Dear Friends in Christ,
We are living in challenging times and need to create new, adaptive ways to be in community as the church. Pastors and sessions in our presbytery are experimenting with all kinds of ways to maintain connection. Some are learning how to “live-stream” worship – now conducted on Sunday morning from an empty sanctuary except for ministry staff and perhaps a musician. Some are pre-recording a sermon, or thoughts upon Scripture and posting them to Facebook to watch “on demand.” Some are posting written reflections and sending them out through email. Others are adding weekly phone conference call check-ins with the congregation or developing care phone chains. Some members with the gift of compassion are sending cards regularly to vulnerable members. Some congregations are planning drive-by communion on Maundy Thursday and others are planning to hold Easter services in their parking lots, with members staying in their cars. These are but a few of the innovative options for worship and ministry that I have heard.
For creative worship options, please click
HERE
for a link to our website, which will be updated regularly as we become aware of new resources.
In regard to Presbytery activities, the Presbytery Council is advising that committees and group gatherings be held via video conference (such as Zoom, Skype, etc.) or conference call as long a social distancing is being advised by the CDC. If you would like to utilize the Presbytery’s Zoom account or conference call line, please contact the Presbytery office at 573-635-9221 or me by email at DebGP@mupresbytery.org.
Please stay up to date on the latest guidance from the CDC regarding the coronavirus, as you make either personal or church plans. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy!
Let us also be in prayer for health care professionals and government leaders working tirelessly to find ways to minimize the impact of this virus on our communities. Let us be in prayer for those around the world and in the United States who have already been diagnosed with the virus.
Remember at all times and in all places, “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). God is with us and will sustain us through even these uncertain times.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk