“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Psalm 133:1
This is one of the most difficult times that we have lived through as a community of faith and as a country and a worldwide community. The COVID-19 virus has turned our world upside down. So how do we respond as a church? What actions do we take to keep people safe?
I have been in conversation with our leadership team here at First United Methodist Church of El Campo. Together we have made the difficult decision to not hold in person worship services on site through Sunday April 5th . The CDC has asked for there not to be gatherings of 50 or more, and the White House has now asked that the number be no more than 10 persons. Our Bishop has asked us to follow the federal and local health and government authorities guidance. So we have made this difficult decision to not meet the following Sundays.
We will, however, be broadcasting a worship experience on facebook at Richard A Young facebook page as well as Fumc El Campo facebook. If you do not have a facebook account simply download the app or go online and sign up. This will be at 10:00 am Sunday morning on my facebook page and the church’s page.
Some of you may be saying, “I can’t believe we are closing the church!” Let me remind you that the church is not the building, it is the people. Remember the children’s song, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together. All of God’s people, all around the world, yes we are the church together!”
Together we are still the church for one another and our community. In this time of social distancing let us pick up the phone or text or email those who are most vulnerable and alone in this stressful time. Let us volunteer to go get groceries or other needed supplies for some of our elderly brothers and sisters. Let us pray for our neighbor and our community and our country and our world. Let’s be the church together.
Also as we navigate these uncharted waters, let us prayerfully consider continuing your loving support of your vows to this church, minus, of course, presence. But your prayers, gifts, service and witness are still needed as much now as always. Your tithes and offerings should be sent via USPS or online giving. To sign up for online giving go to www.fumc-ec.org and click the online giving and sign up.
This is a time when fear threatens to overwhelm us. But as the scripture remind us, “perfect love casts out all fear!” Let us stay close to Christ in this time of testing. Let us shine light in the midst of so much darkness. Rich Robertson put it this way, “Remember to be agents of peace, not agents of fear!”
Your fellow disciple,
Richard