Greetings! Time for a weekly update! I would like to begin this week with a few matters of what is and is not happening right now.
As we continue in the current stay at home order, we are also facing economic problems. Legislation is being passed right now that will offer economic relief for some. However, we must be prepared as a church to support each other and support those in need. This may have a longer lasting impact than the virus and I urge everyone to be in prayer. Also, be in contact with each other. Please check in on people and let us remain a close-knit community, even when we are practicing safe social distancing.
In review, Bishop Frank Beard recently gave the Illinois Great Rivers Conference guidance which includes suspending in person services until further notice. The conference will be reviewing that decision periodically. To be honest, it will likely be mid-April or later before we are together again at the church building. I know this is difficult but remember that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Let us be extraordinary people of calm comfort during this anxious time. God will see us through.
There were also temporary guidelines for doing communion online. If anyone is interested, I would be willing to look at doing a live communion service on April 5th. I will be looking at what to do for Easter. I am thinking of putting together a short online Good Friday service as well.
The Governor’s “stay at home” order will last at least until April 7th. We will not be meeting until at least after Easter. Last week’s video message went over rather well! It is on YouTube and a link can be found on my website as listed below. I am also posting the information on the church Facebook page. If there is anything you would like to contribute, let me know! There will also be printed materials available at the churches to pick up. Please feel free to contact me for more information. If anyone is interested in doing music for any upcoming service, please let me know. There are many options for doing this. I can also share readings or any other video that you’d like to make part of the service. Participation is welcome!
Also, in this time we are still working to keep the bills paid, our missions supported, our apportionments met, and our outreach working. As such, we do need your continued financial support as part of the church. Offerings may be sent to your local treasurer or to the PO Box listed below. I can also arrange to pick them up if I am delivering anything to you. I am personally grateful for all your continued support in this difficult time.
If anyone is interested in online groups or interested in how to form one, I am available to help. There are free tools available to be able to still meet online for Sunday School or other meetings.
Please see the CDC website for information on the Coronavirus. Make sure to wash your hands, as it is the best way to keep from spreading the virus. If you are not feeling well, running a temperature, or otherwise seem to be taking ill, stay at home and let someone know. That way someone can check in if you get worse and you won’t risk spreading anything to others. If you are needing someone to pick up things at the store and don’t feel you should be out, contact a friend or myself. I will be doing shopping for people as needed for those who do not want to be out. I personally am volunteering as a younger adult who is not at high risk in order to help anyone who needs it. Please fell free to call me and I can make arrangements to help with anything you might need delivered. Please let others know, and together we will all see this through safely.
Please stay safe. You are all in my prayers. I will keep you updated as best I can. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Church Council Chair or myself.
Rev. Cameron D St.Michael
(316)530-3182 (call or text)
PO Box 54, Charleston IL 61920