Glendale UMC
Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., has expressed support for the Rev. Andy Oliver of St. Petersburg, Fla. Rev. Oliver faces church charges for performing a same-sex wedding. (Glendale UMC Photo. Used by Permission).
A United Methodist Insight Column
Glendale UMC in Nashville, Tenn., has an answer to the longing for receiving Holy Communion during the coronavirus pandemic: an outdoor service – with precautions. Here’s Glendale’s announcement:
"Outdoor Worship with Communion Sunday, July 26th @ 7pm CT | In-Person + Livestreamed
"We hope you will join us this Sunday evening at 7pm CT (after the summer heat has cooled down) and join us for a time of fellowship, worship and communion.again. Each person will be given a prepackaged communion kit during the service.
"Some safety precautions that will guide this worship gathering:
- Before you arrive: Do you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of illness? (If yes, please stay home - join us live at GlendaleUMC.org/Live.)
- Be sure to bring: Face mask(s) for each person that comes with you. Lawn Chair(s) or Blanket(s) for the ground. Bug spray.
- When you arrive: Please remember to stay physically distanced from one another. Please avoid hugs, handshakes - and even fistbumps - so we keep everyone safe + healthy.
- Please spread out on the lawn. A couple yardsticks length between households is recommended.
Doe this sound like something that would work for your congregation?
Michigan goes virtual on Monday
Add the Michigan Annual Conference to the list of those holding 2020 sessions virtually this summer. Michigan United Methodists will meet online Monday, July 27, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm EDT. A reminder says: "Over 1,500 clergy and laity from across Michigan are gathering together for this historic first-ever online annual conference session. Members to Annual Conference need to use the registration link sent to them to access the ZOOM meeting where voting and addressing the session are possible. All interested visitors can watch on the conference website 2020.MichiganUMC.org or on the conference Facebook Page."
United Methodists respond to Indiana mask mandate
Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Indiana Annual Conference offered more counsel July 24 on how churches can respond to a new state mandate to wear masks in public.
“A few weeks ago, you read my guidance regarding how our congregations might return to worship in our sanctuaries. So as we approach this new mandate from the State of Indiana, I want to say again that we do not believe it is prudent or necessary for the United Methodist churches in Indiana to recommend a “one size fits all” protocol for churches.
“However, whatever your previous plans have involved, all of them should have addressed the CDC guidance for the use of masks and social distancing. And as in the past, our observations are provided to be guidance, but not prescriptive. Some churches have not yet returned to “in-person” worship. Others have. But we want to be clear that churches are in different community contexts and have different membership characteristics. Each setting will require discernment of its own and truly, you and your leaders are the only ones who can make decisions for what will be right for your congregation. In addition, every church should be encouraged to adjust their plans as conditions change in their area.
“As a reminder:
- “Governor Holcomb’s mandate can be viewed here.
- “We are asking that you report to your Conference Superintendent any COVID-related hospitalizations or deaths, as well as congregation exposure and a response plan. (https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2396.htm See Contact Tracing FAQ)
- “We will continue to make recommendations and decisions based first on our General Rules as United Methodists, the first being to “Do no harm.”
- “We believe no one should feel compelled to attend worship who does not feel safe or that they may be at a higher risk for becoming sick.
- “We know that persons can be asymptomatic and yet have COVID-19 and spread it to others. We know that at this time there is no vaccine or cure. We do know that wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing disciplined social distancing have prevented more people from becoming ill.”
Media Mentions as of July 24, 2020
‘Triple whammy’ of issues challenges pastors – UM News
John Lewis funeral to be held at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist – The Associated Press
In emerging role, chaplains are providing spiritual care for activists in movements across the nation – Religion News Service
In Portland, this rabbi leads the clergy resistance – Religion News Service
Murray Faith Leaders Call For Unity Amid Division Over Pandemic Health Measures – WKMS
From changing lives to preaching at iPads: How clergy are coping with the new normal – Religion News Service
Four reasons we decided to resume church in person – Religion News Service
Campers test positive for COVID-19 after attending evangelical youth camp in Texas – Religion News Service
In emerging role, chaplains are providing spiritual care for activists in movements across the nation – Religion News Service
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.