Greetings! Time for a weekly update!
So, to give an honest opinion, I doubt that we will resume full in-person worship until late July at the earliest, though much will depend upon what is happening at the time.
The biggest hurdle is that if we move into what is known as “Phase 3” of the plan for Illinois to get back to “normal” that we still won’t have groups larger than 10. It is also under the bishop’s guidance that we will not have singing in worship, as I understand it, until “Phase 5”. I will be in touch to begin discussing being able to meet in small groups, but the issue with worship, even if we plan it in 10 person groups, is that anyone who is over 65, has respiratory issues, or has compromised immunity should still not join in gathering. If we all stop to think about it, that greatly limits us. I may look at doing small meetings at various times once we enter the appropriate phase, which will include registering for the time we gather. This will not be for Sunday worship, but we can look at Sunday School, Bible Study, small groups, and possibly having small groups meet for communion and prayer. However, this will not be until June. I also must have everyone realize that I will count on most days as 3 people because of my kids. So, we will need to keep that in mind. I know this is a difficult time and that it feels like this has been going on a very long time. But I also know that as I’m writing this that my county has seen over a dozen new cases of COVID-19 just this week. I have been praying for all of you. Please contact me with any questions. I have my phone with me almost all the time.
There are copies of the Upper Room available in Greenup in the box. You can also find the current issue online.
Annual Conference has been rescheduled Friday August 14th and Saturday August 15th. General Conference is going to be next year, and I will have more information about that later.
I am still looking for pictures and music to share in services. I’m happy to share prayer requests, video, or anything you would like to share. If you would like to use the church to record music for service, please contact me so that I can give the best guidance I can for both social distancing and recording format. I take your safety very seriously!
As we continue in the current stay at home order, we are also facing economic problems. 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. Also, please be aware of scams involving door to door solicitation and also over the phone calls about bank information. The IRS will not call you. Medical professionals will not come to your door. Please be safe.
I will be continuing to have our worship services online and in print! 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. I cannot stress enough that the church is still active and we are still together.
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. If you do go out, please follow all distancing guidelines, and if you can, cover your face. Please let others know, and together we will all see this through safely. This is a very real and very serious pandemic. Please do not share false information about it. It only works to undermine the people doing the dangerous work of trying to keep us all safe. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them or direct you to a source that can.
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