The Chimes
Church Hill United Methodist Church
11 Church Street, Norwell, MA 02061
(781) 826-4763
Pastor: Rev. Junsang Lee
The Weekly Word...

Dear Church Hill Family,
 
Last week, the church council had a zoom meeting to discuss “Church Hill Reopening Plan.” As a result of the meeting, the church council had made a decision not to open the church building, at least, until September 1. If you read the letter from Jerry Titus who is the chair of the Church Council, you would be able to see details about the decision. The letter is included in the Chimes and on the website.
 
I have been inviting you to be scripture readers for worship services. It is a way that you/your family are able to be a part of the service, making the service more meaningful and delightful for not only God but also other people. Would you please sign up for this ministry, if you are available?
 
 
This week, I will preach on 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3. How could we see the Holy Spirit in our daily life? What does it mean to live with the Holy Spirit? I hope that we could find the answers from the message this week.
 
I keep praying for you and your family.
 
In Christ,
Jun
In-Person Worship at Church Hill
 
Dear Church Hill Members and Friends,

Governor Baker is now allowing the reopening of places of worship if certain specific guidelines are followed. A link to the State of Massachusetts guidelines for this can be found HERE . The New England Conference of the United Methodist Church has its guidelines as well CLICK here. The New England Conference guidelines state that there shall be no in-person worship in the month of May. 

The CHUMC Church Council met using the Zoom platform on Thursday, May 21 to discuss how to proceed and what preparations would have to take place in order to have in-person worship after May 31. The Church Council voted unanimously that there would be no in-person worship at Church Hill until, at least, September 1.  There were many factors that went into this decision after a review of both sets of guidelines. A highlight of some of them were:

  • Maintaining 6-foot distancing with pews that measure under 7 feet.
  • The vulnerability of our aging congregation.
  • The possibility of costly disinfecting procedures before and after worship.
  • The requirement that all people wear masks for the entire service.
  • The requirement of no singing by anyone during worship.
  • The requirement of no fellowship after worship.
  • The fact that there is no good treatment or a vaccine for Covid-19 at this time leading to the belief that many vulnerable congregants will stay home.
  • What would worship truly be like following all of the various guidelines.
  • The excellence of the present on-line service produced by Pastor Jun which will continue.

The Church Council will meet again in early August to see where we are at that place in time. Things may have changed both on the local and national scenes. At present, we have a good online worship service with Zoom fellowship after for those who want to attend. We have written sermons and bulletins being sent to those who cannot access the online service. Whenever we reopen the sanctuary building for in-person worship we must try to do our best to ensure the safety and health of all who attend.

Would you have attended in-person worship in June if offered at Church Hill? Why or why not? Let me know by email: jtitus1@comcast.net or phone: 781-826-8661.

Blessings and stay healthy,
Jerry Titus
Chair – Church Council
May 25, 2020
OUTREACH
Tools/Seeds Fundraiser

We will be offering the opportunity to purchase Church World Service Tools and Seeds for Father’s Day this year. This Blankets + fundraiser provides us with an effective, concrete way to help people in need around the world. A $10.00 contribution to CWS Tools mean Church World Service will be ready to help families gain the resources and skills necessary to sustain themselves and their families and to build viable communities. During this Covid-19 pandemic, help is more important than ever. What begins as a CWS Tools/Seeds offering results in lives forever changed.  

We will be asking for your donation by June 14 th . If you would like to donate in honor or in memory of a loved one, we have gift cards available on the table of the kitchen in the Fellowship Center. Checks should be made payable to CHUMC and designated “Father’s Day Tools”; then mailed to CHUMC 11 Church Street, Attn: Deb Bailey. A listing of these gifts will be included in the bulletin on Father’s Day, June 21.
PRAISE & PRAYERS