Hope
©2009 Copyright Darren Tunniclif. Licensed Under Creative Commons
Online worship that’s taking the place of restricted in-person gatherings has raised once more the question of whether Holy Communion can be celebrated via the internet. Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy A. Johnson issued this response:
“I have been asked to address the issue of cyber Holy Communion. In the document ‘This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion,’ found in our 2016 Book of Resolutions it states the following: 'This Holy Mystery is characterized by the effort to avoid rigidity on the one hand and indifference on the other. Neither extreme is true to our heritage nor faithful to the Spirit who leads the church forward in the work of making disciples living toward the new creation.’ (p. 728) There is no place in this document that speaks about the consecration of communion elements through cyberspace.
“At a meeting of a group of United Methodist Bishops, (September 30- October 1, 2013) there was a call for a moratorium on all online sacramental practices. There were concerns about our ecumenical partners, that this [cyber communion] could be a stumbling block for some of our full-communion agreements. No formal, official statement has been issued about this practice lately. Now we are in an unusual time in the life of the world in which people are seeking connection with and through the Lord's Supper and are not able to gather in person.
“It would be my wisdom that we consider practicing the Wesley Love Feast in lieu of Holy Communion. Two services are attached here: one for this time of sheltering in place (A Love Feast for Sheltering in Place) and a more formal liturgy (Love Feast ). However, if the pastor feels a strong movement of the Spirit that Holy Communion should be offered through online means, I leave that to their discretion and discernment. Our goal is to always offer the love and grace of Jesus Christ; but this decision must be made prayerfully and online Communion should be discontinued when we can gather again.”
Hymns of hope and comfort
“Ponder Anew” blogger Jonathan Aigner, a Houston area music director, is adapting his blog to offer “Hymns of Hope and Comfort” during the coronavirus crisis. His text for Sunday, March 22 was Isaac Watts’ famed hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Other offerings have been “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “If Thou But Trust God to Guide Thee,” “Abide with Me, Fast Falls the Eventide” and “I Bind Unto Myself This Day,” taken from the Celtic poem known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” His posts are helpful for daily encouragement and for pastors and music directors looking hymns to reassure fearful worshipers.
Hope and training from Northern Illinois Conference
From “Monday Message” by Bishop Sally Dyck, Chicago Area: “I’ve always loved these verses from Psalm 91:1-2 (and you may be familiar with them from the song “On Eagle’s Wings”):
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
“who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
“ I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
“my God, in whom I trust.’”
“Let us trust in the shelter of the Most High, in God who will carry us through this time,” Bishop Dyck concluded.
In other news, the conference has set up a worship resource group for pastors and other leaders via its NIC Facebook page. There’s also training via Zoom about online giving, ACH electronic payments/transfers and apportionment billing scheduled Thursday, March 26 at 10 am with conference treasurer Lonnie Chafin. Click here for details.
New Jersey UM homes act on COVID-19
According to a media release, United Methodist Communities Responds to COVID-19 published by the Cape May County Herald, United Methodist Communities, a church-related system of senior residences, has acted to address COVID-19. The organization has set up a COVID-19 response team that coordinates with every residence location via conference calls. They’re following CDC procedures, including temporarily banning visits except in hospice and end-of-life situations. Volunteer groups also may not visit.
United Methodist Communities operates four residential sites and a home care service. Sanitary and protective measures such as hand-washing and frequent cleaning are in use. Patients at residences are having their temperatures taken twice daily and isolated if they show symptoms. Residents who leave the communities, except for certain circumstances, may not return until further notice.
“As a faith-based ministry, we will communicate relentlessly and transparently as the situation evolves,” the release said. More details are available via the Covid-19 Response button on the home page, www.UMCommunities.org. Questions can be sent to Covid19@UMCommunities.org.
Evangelist halts tour
Evangelist JJ Warren, the young delegate whose passion for Christ caused a sensation at the 2019 special General Conference, announced through his newsletter, The Circuit, that “my events for the foreseeable future have been canceled or postponed.”
His communications assistant, Alyssa Burleson, said that instead of personal appearances, Mr. Warren will be available for virtual gatherings via online platforms. Email her at connect@jjwarren.com for more information. Mr. Warren’s partner organization, Young Prophets Collective, will host community gatherings via its Facebook page. Follow Young Prophets Collective on Facebook to learn more!
In his newsletter, Mr. Warren wrote of the life disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic:
“My seminary classes have been moved online, and my university advised against returning to my on-campus residence,” he wrote. “And yet, even now, I am filled with hope.
“It is not naive to be hopeful; it is a spiritual discipline. Amidst all of this, I've experienced churches embracing current technology in ways they (probably) would not have before. I've seen friends care for one another over Zoom and other video platforms. I've witnessed humankind redefine what community means and how it’s formed.”
Mr. Warren also urged compassion for those most affected by nationwide closings and other restrictions.
“Moments like these, however, hit marginalized communities the hardest. Refugees, people of color and many queer students have had to return to families and places that do not affirm who they are or threaten their existence. …
“In this midst of this moment, God is doing a new thing and we have the privilege to be part of it. Embrace change, invest in one another, and practice the spiritual discipline of hope while allowing space for grief. Together, we are reclaiming and reimagining what it means to be and do church.”
Local churches to get financial training
From the General Council on Finance and Administration: “While churches across the connection are canceling weekly services to protect the people of the church and help slow the spread of COVID-19, churches still find themselves needing financial resources for the ministries they can conduct and for general opertational expenses.
“On Wednesday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, GCFA will conduct the first of a series of Facebook Live sessions. The first event, “Livestreaming Using What You Have” will be facilitated by Andrew Jensen, GCFA’s Audio Visual Specialist, and can be found on GCFA’s Facebook account, @GCFAUMC. Jensen has years of experience in technology and video production and will be offering easy-to-follow tips on how local churches can navigate through all the resources available to livestream and otherwise provide church services.
“On Thursday, March 26, Servant Keeper, a ministry partner of GCFA, will provide a webinar at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. The webinar, “eGiving During Virtual Ministry,” will focus on answering questions on e-giving and the local church. To register for this webinar, click here.”
United Methodist resources offered
From UM News: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The spread of COVID-19 has affected every aspect of daily life, requiring everyone to find ways to adapt. ResourceUMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has created a site to equip churches with a variety of resources, from setting up virtual worship and electronic giving to congregational care and general health information. Get resources
The Sabbath and social distancing
Also from UM News: SAN ANTONIO — On his blog Plenaria, the Rev. John Feagins, pastor of La Trinidad United Methodist Church, reflects on keeping one's distance and keeping the faith in the time of coronavirus. Read blog
Media Mentions as of March 23, 2020
The new sound of worship services: ‘Can you mute your mic? Amen’ – THE WASHINGTON POST *
As offerings dwindle, some churches fear for their future – THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
In a pandemic, religion can be a balm and a risk – THE NEW YORK TIMES *
Where is God in a pandemic? – THE NEW YORK TIMES *
Grief amid the pandemic: Live-streamed funerals, canceled services and mourning left ‘unfinished’ – THE WASHINGTON POST *
Churches go back to the future with drive-in services in the time of the coronavirus – RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
Religious communities are offering baptism by Zoom – such innovation has deep historical roots – THE CONVERSATION
*Subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.