UPDATED April 8, 7:15 p.m.
UM News distributed the following announcement in its Daily Digest regarding the disproportionate vulnerability of black people to COVID-19:
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
Virtual summit tackles COVID-19 response
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — African Americans are dying at a higher rate from COVID-19 than any other ethnic group in the United States. To better help African Americans deal with this pandemic, United Methodist Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century plans to have its first "Virtual Summit" April 9 at 1 p.m. CST. To register
Links to online worship
Conferences and other in-person gatherings may be cancelled, but Easter is still coming. To assist the celebration, United Methodist Communications has gathered an Easter basket full of links to online services, “Where to Worship Online," that stay-at-home members can join to celebrate the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“The best way to find an online worship service near you is to visit our Find-A-Church page which will show you United Methodist congregations in your community. Check out their websites to find any online worship opportunities available.”
UMCom also encourages members to keep up with their pledges, tithes and offerings for their congregation’s expenses, which continue even though in-person worship and other gatherings are suspended.
Why does COVID-19 hit black people harder?
As we head into the great three days of Holy Week, the thoughts of many are turning to the most vulnerable people among us during the coronavirus pandemic. Especially disheartening news came April 8: according to an article in the New York Times, “coronavirus is infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates, according to data released by several states and big cities, highlighting what public health researchers say are entrenched inequalities in resources, health and access to care.”
Even though these statistics are preliminary and there are still many unknowns, early indications are that gross inequalities in health care for black communities are contributing to the higher coronavirus rate. Black people often work in low-paying jobs that they must continue working to sustain their families. Blacks often have more underlying health conditions than other population segments that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19. They also face racial bias trying to get medical treatment.
Lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders present a good opportunity for United Methodists to ask questions of their own communities about health care for their black neighbors. At least three United Methodist agencies, Religion and Race, Church and Society, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, are good places to start for information. They offer ways to help even when stuck at home.
Jurisdictional conferences postponed
In conjunction with the postponement of General Conference to 2021, United Methodist bishops announced this week that U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences also will be postponed until next year.
In a letter to the West Ohio Conference delegation and alternates, the Rev. Paul White, secretary of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, announced that the dates for all U.S. Jurisdictional conferences will be set once GC2021 is scheduled. “The Commission on General Conference and the Council of Bishops are expected to release a combined announcement of both dates soon,” Rev. White stated in his letter.
Food pantries need help
Speaking of helping from home, food pantries across the United States are reporting shortages caused by extra demand from families that have lost their incomes. Please check with your local food banks to see what you or your congregation can provide – using social distancing and masks, of course.
Red Letter Christians keep looking outward
Of the dozens of devotional emails available at this time, the non-denominational group Red Letter Christians offers daily reflections, “Red Letter Wake-up”, that keep a focus on how Jesus instructs Christian to live in the world. It’s a good place for United Methodists to get a sense of how other Christians think and work. This week, regular contributor Dr. Mick Pope, an expert in meteorology and missions, has offered daily meditations on standing against the world’s empires, just as Jesus stood against the Roman Empire by declaring that only God is God, not Caesar. Here’s the quote for April 8:
Christ alone
Image courtesy of Red Letter Christians
Worldwide Virtual Choir Sings Easter Hymn During COVID-19 Pandemic
From Discipleship Ministries:
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of Christians from across the globe, including the United States, Africa, the Philippines and Eastern Europe, are joining together virtually to sing a celebration hymn for Easter Sunday. The Virtual Easter Choir Project will sing Christ The Lord is Risen Today, written by John Wesley in 1739.
“The United Methodist Church (UMC) produced the piece as a gift to the world, allowing all people to hear this hymn and celebrate Easter in their homes during this pandemic.
“…United Methodists from among the denomination’s 11 million members worldwide were invited to submit a video to be included in the project, and hundreds did – all ages, individuals and families, some singing in their pajamas and others dressed in their Easter best.
“The full Virtual Easter Choir video performance will be available Friday, April 10th here: www.umcdiscipleship.org”
Media Mentions as of April 8, 2020
Churches improvise as different Holy Week looms – UM News
Chaplains comfort and share grief during COVID-19 – UM News
How a new law helps churches with COVID-19 – UM News
COVID-19 challenges programs in North Macedonia – UM News
U.S. coronavirus restrictions create split among religious liberty advocates – Reuters
Drive-in churches an option for faithful who want closeness – The Associated Press
Churches covered under coronavirus economic relief package – The Salt Lake Tribune *
Coronavirus is changing the rituals of death for many religions– NPR
How do you celebrate a religious festival while social distancing?– BBC News
A few churches are defying bans on large gatherings. That could be bad for religious liberty – Christianity Today *
*Paid subscription may be required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. Send news of how your congregation or annual conference is meeting the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.