Greetings Church,
As I write this, the sun is shining and birds are flying outside my window. I am grateful for these reminders of light and life. As we continue to practice physical distancing, know that I think of you often, and hold you in my prayers. Our staff and I are doing our very best to keep our church connected and informed. We’re learning new skills and brushing off old ones. Despite our distance, we remain, Together in Christ…Committed to Serve.
As we move forward, here’s what you need to know:
Our building is closed. For now, and until further notice, our building will remain closed to all activities. That means, no staff, small groups, meetings, events, worship on site, or preschool. I want to be clear, while our building is closed, our church is Open. We are open to the work of the Holy, in, through, and all around us. We are open to new ideas and finding new and familiar ways to connect. We are open to caring for one another and our neighbors. We are open to prayer, to mission and ministry.
Our building is closed, but we’re still worshiping.
We’re offering weekly worship, online, which means you can “go to church” in your pjs. I’m learning, week by week. This week, I’m hoping to add music, and maybe a candle. For those of you who have seen the video of the Scottish vicar, who while filming a devotional, calmly put himself out after catching just slightly afire, wish me well.
This Sunday, we’re trying something new, Zoom Coffee Hour, after morning worship. Worship will be on our website, and our facebook page, around 9:30. Then at 11am, we’ll have a virtual coffee hour. Depending on the number of participants, we’ll likely use breakout groups. Don’t worry, you don’t have to work it. It simply allows us to have conversations in smaller groups, rather than trying to hear 50 voices at the same time. Grab a cup of coffee, your favorite snack and click here to join Zoom Meeting. Or try One tap mobile +16465588656,,269722241# US (New York), or call +1 646 558 8656 US (New York). You’ll need the Meeting ID: 269 722 241
If you’re new to Zoom, I plan to be “in the room,” by 10:30 so we can work through some of the glitches before the whole group arrives.
And we’re still meeting, bur for now we’re doing it on-line, not in person.
We’ll be gathering virtually, using zoom, on Wednesdays at 5pm, to check in with one another and for prayer. If you need some help getting started with Zoom, let’s chat. Our topics are the same at each gathering, “Tell me something good. How can we pray for one another?” And then we close in prayer. It’s a little awkward, but it is so wonderful to see one another and hear how our community is faring.
We’ll be gathering for small groups, and teams, as each particular team works out how to do that best. I’m here to help. If you’re group wants a Zoom meeting, let’s set that up. Finance, SPRC and Church Council will be meeting next week. Hold us in prayer, as we navigate new technology and our current reality.
We’ll be using facebook and our website to try to share a variety of ways to stay engaged and connected in the coming days. John Greene has been sharing a weekly devotional. Michelle Sgarlat has shared uplifting videos. Perhaps you have a gift to share with our congregation. Let’s make it happen.
We have a connection and communication team that’s reaching out through phone, email, and text, much like the phone trees many of us remember. If you’re thinking, “I want something to do. Give me a list of people to call,” let me know. I’m happy to give you a list!
But what about Easter?
While I wish that we could be together for our Easter celebration, we must do what we can to keep one another safe. I’m working with Sonja to make our Easter on-line worship extra special, and hope to include some special music. Here’s what I really want you to know. Whenever we get back together, however long it may be, we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday. If it’s May or June, or later, we will celebrate the Risen Christ and the Reunited Body. We’ll sing, we’ll pray, and we’ll pass the peace, maybe a few times. We will celebrate and give thanks to the one who holds us now, in separation, and who will bring us back together.
And what about giving?
I’m so glad you asked. Our church continues to offer meaningful mission and ministry, and your gifts, tithes and offerings are important. Your generosity matters. We’re still paying staff and other expenses. You can sign up on our website to give on-line. Click here to donate or set up your pledge. Or, you can mail your pledge to the church. Don’t worry, the mail is being held at the post office, securely. I pick it up once a week, and deliver checks to Jane Gray our financial secretary for deposit, and bills go to our treasurer and bookkeeper, Ann German.
Dear Ones, I miss you. I miss seeing your faces and our every day little interactions. I miss hugs and handshakes and fist bumps. I remind myself, over and over again, that we’re doing this, hunkering down and practicing physical separation, out of our love for one another and our community. We practice physical distancing to keep one another safe and healthy. We may be separated, but I’m here to listen, to pray, and commiserate. Give me a call, an email, or reach out on Facebook. We’re in this together- the people of the United Methodist Church. Remember this, God loves you, and so do I. I’ll see you on Sunday.
Peace,
Heather
—