Dear Members and Friends of Grace UMC…
Please see the letter (click link) from Bishop McAlilly sent yesterday to all pastors and churches in our Conference.
As you can see from the Bishop’s letter, it is his counsel and recommendation that all congregations temporarily suspend worship and gathering activities for the next two weeks due to the Coronavirus which brings life threatening illness to those with impaired health conditions and to the elderly.
After consulting with our Counsel Chair, Kevin Schwab, our Lay Leader, Nathan Reed, and our own member/nurse Mary Ann Giampapa, and seeking the Lord’s guidance in prayer, I have determined to heed the Bishop’s recommendation. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do involves sacrifice. That is the case here. You are such a faithful congregation and I know that you so look forward to worship on Sunday, as well as other gathering events at Grace, as do I. My heart is heavy that, for the moment, and for the good of everyone, we must make this decision. But if this sacrifice of gathering together, saves one life, or even one from becoming sick through social contact – then I know this is Christ’s will for us in this circumstance. We are a small, but strong church. And we will soon be able to gather again. In the meantime, try to stay in touch with each other – this virus cannot be transmitted through social media, phone calls, or messaging and these are good ways to stay in touch without risk. I look forward to the day when I can call us back together again. We will be evaluating this decision week by week and I do plan to remain in touch with you.
In the meantime, please continue to pray for each other and for me as we deal with this crisis. Also, please don’t forget to continue to support Grace with your financial support as you would and do whenever you are not able to be present. Unfortunately, our expenses continue as usual. If you desire, you may drop by the church office with your offering or simply mail a check to the church. For now, our Secretary, Debbie Colgrove, will continue to maintain office hours, Monday through Wednesday, 8 am to 4 pm and Thursday, 8 am to noon.
As always, I am available by phone or in person for any need you may have, any time, as I am able. My phone is 731-513-0801. Know that you are in my prayers and that I long for the day – soon – when we can resume Grace worship and activities.
If you know of anyone who needs to know this message, but may not receive this email – please call them to let them know of this decision.
Thank you for the support I know I can count on from each of you. Know also, that I will be keeping you in my prayers as we weather this “storm” together.
Pastor Bruce
