February 25, 2021
Dear Hamilton Mill UMC Family,
Oh, what a year it has been.
In the last 50 weeks, our world has been turned upside down and just about every aspect of our lives has been radically interrupted. In fact, just this week, our country passed the grim milestone of over 500,000 people who lost their lives to COVID-19.
It’s certainly not an understatement to say that this has been a year that has changed our lives forever.
This is why if there was ever a time when we need the season of Lent, it would be now.
Of course, that’s not just for the spiritual benefits that come with this holy church season, but it’s also because Lent comes from an Old English word, lecten, which means “Spring.” And spring means new life. Spring means resurrection. Spring means a new beginning.
As you may know by now, on Sunday, March 14th, we’re reopening the doors of Hamilton Mill UMC for in-person worship to start a new season of life and new beginnings at our church.
So what will Sunday mornings look like starting March 14?
The good news is in-person worship will have a very similar feel to how we did indoor worship back in November, as we’ll be starting with our 9:15 am modern and 11:00 am traditional worship services.
Of course, face coverings will be required, and our worship center will have staggered seating to allow for social distancing. Also, because seating capacity will be limited, all attendees will be asked to use the easy-to-use online registration system on our website, hmumc.org, which not only helps us estimate how many people to expect for each service, but it also allows us to better determine if/when more worship services need to be added.
We’ll also be including some key additions to our ministries:
Limited nursery and early elementary activities are being planned for children up to 1st Grade.
-
Children 0-3 years old will be in our nursery rooms on the 1st floor
-
Children 4 years old through 1st grade will be in The Rooftop on the 2nd floor
- In order to ensure safety for both our staff and our children, our numbers will be limited and registration will be required.
- More information about drop-off, pick-up, and safety protocols will be available on our website and communicated by our Kids Ministry team in the coming days.
Student Ministry will also resume Wednesday night meetings in-person for small and large outdoor group gatherings the week of March 14th
- More details will be available on our website and will be communicated by our Student Ministry team.
Of course, March 14th is just the start of our new beginning. As we look towards the future, we’re eager to add back all of our in-person missions and ministries as quickly and as safely as we can, including small groups, bible studies, Sunday School classes, hands-on mission projects, additional childcare, Kids and Student Ministry offerings, and more. We’ll be sharing that information with you as soon as it’s available, so keep your eye out for future church communications about next steps.
In the meantime, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the ways you’ve helped us persevere through a year unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. I know it hasn’t been easy and I know it’s been filled with frustration and tears.
But as God promises us in Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
I’m so grateful to God for new mornings! I’m grateful for new beginnings. I’m grateful for new seasons of life. And I’m especially grateful for you.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeremy
