CORNOVIRUS
UPDATES
March 18, 2020
Dear Wesley UMC Friends and Family,
Peace be with you! (Or, as the angels would say, “Do not be afraid!”)
These are disconcerting times in the world right now, but we serve a God who is not surprised or unsettled by current events. We are taking precautions here at your church, and we want you to know what is happening.
-
Based upon the recommendations from the CDC and from our Bishop, we are moving to an “online-only” worship format for the remaining Sundays in March.
On both March 22nd and March 29th our worship will be online at 10:00 AM through our Wesley United Methodist Church Facebook account. You may participate live with comments and encouragement in real-time. If you are not currently following Wesley on Facebook, here is the link:
Later on Sunday, we will have the recording available for viewing on our church website. www.wesleymarco.org/sermons
This is a way that we can be in touch with each other and still be safe. As I like to call it, “High Tech, High Touch!”
Groups of over 10 will not be meeting here at the church.
We are working on options for online group meetings so that people can call in (audio and video) and still stay connected with the groups they participate with (i.e., Experiencing God, Bible studies, Small Groups, Committees, etc.) – more to follow.
We want to contact everyone in our church.
We need volunteers to help with this – if you are willing to be a caller and/or Team Leader (coordinating calls), please contact Nan at the church office (239.394.3734, wumcmarco@comcast.net to join in.
We are setting up more online giving options.
Currently, you can give through our website https://.wesleymarco.org/give
and we are working with VANCO to make it even easier. Thank you to those who have given in the past week online; we are definitely using your funds for God’s work!
WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor during this time. I pray for good health and peace for each of you and for our world. Prayer is more powerful than worry. I encourage you to turn your worries into prayers and into time with God’s word. You will be serving yourself and the world well. I also encourage you to let God’s light shine through you to those around you. God is at work in and around each of us. Look for opportunities to share God’s grace with those around you, and do not be afraid!
In Christ,
-
Rev. Bill Fisackerly, IV
March 13, 2020
Dear Family and Friends of Wesley United Methodist Church,
With the current health concerns throughout our world, we want you to know about the precautions we are taking.
First, We will be open for worship on Sunday. If you are sick please stay home, but for those who are healthy and want to worship together, we will be here for both services (9:00 and 10:30).
Second, here are the precautions we are taking at our church to ensure your safety:
-
Hand sanitizer is available at all entrances.
-
All pews/door handles are wiped down with Lysol or other disinfectant.
-
As hard as it is to do in a church, we will be limiting touching:
-
A friendly smile and wave instead of shaking hands/hugging
-
Not holding hands during “Eagles’ Wings” at second service
-
We have plenty of room for people to keep a reasonable distance
-
-
Communion will be simplified. We are using “best practices” for communion times, including extra precautions for our communion stewards to reduce potential contamination.
-
We are limiting our hospital/home visits, but would appreciate help with making phone calls to our homebound people! Please call the church office (239-394-3734) if you can help with this.
-
Instead of passing the offering plates, we will have a suitable substitute at the entrance of the church so that you may give either as you come in or as you are leaving. Online giving is always a good option – simply go to wesleymarco.org/give and follow the simple instructions.
In the coming weeks we will be offering more options for participating in worship online, but currently the sermon is available for you to listen to by going to wesleymarco.org/sermons
It is important to remember that GOD IS STILL GOD. We encourage CAUTION, not FEAR.
It is helpful to reflect on the story about the early Christians in the 4th century, who were able to make a difference because they chose FAITH instead of FEAR. While we should still take steps to ensure safety, how can God use our faith at this time to offer salvation to those around us? Our world still needs us to be quiet examples of courage, hope, and grace under pressure. Please listen to God’s nudges, and offer grace wherever you can.
In health and peace, (and the washing of hands!)
Rev. Bill and your Wesley UMC Team