SPECIAL EDITION
Dear Friends,
I wanted to give you some updates regarding our continued re-opening plans for the church facility and share some news about a new
in-person worship opportunity!
As you may recall, Bishop James Swanson had previously asked all United Methodist Churches in Mississippi to cease any in-person worship gatherings in response to the significant rise in coronavirus cases. This week, the Bishop and Conference leadership issued updated guidance to allow for in-person worship under certain conditions. The Executive Committee, the lay leadership of our church, met this week to review these new guidelines and discern what our best next steps are as a church family.
While the coronavirus pandemic is still serious and uncertain, the Executive Committee believes we are now able to resume in-person worship in a responsible manner. So, I'm excited to share that we are launching a new worship service starting Sunday, August 16.
We're calling it Sunday Morning Chapel. Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. we will gather in the Sanctuary for a time of worship. This will be a 45 minute service that will include music, prayer, and a sermon. It won't look exactly the same as our Traditions or Connections worship, but will be an opportunity to once again gather together for communal worship.
The Conference has also instituted guidance to limit gatherings to 25% of capacity, mandate the wearing of masks, and refrain from congregational singing. We will also be conducting temperature checks and asking people who feel ill to remain at home.
Additionally, we are going to ask that you sign up online or call the church office to let us know that you're coming as it is important for us to monitor the number of people in the sanctuary. We feel there will be plenty of room for those who want to attend and remain at a safe distance from others who are not a part of your household. We'll be sending out more instructions so you'll know what to expect when you arrive and can feel safe while you're here.
The Conference has asked churches that choose to return to in-person worship to meet for four consecutive weeks, before increasing capacity. So, if all things go well, we will continue holding Sunday Morning Chapel through September 6th, and then make needed expansions to our in-person worship opportunities.
Also, the Conference has asked churches not to return to in-person Sunday School just yet. And, there will be no nursery, kids, or youth activities, but all ages are welcome to the chapel service.
We will continue our Online Worship Service for our community. So, on Sundays at 10:00 a.m., you can continue to join us for worship from the comfort of your own home.
This coming Sunday, August 9th, at 3:00 p.m. we are inviting all of our ushers and safety team members to come to a special training in the Sanctuary, to walk through our health and hospitality procedures.
Finally, this coming week, we will expand our church office hours to our previous times of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to try and limit the possibility of Covid spread, our staff members will be on site at staggered times so it’s still best to call ahead if you are wanting to meet with a particular staff member. Also, for the safety of our church staff, teachers, and Weekday children we ask that you wear a mask and refrain from visiting if you are ill.
Again, be on the lookout for follow-up instructions and more information! And, as always, continue to be in prayer for our world, the health of our community, and for an end to this pandemic.
Grace and Peace,
Ricky
