Myers Park UMC coronavirus
Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C., is one of many United Methodist churches across the U.S. choosing not to have on-site worship until the coronavirus threat subsides. (Photo courtesy Myers Park United Methodist Church.)
Life amid the coronavirus pandemic remains uncertain and chaotic, yet United Methodists are doing their best to adapt to the needs of the moment even as the worldwide denomination’s future teeters in the balance.
In response to a request from the Council of Bishops’ executive committee, the General Commission on the General Conference will meet by teleconference March 21 to consider whether to postpone the once-every-four-years conclave scheduled May 5-15 in Minneapolis, Minn. In a press release, the commission said, “According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, in the absence of a convened General Conference, only the full Commission, as the duly authorized committee of the General Conference, can set the date of the quadrennial meeting (Paragraphs 14 and 511.4a). This would include making a decision and announcing a new date.”
Restrictions on travel to the United States have tightened in a matter of days as the novel coronavirus spread rapidly around the world. Already the federal government has announced bans on travel from the Philippines and Nigeria, two countries where United Methodism is active. The World Health Organization has recommended cancellation of meetings of 50 or more people; this week President Donald Trump suggested that Americans avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
The press release continued: “The Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference has continued to monitor developments in the spread of coronavirus as the situation has been rapidly changing. New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released on Sunday, March 15, now recommends that, “for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”
Kim Simpson, chair of the General Conference Commission, noted in the press release that “planning such a large international event is a complex process that includes logistical and travel arrangements, visas, security of voting, housing, vendor contracts, significant financial implications, translation, interpretation, and more, all of which must be provided for as a decision is made.”
In light of these restrictions, it seems almost certain that General Conference 2020 will be postponed; the only question now is for how long.
Bishops ask congregations to avoid in-person worship
Across the United States, United Methodist bishops urged congregations to suspend in-person worship:
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, Philadelphia Area: "Earlier today I sent out a statement based on the CDC requirements issued on Sunday night regarding the need to avoid groups of 50 or more. Now it appears the number has gone down to 10. I realize this will make it impossible for our churches to gather in person for the next two weeks at least. It is hard to know how long this will continue but we must prioritize health and safety until this virus passes. Make every effort to develop on-line worship options and widely advertise your plans to your congregation. Continue to contribute your offerings to the church so that ministries stay strong."
Bishop Laurie Haller, Iowa Area: "... The rapidly evolving face of the Coronavirus Pandemic means that continual reevaluation of safety procedures is necessary. Therefore, our Administrative Team made the decision today to close the Conference Center beginning tomorrow, until the end of the month, after which we will reevaluate the situation. This creates social distancing and is a safety precaution for visitors as well as our conference employees, who will be working from home. ... My friends, we are all in this together around the world. for we are one human family. Our call for such a time as this it to practice the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:2, 'Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.'”
Bishop Sally Dyck, Chicago Area: "I think it's time we suspend in-person worship services in our churches until further notice. But that doesn't mean we stop being in ministry. In fact, we need to put our ministry in high gear! As people experience fear, uncertainty, and isolation, we need to find new ways of reaching out and sharing spiritual strength as well as emotional support and ways to serve those in need. I would also highly discourage in-person meetings and Bible studies at least for the next couple of weeks. If the restrictions of the full eight weeks per the CDC guidelines are instituted, that takes us into Holy Week and Easter. We still want those important days in the life of every Christian to be as meaningful as possible, so plan now. If we are not able to hold in-person services, churches should have a plan "b" to share their message."
Bishop Mike McKee, Dallas, TX, Area: "During the ensuing weeks, we will be living in a new and difficult reality … not only for churches, but for schools, restaurants and any number of places where people gather. This is a challenge for all religious communities, but it also affords the United Methodist churches in the North Texas Conference opportunities to be in ministry with those who have been – or will be – affected by the quarantine that will be taking place. Many of you have begun preparations to meet the needs of children and people who are vulnerable to the virus. Others want to find ways to become involved. It is my hope that, together, we can identify new opportunities to be the church that our communities need at this time."
Coping with anxiety and disruption
While they wait for official word on General Conference, United Methodists across the United States did their best to cope with anxiety and disruption against a backdrop in which a majority of their fellow citizens said they don’t trust what they’re hearing from the federal government about the coronavirus pandemic. An NPR/PBS/Marist Poll found that only 46 percent of Americans think the federal government is doing enough to curtail coronavirus spread.
Creativity and ingenuity marked efforts by congregations to broadcast their March15 worship services via the internet. National media surveyed their attempts. Elizabeth Dias of the New York Times surveyed several churches including Christ United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, N.C., where she interviewed the Rev. Ben Williams about filming the service. The March 15 service included a “Hymn for Handwashing,” written by worship pastor Kristen Hanna to the tune of “Amazing Grace”:
“Amazing soap! How sweet the smell,
“that keeps our hands germ free!
“Please wash your hands, and dry them, too,
“that we might healthy be.”
Amid the anxiety, United Methodist agencies are offering resources to help churches. Resource UMC, a service of United Methodist Communications, has posted a primer on livestreaming worship services by the Rev. Jeremy Steele. The General Council on Finance and Administration also offers guidelines on livestreaming and additional instructions to help churches set up online giving to take the place of offering plates. The article, "Understand Electronic Giving: A Tool For Your Church," includes an interactive guide that explains how e-giving works.
Individually, United Methodists are posting encouragements on social media with announcements of online prayer times and quotes of faith. Among them, the Rev. Paul Jeffrey, a retired missionary and renowned photographer, offered a prayer from Martin Luther during an outbreak of bubonic plague (Luther's Works, Volume 43, pg 132, from the letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess):
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God."
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.