Hello, Church Family!

Thank you for your responses to the regathering survey. If you haven't had the chance to respond yet, you still can until Friday, June 5th: online survey.

Regathering FAQ
 
When will we be able to regather?
This week, the Bishop met with a task force made up of members of the medical field, pastors from across the conference, and some members of the cabinet to put steps into place so we can gather together as safely as possible without putting one another at risk. They hope to provide a plan by this Monday, June 1st. https://www.holston.org/post/update-covid-19-task-force-14001622

Will we have in-person worship on the first Sunday after the Bishop gives the green light?
That will depend upon the required gathering restrictions in place at that time. The truth is that in-person worship with the current restrictions (six foot distancing, no singing, no nursery or children’s church, etc.) offers a vastly reduced worship experience. That said, we legitimately desire to be together with our church family, and we hope to achieve that by regathering small groups first.

Are other churches starting to have in-person worship?
Yes – some Maryville churches, that are similar in size to us, will be offering some in-person worship this Sunday, and we hope to avail ourselves of the benefit of their experience. No United Methodist Churches are having in-person worship.

Are we reacting in fear?
As Paul says, ‘by no means!’ We are following John Wesley’s first rule of “do no harm.” We are being careful and prudent as we strive to care about all of the people in our congregation. By staying apart for a while longer, and then exercising caution as we return, we are responding with compassion for one another.

When we regather, will we need to wear masks?
Yes – masks are part of how we will show our love for each other. Covid-19 is transmitted most efficiently by droplets expelled when you sneeze, cough and even talk. My mask will help to protect you and your mask will help to protect me.


1 st Church Congregational Survey Reveals Diverse COVID-19 Regathering Preferences

Approximately 180 Church members recently participated in an online survey, asking for feedback about regathering preferences, as clergy, staff and laity work together to determine next-steps in how First United Methodist Church of Maryville will regather for on-site worship.

The survey revealed diverse opinions and preferences.

When asked how congregants felt in general about the idea of returning for Church services, 49 percent reported feeling some level of enthusiasm or optimism about returning, while 50 percent reported feeling some level of caution.

Twenty-three (23) percent of survey respondents answered the survey only on behalf of themselves, in terms of being a “household” of one person attending Church services.

Fifty (50) percent of respondents indicated they attend Church along with one other person; 22 percent indicated they attend along with two to three others; and about 4 percent indicated they attend with five or more people. 
When asked what types of services and what scheduling they would be open toward attending (in a “check all that apply” multiple-choice question), late-Sunday morning “Traditional” service registered the highest response, with roughly 75 percent of the vote.

Interest was also expressed in numerous other offerings. 

The survey also provided a wealth of open-ended, “in your own words” commenting and feedback.

“We appreciate this insightful feedback from our Church family,” said Rev. Catherine Nance. “While we await final instructions on regathering from our Bishop, we want to remain ever-vigilant about the specific needs, desires and expectations of our congregation.”

Rev. Nance emphasized the need for each congregant and their respective family members to maintain awareness of their own health needs and individual risk assessments as they ascertain the most appropriate timing for a return to on-site services at 1 st Church. If in doubt, congregants are encouraged to consult their physician.

“As reflected in these survey results, various members of our Church family have differing comfort levels about returning for on-site services – and what’s best for one member of our Church family may not be best for another ,” said Rev. Nance.

“Our congregation can rest assured that our clergy, staff and lay leadership will follow available guidelines and best practices for as safe an environment as possible – but it will be important for all congregants to exercise caution, take appropriate steps toward their own self-care (physical distancing, hand-washing, masks, etc.) and understand that our return to Church will be a different environment for us all, compared to what was ‘normal’ pre-COVID,” she said.

More information will be communicated in the days and weeks ahead to help set and manage expectations, on returning for on-site services.

Congregants who have not had an opportunity to complete the 1 st Church online survey may still respond, through Friday, June 5th: