A Message from Your Senior Pastor
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I must have skipped class on "How to Pastor During A Pandemic Day" at seminary. I did, however, make all A's in my church history class and that is why I know that, while this experience is new to us, it is not new to followers of Jesus.

One person of faith we can look to from history is the famous Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). Luther was a pastor at a time when pandemics were far more common than they are today, and I believe his words from the past are wise counsel for our future:

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death because of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me, and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God." (The Annotated Luther, Volume 4: Pastoral Writings, page 404)

Our Mothers and Fathers in faith have blazed a wise and compassionate trail for us to follow through the wilderness we find ourselves in. As an expression of our faith let's commit ourselves to Jesus' central teaching of "loving our neighbors as ourselves" by following their example and help "flatten the curve in our community.

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Donnie Wilkinson


P.S. I will continue to be in regular communication with you in the coming weeks to help you stay informed and let you know when we will be able to resume regular activities. Along with emails like this one, you can always refer to our website , Facebook page , and Instagram . And, don't forget you can still worship with us via livestream on Sundays beginning TOMORROW, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. I hope you will join us then.
How We Can Best Love Each Other
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
If you or a family member is sick, may have been directly exposed to the virus, or have traveled to a high-alert area (currently South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan), please follow the CDC guidelines and refrain from attending public events during the 14-day incubation period.

WORSHIP
  While meetings on campus are suspended, you can watch an abbreviated worship service via livestream this Sunday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES AND SMALL GROUPS
Adult Sunday School classes and small groups are invited to continue the church-wide study of The Covenant: A Lenten Journey . The self-guided curriculum can be found here . You can do this study with your family from the comfort of your kitchen table.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Our congregational care team remains committed to offering excellent care to our congregation but is suspending in-person visits to hospitals and nursing homes. If you get sick, have a death in the family, or have another emergency, please call the church office at 225-924-6269 and follow the prompts to leave a message for the pastor on call.

Please use this form if you have additional questions about Broadmoor United Methodist’s response to the coronavirus. You can also call Mary Saltzman at 225-924-6269.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
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