Dear Michigan Employee:

March 17, 2020. With the rapidly changing pace of new protocols and guidelines from state and federal authorities regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Conference urges all members to be vigilant and informed by checking often with official state and federal authorities. Listed below are several links:

• Federal - CDC
• State - Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
• What to do if you get COVID-19? MDHHS Response | CDC Response

The executive order (2020-11) that was issued by the state governor last night, states that “all assemblages of more than 50 people in a single indoor shared space and all events of more than 50 people are prohibited in this state.” The 50-person limit remains in effect from today, March 17 at 9:00am through April 5 at 5:00pm. In consideration of both state and federal protocols, the decision has been made to cancel all conference-wide events through the month of April. They include:

• PBE Union Level and PBE Division Level (decision made by the Lake Union Conference and the North American Division, respectively)
• Women’s Ministries Retreat (all weekends)
• Impact Day (April 4)
• Prayer & Fasting (April 5-7)
• VBS Workshop (April 24-26)
• Adventurer Fun Day (April 26)

Again, we are asking that all entities of the Michigan Conference abide by the guidelines recommended by the CDC and state authorities. 

Employees and personnel that serve on various Michigan Conference boards and committees will be notified should the meeting move to a video or phone platform, or if the meeting is cancelled through the month of April. 

Churches

As stated, we ask that churches abide by the state executive order and avoid shared spaces of more than 50 people. We are requesting local church leadership to adapt and modify their previous protocols that were based on the previous Conference release that pertained to gatherings of 100 or less. 

Larger churches will need to limit their worship services to a maximum of 50 individuals, such as those involved with the live-streaming service, or home-based worship gatherings through April 5.  

For tithes and offerings, please continue to take advantage of Adventist Giving Online. Video instruction for online giving is also available. You may also mail your checks to your local church. If these options do not work for you, please work with your local church leadership.  

Travel (Church employees only)

We are suspending all work-related releases or trips that involve interstate and international travel through the month of May. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. 

Conference Office

In accordance with protocols for entities like the Michigan Conference, the office will remain open at this time. 

May God continue to lead us during this unprecedented time as we seek to be a light in darkness. If you have any questions, we invite you to email us at: communication@misda.org.