Today we started to figure out how to handle the requested COVID-19 church shut-down. In case you missed it...our Bishop Karen Oliveto has requested that we follow the recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and suspend in-person church activities, including worship until at least March 31st. Last night the CDC recommended suspending in-person gatherings larger than 50 people for 8 weeks.
After I stopped freaking out over how much we would miss if we suspend for 8 weeks, I decided that we'll just have to take things as they come. We're "off" for two weeks from worship--then we'll have to re-evaluate going forward. My main concern is keeping everyone healthy--especially those who are at greater risk from this new virus.
So what can I send out to offer a sense of calm in the midst of this worldwide sea of anxiety? How about Philippians 4:6...
These next weeks will be an exercise in TRUST for all of us. Our faith calls us to trust in God above all else, knowing that whatever may come, our Lord holds us close in love. We may indeed feel anxious about day-to-day details and the ways our lives have suddenly changed. But God promises us strength to meet the challenges of every day, as well as hope for every tomorrow. In the ultimate sense, we don't need to even be afraid of death. The promise of eternal life is what inspires us to live fully each and every day.
Prayer Requests for Today: Patricia Lacey, who is stuck in Guatemala after flights to the U.S. were canceled. Doug and Cindy Conger--Doug has ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and is approaching the end of his earthly life. Joe and Mary Ann Keesee and family--Joe has received a bone marrow transplant and is responding well, but will remain in medical isolation for several more weeks.
Please feel free to send me prayer requests to share with our First UMC community. We are connected by Spirit even when we are physically apart--and praying for each other is one way to keep that connection strong.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
After I stopped freaking out over how much we would miss if we suspend for 8 weeks, I decided that we'll just have to take things as they come. We're "off" for two weeks from worship--then we'll have to re-evaluate going forward. My main concern is keeping everyone healthy--especially those who are at greater risk from this new virus.
So what can I send out to offer a sense of calm in the midst of this worldwide sea of anxiety? How about Philippians 4:6...
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your
requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving
thanks.
These next weeks will be an exercise in TRUST for all of us. Our faith calls us to trust in God above all else, knowing that whatever may come, our Lord holds us close in love. We may indeed feel anxious about day-to-day details and the ways our lives have suddenly changed. But God promises us strength to meet the challenges of every day, as well as hope for every tomorrow. In the ultimate sense, we don't need to even be afraid of death. The promise of eternal life is what inspires us to live fully each and every day.
Prayer Requests for Today: Patricia Lacey, who is stuck in Guatemala after flights to the U.S. were canceled. Doug and Cindy Conger--Doug has ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and is approaching the end of his earthly life. Joe and Mary Ann Keesee and family--Joe has received a bone marrow transplant and is responding well, but will remain in medical isolation for several more weeks.
Please feel free to send me prayer requests to share with our First UMC community. We are connected by Spirit even when we are physically apart--and praying for each other is one way to keep that connection strong.
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
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