First Baptist Dallas Choir
The unmasked choir of First Baptist Church in Dallas sings during its Freedom Sunday June 28. Choir members say health measures to guard against coronavirus were observed. (Screenshot courtesy of Jonathan Aigner).
Don’t take off those masks just yet.
As the week begins for the pandemic, scientists have discovered that the coronavirus has mutated in a way that makes it easier to infect humans, according to the Washington Post. The governors of Texas and Florida have pulled back on their re-opening schemes as COVID-19 spikes in both states, causing United Methodists likewise to pull back from widespread re-opening of churches.
A grim milestone was reached June 29: The World Health Organization reports 10 million cases of COVID-19, with 500,000 deaths resulting from the illness.
Despite this news First Baptist Church of Dallas held its annual “Freedom Sunday” on June 28 featuring Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Health and Human Services Ben Carson. According to United Methodist music director Jonathan Aigner, however, the big news was the unmasked appearance of the choir. Read choir members’ descriptions of their participation on Mr. Aigner’s blog, “Ponder Anew,” on Patheos.com.
July 1 Town Hall looks at racism’s history
United Methodists can join in at noon CDT July 1 for an online Town Hall event to explore the racist history of the United States and The United Methodist Church, and possibly discern where God is calling the UMC to go next in its new priority to dismantle racism.
According to an announcement from Resource UMC: “the Town Hall is the next step in a denomination-wide initiative announced June 19 titled ‘Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom.’ Check out umc.org/endracism, for videos of the bishops’ announcement, the Service of Lament, and the July 1 Town Hall.
In addition, Glendale UMC in Nashville recently held Prophetic Speech: An Anti-Racism Workshop on next steps in anti-racism efforts. Featured speakers included Dr. Rip Patton, who spoke about the historic Freedom Riders Movement in Nashville, and folks who are leading racial justice work in Nashville. Watch the video on Glendale UMC's website.
Glendale UMC Anti-Racism
Dr. Rip Patton speaks about the historic Freedom Riders during an anti-racism workshop at Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. (Courtesy photo)
United Methodists faithful to tradition of helping
Resource UMC also offers an informative page on how “most United Methodists are rethinking our regular ways of doing church.” The introduction says:
- “We are attending worship, Bible study and Sunday school online.
- “We are finding ways to care for our neighbors.
- “We are buoyed by our faith in Jesus Christ.”
Resources include prayers, news and encouragement grouped under topics such as Helps for Church Leaders, Helps and Information for Members, Bright Spots, Prayers and Reflections. There’s also a link to give to the special COVID-19 relief fund set up by UMCOR.
Donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Covid-19 Response Fund.
Media Mentions as of June 29, 2020
The separation of church and state is breaking down under Trump – The Atlantic *
Religious conservatives have lost LGBTQ rights battle. It’s time to surrender – Religion News Service
Thomas Blanton, who bombed a Birmingham church, dies at 82 – The New York Times *
Asian American churches hold march through Chinatown, calling for unity with Black communities – Chicago Sun-Times *
Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana abortion restrictions – The New York Times *
Supreme Court clears way for federal executions to resume – USA Today
State money to religious schools hinges on Supreme Court ruling – Bloomberg News *
Judge blocks New York from enforcing some restrictions on religious gatherings – NBC News
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.