Hello friends!
I hope you read the letter from Tim and me sharing the decision to not hold in-person church gatherings until March 25.
During that time we will leverage technology to gather in the Spirit and experience God’s love and saving grace. [Clicking this link will take you to live online worship. The Gathering service streams at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, the Sanctuary at 11:00 am, and eleven:eleven at 11:11 am.]
This is a difficult and uncertain time! I certainly hope it is the only moment in my life where the church postpones in-person worship.
Now I’d like to spend a few minutes reflecting on this moment, not just as a leader of a large, urban church, but as a Christian searching to experience this moment in the light of Christ.
The good news is that the vast majority of people reading this email would likely experience a Covid-19 infection as little more troubling than a common cold. Even in the event that no steps were taken at a local or national level, billions of people would likely survive the coronavirus in perfect health.
The steps being taken by our community are not out of fear but out of an abundance of love for those who would not.
Core to our Christian identity is a spirit of community and togetherness. We visit those in prisons, provide for those in need, and care for those who are sick or weak.
We are at a moment as a church and as a city where we can disrupt our daily lives as an act of mercy and compassion for our brothers and sisters who are more vulnerable than ourselves. Some might call that an act of fear, and I confess that there is plenty reason to feel anxious.
But acting in the interest of others is love, and now is a time to exhibit that love in abundance.
This Sunday and next we will have a special service of the Gathering you can join from the comfort of your home. We will approach this special season head-on, bringing a word of hope, purpose, and grace that speaks to our shared experience. I’m so thankful the blessing of technology allows us to worship together this way.
On Monday, my Brown Bag Bible Study will also meet online. Visit fumcfw.org/zoom to join from your computer or mobile device.
Finally, keep a lookout in your email and social media feeds for more content from our pastors and ministry leaders. We are thinking deeply about how to use this time and our available tools to continue to grow in faith and share the good news of Christ.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns, please reach out to me by responding to this email! Though an abundance of love calls us to keep physical distance, I feel closer to you all than ever.
God bless y’all!
