Update From Pastor Barry
I pray this letter finds you well and adjusting to the current situation we all find ourselves in concerning COVID-19 pandemic. Since we have been unable to meet for worship regularly it has created a void in all our lives and left us limited in our communication and connection with each other as the Body of Christ. After sharing an email letter last week to those we have on our newsletter list then learning of the recent extended social distancing mandate I thought it best to send a letter through postal mail to reach more members. I encourage you to share the information enclosed with others since some may not receive this mailing.
In a recent email from Bishop Leeland, along with encouraging all churches to follow the guidelines put forth by the CDC and local leaders, he has mandated every congregation to:
“Please continue to discontinue services until further notice. We will monitor the CDC’s recommendations and will let you know when it’s appropriate to gather in person for worship once again.”
We did consider holding a parking lot worship on Easter Sunday as some other churches have done recently. But it seems this may not be in keeping with what Governor Cooper is advocating in his recent “Stay at home” order. The Bishop and Cabinet have sent a recent response to inquires about this.
“While we honor the desire to gather for worship in whatever ways might be possible, we believe that holding a “drive-in” service is counter to what the Governor is asking of us all. It both encourages people to leave their homes and could easily violate the restriction of no more than 10-person gatherings that has been mandated. Thus, we encourage you not to offer such services at this time.”
Many churches have discovered creative ways to continue to connect virtually through the internet. We have discussed and explored some alternatives, but are limited in resources and ability to offer what some other churches can do. So at this time we will not be able to gather for worship until the current restrictions are lifted. Hopefully we will soon be together in person to worship and fellowship.
I do encourage you to let this time away from each other strengthen your love and affection for your church family and to recognize how vitally important it is for God’s people to be physically connected to each other regularly and that as the Church we are more than a building and a physical location.
Since we have not been able to meet in person we are also not collecting regular offerings that support our day-to-day operations. The best way for you to support your local church is by mailing a check to the church mailing address listed above.
I know you will continue to join me as we pray for the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created around the world. Along with prayer, the very best thing we can do is continue to follow the guidelines and restrictions our local and national leaders are recommending.
Keep in touch with those around you. If there is a need the church can assist you or others with, please let me know. Thank you for your love and support especially in these most challenging times.
Barry
P.S. General Conference scheduled for May has been postponed. No future date has been set at this time. A decision about WNC Annual Conference will be made by May 1st. For more info concerning the United Methodist Church go to: www.wnccumc.org
