May 13, 2020
In-Person Worship Preliminary Guidelines
Bishop McAlilly announces preliminary guidelines to prepare for in-person worship.

Update: masks are still needed at Le Bonheur Healthcare
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have been asking how they can help. One way is to make homemade face masks.

ASK THE DOCS Preemptive Planning for Public Worship
A forum concerning COVID 19 and public Worship for pastors and laity of all faith communities.

Mama Lynn Center, East Congo, Africa
From Bishop McAlilly: 40 recent graduates each received a sewing machine, thanks to support from a Sunday School class in the Nashville Episcopal Area.

Free Social Media Shareables
A collection of images was created by United Methodist Communications for churches to share on websites or on social media.

Ring the bells for Healthcare Workers
To encourage and celebrate frontline healthcare workers, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare invites churches to ring bells on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Online Weekday Bible Studies, Devotionals & Prayer Times
United Methodist Communications is building a list of churches offering these that will be posted on umc.org. To be considered for inclusion, email [email protected].
Lakeshore Camp
Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center announces SOME summer camp cancellations, but otherwise currently plans to open summer camp on June 8

Suspension of In-Person Worship Through May
Bishop McAlilly announces worship is suspended through May due to COVID-19. Click HERE to read Bishop McAlilly's message on his blog.
Questions to Consider to Re-Open Church
District Superintendent Dr. Rob Martin shared with pastors at the April 28 preacher's meeting questions to consider to re-open church to in-person worship.

How is your congregation adjusting & adapting to social distancing?
What new ways have you found to worship, share devotions & hold Bible study? How are you continuing to serve & reach out to your community? What new technologies are you learning & embracing to communicate & maintain your connection? Share your stories & pictures! Any word count is acceptable, but 100 to 200 words is ideal. Please include who, what, when, where, why & how. Email [email protected]

To read stories on Memphis Conference COVID-19 Resource webpage click here .
Pray for Healthcare Workers
Daily prayer for healthcare workers (called by Bishop McAlilly)

District Office Closed; Staff Working Remotely
The Purchase District office is closed. The updated plan is for the office to remain closed at least until Monday, June 1. Staff are working remotely and are available to conduct business by email and cell phones.

Cancelled and Postponed Events
In light of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines from our church, our state, and federal governments, along with WHO and CDC, the following events are cancelled or postponed.

Postponed:
2020 Memphis Annual Conference | Details
Worship Suspended through May | Details
2020 General Conference | Details
Coronavirus Preparedness
  • GCFA Resources during Covid-19 | Link
  • Memphis Conference Resource Page | Link
  • COVID-19 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services | Link
  • 6 Steps Your Congregation Should Take in Response to the Coronavirus | Link
Scholarship Deadlines
  • May 15 Memphis Conference Youth Council Application | Details
  • May 31 Mullikin Academic Scholarship | Details
  • Jun. 15 Anita Padgett Memorial Music | Details (deadline extended)
Conference Newsletter
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Online Worship Opportunities | Link
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The mission of the Purchase District is to discover, equip, connect and send lay and clergy leaders to join Christ's transforming, disciple-making work in and for the world.
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