Ocala First Connection
Weekly Update
March 17, 2020
Dear Church Family:

As our global community continues to battle the Covid-19 (unique coronavirus) pandemic, and as we suspend in-person ministries in response, we will be sending more frequent communications with all of you. Look for a weekly email blast with information and updates, and keep connected to our social media and website for daily updates.

Our Church Office is open. Reach us by phone from 8 am - 6 pm, Monday - Thursday, or anytime through email.

Below are all the updates for this week (March 16-22).


Pastors Anne & David Fuquay

SUSPENSION OF IN-PERSON MINISTRIES
EXTENDED TO MARCH 31

On Monday, March 16, Bishop Ken Carter and the Florida Conference Cabinet asked all churches to suspend in-person ministries through the end of March. We had already suspended in-person ministries through March 28.
WHAT IS SUSPENDED/CANCELLED: 

  • All in-person ministries through March 31

  • Church picnic on March 29

  • All outside groups using our facilities

  • The Ocala First Preschool follows the MCPS schedule, which has cancelled everything through March 27.

  • Due to lack of preparation time, we will not have our Holy Thursday drama or Good Friday Stations of the Cross. We will offer simpler worship experiences instead. 

Additional Contingency plans will be developed next week.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE!

We will be gathering as a congregation online. See the links below to stay connected with your church family and your faith!
  • Watch for "The Daily Dave" with Pastor David everyday at 12 pm (noon) live on Facebook. He will be providing updates and information, sharing encouragement and inspiration, and welcoming some special guests.

  • We will mail a letter this week to all those in our congregation ages 65+ in an effort to connect with our members who are less likely to have email or be online.
KIDS AND FAMILIES - STAY CONNECTED!
Our Family Ministries Team is awesome!
WORSHIP WITH US!
Join us on Facebook, YouTube or our website for worship!

  • Sundays at 9 am for Contemporary Worship live from the Family Life Center

  • Sundays at 11 am for Traditional Worship live from the Sanctuary.

  • Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for Evensong Worship (praise, prayer, devotion), live from the Family Life Center.

FINANCIAL GIVING

Like many non-profits (and small businesses for that matter), churches operate on very slim margins financially. Any time our worship and community life is disrupted, our cash reserves begin to get depleted. As financial markets struggle in this pandemic, we share in that sacrifice by cutting our expenses as much as possible. However, we are committed to supporting our staff and being good stewards by paying our bills and other obligations.

We encourage you to continue supporting Ocala First United Methodist Church financially during this crisis. Please be as generous as you can, as many may find themselves in a place where they cannot give at all. If you are able to pay ahead on your pledge or make an extra gift this month, we would be so appreciative. Several members have already stepped up their giving and it has made a huge difference for us. We are grateful for you all in so many ways.

Gifts can be mailed or dropped off at the church office.
(1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, 34470)

You can also give online at any time!
PASTORAL CARE

If you need prayer or need to speak with our pastors or a member of our Care Team, please call the church office.

In-Person visitation is limited, if not suspended, for most care facilities, and we are all trying to practice social distancing to protect those most at risk from serious illness from Covid-19.

We will keep our prayer list updated. Our Pastors and Care Team will reach out with phone calls and notes.

We will provide in-person visits in an emergency.

All members are encouraged to check-in with one another regularly, particularly with those older members who are not online and may feel more isolated during this time.
LOOKING AHEAD

Given how rapidly things can change during a pandemic, our leadership and staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and adapt our plans as needed. We will keep you informed each step of the way.

Next week, our staff will begin making contingency plans for our worship and ministries if the suspension of in-person gatherings is extended into April or beyond.

These plans will include the possibilities that we may need to close the church office, or celebrate Easter online, or make other adaptations. While we hope circumstances will not requires these changes, we will be prepared.

Visit our webpage for updates, sermon videos and more!
[352.622.3244]  [info@fumcocala.org]  [www.fumcocala.org]