Fwd: Please forward to the congregations

[lindashifflett]

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Lynne Humphries-Russ <pastor...@gmail.com>
To: JOAN COOK <joani...@comcast.net>, Linda Shifflett <lindash...@comcast.net>
Date: March 13, 2020 at 9:30 AM
Subject: Please forward to the congregations

Good morning, Brothers and Sisters.

We are in unprecedented times. There has seldom been a time that has shone greater significance for our faith and our love for one another than this time when we are being forced apart. I know you will give care to all who are in need, but please remember to care for yourselves equally. Keep in mind those airlines speeches that say to "put on your own mask  first so you can help the person next to you". I'm reminded of CPR training with that as well. God is with us and we will persevere!

As you well know, we're not holding church services for the next two weeks. I'm sure the Bishop will let us know what the plan is before the third Sunday comes. That's in keeping with my own date of reassessment on March 26. Let's all think of this as a time of renewal. Chapel has been cleaned and sanitized. Hopewell is halfway there and in the process of completion. Thank you to the Mission Team and Kathy for your hard work! We will return at the end of this time apart refreshed, renewed and ready to worship together.

My letter yesterday outlined our time of worship while we're not in the service at the church: the scripture readings, sermon and prayers will be available online on YouTube. You will have that available to you by Sunday evening each week, thanks to Dan for his hard work. When it's active, I'll send the link to you. For your peace of mind, for those who don't have the internet, I'll be mailing out a paper copy of it to them.

I'm able to visit any who are in need during this time apart. Upper Chesapeake (which includes Harford Memorial) has given permission for any clergy to visit patients. I called to verify that I'm able to make an appointment to see anyone at Citizens. Although t hose over 80 years old should use an abundance of caution and stay away from small and large gatherings outside of your own families due to the steep increase in potentially deadly results for the elderly from this virus, I am very willing to come to you if you need anything from the church. My phone is always with me. Please don't hesitate to contact me. A visit from me is at your own discretion, of course, if you are in need.  If any of that information changes, I'll let you all know.  

An additional concern during this challenging time is financial. The Maryland Board of Regents just announced that Marylanders should prepare for a recession after this period. Our churches have been facing a struggling financial picture in the past few years, and a recession can only spell more of a challenge. If you're able to continue your offerings during this time, it will be greatly appreciated . You're welcome to mail in your offerings to 3602 Level Village Road, HdG 21078. I will make certain they get to our Treasurers. We're always grateful for your support!

Please remember that all committee meetings which are currently scheduled are to be taken online for those who are connected to the internet. Download an app at ZOOM so we can do 40 minute online meetings over the internet. If you are not connected to the internet, you can call your committee chair who will get the information to you from the meeting. Check your calendars and read your emails to make sure you're available when it's needed. If the chair decides they're able to postpone the meeting or do it by email or phone, then they'll let you know. 

Small gatherings such as Choir, UMW and UMM (including Ladies Night Out and Men's Night Out), Bible Study, yoga, aerobics, and flute circle are cancelled during these two weeks, of course. I reiterate that Wendy Walstrum said that choir members have their CDs for practice for the cantata and for spiritual inspiration during these two weeks. The church is not to be used during this time for any of these gatherings.  

Thank you for your commitment to our churches through the giving of your time, talents, gifts and service. Your offerings of each is an outpouring of your thanks for the grace God has offered to you. Paul's words have come to me over and over during these days. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)"  I pray they give you courage and hope as they have given both to me.

Be safe, be healthy, and may God bless you mightily.

Pastor Lynne 

Grace and peace.
Rev. Lynne Humphries-Russ

Susquehanna Charge of the United Methodist Church
410.952.2792 Cell