelled mine also guess thats the answer.
I am taking a proposal to the churchwide executive board at its virtual meeting this Saturday (4/25) that would postpone the convention and gathering. It seems the hotels have gone ahead and acted, anticipating that the board will accept the proposal for a postponement. It’s not official yet. We will make appropriate announcements once an action has been taken.
any news yet on the cancellation?
Hyatt cancelled mine too.
Do we have a decision about the convention and gathering? Hyatt cancelled our reservations as well.
We should have heard something by now, and it doesn’t seem possible that we could have the gathering with that many people that close together in July! Maybe the convention can have a virtual business session!
I tried to get more details about the status of my hotel reservation but never received a response from the company handling this. I have checked about the epidemic in Arizona, and found that is of some concern to the population (especially those on the Navajo reservation.
Lillian, you can contact the hotel directly and inquire about your reservation. I’ll end this comment with those phone numbers. I will say that I know the Sheraton is officially closed as of yesterday and currently intends to reopen June 1.
I know that yesterday the governor of Arizona issued a stay-at-home order that becomes effective today and extends to April 30.
I am actively in conversations with all the Arizona-based partners with whom Women of the ELCA has contracted. I will be reporting back to the churchwide executive board when it meets April 25; the board intends to make a decision at that point.
Sheraton: 800-325-3535
Hyatt: 877-803-7534
Can you tell me which hotel is closer to the event. Jane Harrison, Platteville WI
In California and most other states people are “sheltering in place” and only going out if they have an “essential job” such as working in a grocery store or pharmacy, building homes for people who need housing and driving trucks to get medicine, food and other essential items to the places where people can buy or pick them up. People are maintaining social distancing of 6 feet in stores by waiting patiently in line as designated by an X or ____ (line) on the floor. These X’s and lines are 6 feet apart. Frequent handwashing and not touching your face are also very important. Handwashing should be at least 20 seconds so sing “Happy Birthday” twice at a medium speed or time yourself. Also remember to take good care of yourself… get plenty of sleep and rest … at least 8-9 hours each night. Eat healthy protein-filled meals and drink lots of fluids, especially 8 glasses of water per day and extra fluids on top of that if you are drinking other things.
I DO THINK THE BEST WAY TO BEAT THIS COVID-19 VIRUS IS TO FOLLOW ALL LOCAL, STATE AND CDC/FEDERAL GUIDELINES AND SOCIAL DISTANCING IS VERY IMPORTANT AT THIS TIME. PLEASE LET’S BEND THE CURVE AND BEAT THIS VIRUS IN A NON-PARTISAN, SOCIALLY AND RELIGIOUSLY RESPONSIBLE WAY!
Take care and stay healthy!
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND HELP US ALL – PAM
Thanks for this information. If you have not yet registered, is it wise to register at this time or can we wait and see if the Gathering is happening July 16-19?
Pam, there’s no harm in waiting. The executive board expects to make a decision by the end of April.