March 23rd, 2020
If you did not know already, I have a very eclectic tastes when it comes to the music I listen to. I am as comfortable listening a thumping heavy rock sound as I am listening to the smooth close harmonies of bluegrass gospel singing groups. And I will happily listen to everything in between. Recently, I was challenged by a friend to compile my top twenty favorite albums of all time an share them with my friends on Facebook. Those twenty albums were proof of my eclectic tastes. Placed right in the middle of them was a compilation of gospel favorites sung by the king of rock and roll himself, Elvis Presley. The refrain from one of the tracks on that album has kept coming back to me over the last week:
“Where could I go, oh where could I go,
Seeking the refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to save me in the end.
Won't you tell me,
Where could I go but to the Lord?”
 
We are living in some of the most unsettling times any of us have known. Anxiety levels are high, and worry is genuine. None of us knows where things will end up by the time we are done with COVID-19. In such times we all need “refuge for our souls.” As the song says, we find that refuge in Christ. So be sure to make time each day to seek refuge for your soul in Christ. That might happen in the form of a daily devotional reading, or a Scripture reading. It might happen in time of quiet, centering prayer. Or it might happen in a telephone conversation with a close Christian friend, or a Zoom call with your small group/ Sunday School class/choir.
 Friends, one of the most important things we can do in this is remain connected to Christ and to one another in Christ. When we do so, we will, I believe, find that much needed refuge for our souls.
 
Blessings,
Pastor Charlie
After you watch the service, record your presence in worship by filling out our virtual attendance pad HERE. Even if it's not Sunday when you worship, i t helps us know who has joined us!
The form also gives space for suggestions about the virtual worship and a place to offer prayer requests.

Click the video at left to hear a special reading of Psalm 23
by four of our church members.
(Chris Twiggs, Wendy Gilvey, Brendan Twiggs, & Faith Twiggs.)
Memorial's Campus is Closed
Please remember that our church campus is currently closed. The pastors and staff are working from home as much as possible. You can call still the church office to get in touch with the pastors or staff at 904-261-5769 or email them directly.
ZOOM Classes & Groups
Your class leader will send you a link to the class. If you are interested in joining a class, please contact Pastor Carrie.

Tuesday - 12:00PM Drew’s Lent Study
Wednesday - 5:00PM Disciple Fast Track with Pastor Alyce (there's still time to join this class)

Wednesday Night Classes - 6:00PM – Faithlinks with Carrie Mac/ Gospel of John with Pastor Charlie/ High School Girls/ Middle School Boys

Wednesday - 6:30PM Chancel Choir with Joan

Thursday - 10:00AM Carrie Yoder’s Study Group

Sunday - 9:30AM Reading the Gospel with Andy Foote

Monday - 2:00PM Ensemble with Joan
Stewardship
Y our financial giving is very important to keep the ministry of our church going, especially at this trying time. Giving online is easy and a good option. Or, you can still mail in your offering. Contact the church office with questions.

 
Ways to GIVE @Memorial
  • Download the GivePlus app from Google Play or iTunes *
  • Donate Online at: mumconline.com/give *
  • If you bank through Thrivent, Memorial is enrolled in Thrivent Choice
  • Mail in a donation to Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034
 
*By using the app or website, you may designate your giving to the Operating Budget, Capital Campaign, General Missions Fund or set up automic giving.
Sandwich Ministry
Our Sandwich Ministry is still providing takeaway meals each Wednesday at the door to Maxwell Hall. If you need a meal or know someone who does, please take advantage of this wonderful ministry.
Memorial United Methodist Church is abiding by the recommendations of The State of Florida, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church by closing our campus, canceling events, and moving worship and classes online for at least three weeks. The church office is currently closed to visitors. Pastors and staff may be reached by phone (904-261-5769) or email. Our pastors, staff, and online worship team are continuing to practice social distancing and safe hygiene procedures when they need to gather.
 
We ask our congregation to please heed these recommendations: If you have underlying health conditions, avoid leaving the house and being exposed to others. Those at lower-risk should avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, practice social distancing (especially from those who are high-risk), wash your hand often, and avoid touching our face. If you think you may be showing symptoms of the coronavirus, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call your doctor BEFORE you go to see them. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
 
Looking after your mental health is also important during this time. If you need specific support in this you will find some here.  Our pastoral counselling ministry will also be available by appointment via phone and online. You can contact Pastor Alyce by email at PastorAlyce@mumconline.com or by calling:850-544-4826.