Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you! It’s with great excitement that I write to you in anticipation of our face-to-face worship relaunch date on July 5th. First, thank you to all of those who’ve sent in their responses from the previous poll. Your input has aided our preparation and informed our discussion about how we’ll navigate worship in the coming months. I very much look forward to seeing your faces on Sunday mornings! Secondly, thank you for your patience on a number of levels as we’ve adjusted (and still are adjusting) to a new rhythm, and thank you for your consistent generosity. Your contributions (monetary and otherwise) have sustained and furthered our mission and ministry in the community and beyond!
As an addendum to the action plan that was mailed in May, the church’s relaunch team has included the information below as a means of keeping you informed and helping our Sunday worship experience to be as seamless as possible. Here are some items you may be have been considering:
“I know we’re relaunching on July 5th. What time is worship?”
For the foreseeable future (at least through the summer months), we will hold one worship service at 9:45 am in the main sanctuary (mentally make this 9:30 as it will take longer to be seated. Ushers will seat you front to back). Why one service? Based on the data we’ve received from you, the main sanctuary/family room can comfortably and safely accommodate those who’ve indicated that they’ll return to worship in July. In the event our attendance makes minimum capacity tight, we’ll consider more than one worship time. Furthermore, holding one worship service rather than two significantly cuts down on the measures we’d have to take in order to clean and sanitize between services. For some, 8:30 am worship is too early, and for others 11:00 am feels too late. Therefore, 9:45 am is a happy medium…but it should go without saying that anytime is a great time to worship the Lord. If God has provided you the gift of a new day, can’t we provide the Lord our clocks and calendars for at least an hour?
“Will we celebrate communion on the 5th?”
No. For a few reasons: Firstly, we’ve not yet received our individually sealed communion kits. We’ve placed an order on a supply of them that were recently backordered. Secondly, there is still no real consensus from church leaders, clergy and lay folk regarding a practical, safe and meaningful way to celebrate The Lord’s Table. I know participating in the sacrament is very important as is a mechanism to properly share communion. Once we receive our shipment of kits, we’ll continue dialogue and hopefully, by that time, establish a safe and sustainable plan.
“What’s expected of me when I return to worship on-site at CUMC?”
It is expected that you will wear a mask—either one you bring from home or one that we can provide for you. Some say, “I’m healthy and I’m not worried about getting sick.” As a body of disciples who follow in the way of Jesus, however, we must understand that worship isn’t about us—it’s about the Lord. We’re also mindful of the moral imperative to seek the interest and well being of others around us. We love our neighbors as ourselves in an expression of our love for God. Let’s live this!
Others contend, “A mask is too messy; it’s scratchy and it fogs my glasses.” We understand. Know that it’s anticipated that masks will stay on. However, if it becomes too stuffy, you can elect to simply pull the mask past your nostrils for easier breathing and less fogging.
While we very much look forward to sharing the same worshipping space and seeing familiar faces, it is expected that you’ll maintain the appropriate distance throughout worship and you’ll cooperate with ushers regarding seating as we’re trying to avoid unnecessarily stepping over folks to find our “favorite spot.”
Lastly, it’s expected that if you experience or are showing any of the much publicized symptoms of COVID-19, please STAY HOME.
“I’m still uncertain about worshipping in person. Will worship still be streamed?”
Absolutely. As it now stands, we are prepared to live stream (simulcast) our 9:45 worship. We’ll also record that service and re-stream it all 11 am via the church webpage. We’re also in discussion of possibly streaming the recorded 9:45 service at an evening time—likely 7pm. As always, you can always find the archived service in the sermon section of the church webpage (christwheeling.org) or on Facebook (Christ UMC, Wheeling, WV).
As an added bonus, we have created a new Youtube channel dedicated to Christ UMC sermons and other related content to the church. This comes especially handy for those with smart TV’s that have Youtube apps where you can view sermons directly from your television. All recorded sermons since COVID-19 quarantine restrictions were established can be found on this channel. You may find the Christ UMC Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjW3HgvW_KkaOb54pei4dsg?view_as=subscriber Please be sure to visit our new Youtube channel and subscribe!
“I’m not computer savvy. Is there a way I can remain plugged into worship?”
Yes! In fact, if you don’t have consistent digital access to worship, please call the church office (304-242-2455) and leave a message for Chelsea Young, our Director of Communications and Digital Media. In your message, state your name and mailing address and we’ll be sure to send you a DVD copy of three or four of our most recent services.
What about my Sunday School small group? What course of action is CUMC taking to ensure that my children stay “spiritually fit?”
We continue to place a high priority on spiritual formation opportunities. A global pandemic can certainly challenge those priorities, but it will not change them. If you’re currently part of a small group and you’re interested in meeting in-person, we encourage groups to meet AFTER worship at 10:45 am (maintaining 6ft distance & masks). We’ll be asking small group leaders/facilitators to take the initiative and schedule with members of our small groups if you are to meet after church.
Perhaps you’d like to meet, but it’s not feasible to do so in-person. Maybe there are members of your small group that want to meet, but feel unsure about returning to face-to-face meetings. That’s fine! CUMC has purchased a ZOOM account and Pastor Jake is able to set up your next video-conference upon request. Group leaders: Contact me personally, send me the email addresses of your group participants and we’ll easily schedule your ZOOM meeting.
On that note, parents, we’re looking into ways (via Zoom) that we can be in consistent communication with you and your children. Soon, our Christian Formation Team will gather to discuss how we can digitize our curriculum and perhaps engage your kids with fun activities and lessons online or via video chat. Be on the lookout for more information very soon!
We’re in a unique time. But remember that you’re not in it alone, we will navigate the coming months together and we’ll do so with our eyes ever focused on Christ Jesus and the path of discipleship that awaits us. May the Lord richly bless you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
In Christian Love,
Pastor Jake Steele