Thoughts on this pandemic range from complete denial of its existence to total in-home lockdown. I have heard them all. All conspiracy theories, all total death projections, all forms of dismissing it, anger at government for shutting down the economy and now to churches that ignored the order having nearly their entire congregation sick and people dying. We all sit somewhere on the scale. As for me, I seem to switch back and forth every week and more recently, every day. What we can do and learn in this time are the deep themes of Christian spirituality and ethics.
Christian spirituality is the gift of finding peace in our hearts and lives when the world around us is filled with chaos. Whether the chaos is war, death, brokenness or pandemic, we are given the chance now to refocus our lives on God and a peace which passes all understanding. Prayer and isolation are critical. Use this time to rediscover God.
Christian ethics is the quest to do God’s will in this world. At the top of the list, is love for each other. Wherever you are on this scale of understanding this pandemic, make compassion your guide. We are all trying to figure it out. Grace upon grace is needed. Don’t lose your compassion and insist on your way.
Here is the plan for Glen Cary as it stands right now. We will worship outside in the parking lot for as long as we can. It has been fun and gives everyone the chance to be safe. The building of Glen Cary will be used only for staff with a few exceptions. We must take a wait-and-see approach to all the activities that happen in the fall: youth and family programming; Harvest Dinner; social outreach; mission team activities; 150th anniversary worship. All things are on hold. Let your spirituality kick in and find peace in the uncertainty. Be patient and grace-filled. Eventually, on God’s time, a new normal will emerge. Keep the faith and remain strong.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Gary
Christian spirituality is the gift of finding peace in our hearts and lives when the world around us is filled with chaos. Whether the chaos is war, death, brokenness or pandemic, we are given the chance now to refocus our lives on God and a peace which passes all understanding. Prayer and isolation are critical. Use this time to rediscover God.
Christian ethics is the quest to do God’s will in this world. At the top of the list, is love for each other. Wherever you are on this scale of understanding this pandemic, make compassion your guide. We are all trying to figure it out. Grace upon grace is needed. Don’t lose your compassion and insist on your way.
Here is the plan for Glen Cary as it stands right now. We will worship outside in the parking lot for as long as we can. It has been fun and gives everyone the chance to be safe. The building of Glen Cary will be used only for staff with a few exceptions. We must take a wait-and-see approach to all the activities that happen in the fall: youth and family programming; Harvest Dinner; social outreach; mission team activities; 150th anniversary worship. All things are on hold. Let your spirituality kick in and find peace in the uncertainty. Be patient and grace-filled. Eventually, on God’s time, a new normal will emerge. Keep the faith and remain strong.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Gary
To open or not?
There are pros and cons when preparing to reopen the church during a pandemic. Below are some of the concerns of which we need to be aware.
These are some of the issues the council is now struggling with. According to our insurance carrier, protecting pastors and staff is vital. They recommend continuing drive-in/outdoor worship services and/or video services, limiting volunteers and visitors inside the building, wearing facemasks, and frequent washing and sanitizing of hands and surfaces. We also need to put in place a reporting protocol in case someone develops Covid-19 symptoms.
The Church Council invites your input as we move forward during the upcoming months.
- The need to adhere to local public health department or governor decrees.
- What are the legal liabilities? Our insurance does not cover claims due to Covid-19. That insurance is very expensive—on par with flood insurance.
- Worship services would be shortened, and would include social distancing and either no or limited singing of hymns.
- Following maximum capacity guidelines. Who would turn away those who come after our quota is met?
- Screening of all who attend. Who would be responsible for turning away those who may be symptomatic?
- If using a phased approach, who would be excluded: elderly, immunosuppressed, etc.? This includes many in our congregation.
- Infection control. If more than one service is held, deep cleaning will need to be performed between services.
- Would facemasks be mandatory.
- No serving of food or beverages.
These are some of the issues the council is now struggling with. According to our insurance carrier, protecting pastors and staff is vital. They recommend continuing drive-in/outdoor worship services and/or video services, limiting volunteers and visitors inside the building, wearing facemasks, and frequent washing and sanitizing of hands and surfaces. We also need to put in place a reporting protocol in case someone develops Covid-19 symptoms.
The Church Council invites your input as we move forward during the upcoming months.
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