Prayed for virus end
The Pew Research Center has taken America’s temperature amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the many social activities it’s tracking, Pew research shows that “more than half of all U.S. adults (55%) say they have prayed for an end to the spread of coronavirus.”
Pew’s release continues: “Large majorities of Americans who pray daily (86%) and of U.S. Christians (73%) have taken to prayer during the outbreak – but so have some who say they seldom or never pray and people who say they do not belong to any religion (15% and 24%, respectively).
“Among U.S. adults who said in an earlier survey they attend religious services at least once or twice a month, most (59%) now say they have scaled back their attendance because of the coronavirus – in many cases, presumably because churches and other houses of worship have canceled services. But this does not mean they have disengaged from collective worship entirely: A similar share (57%) reports having watched religious services online or on TV instead of attending in person. Together, four-in-ten regular worshippers appear to have replaced in-person attendance with virtual worship (saying that they have been attending less often but watching online instead).”
Pew Research Center surveyed 11,537 U.S. adults March 19-24, 2020, using the Center’s American Trends Panel” (for more details, see the Methodology section of the report). See more charts at the end of this article.
Grim statistics, glimmer of hope
In its live updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Post reports: “The coronavirus death toll in the United States has exceeded 3,000, according to state and county health agencies — more than the number of people who died in the initial Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Health officials have warned that the virus could kill as many as 200,000 people in America, even ‘if we do things . . . almost perfectly.’”
However, there’s also a WaPo article that says science has found maintaining human connections can boost the immune system. “For everyone quarantined in solitude, aching and afraid for far-flung family and friends, this science can provide some solace. A supportive phone call, an empathetic ear, an expression of love — these things can bolster the immune system on a molecular level. Whether you are the recipient or the giver, kindness is good for your health,” writes science reporter Sarah Kaplan.
In case we’ve forgotten, kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
Chuck’s ba-a-a-ck!
Discipleship Ministries has revived its popular character Chuck from “Chuck Knows Church” for a new series on coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re calling it “Things We Can Do” and it will emphasize ways to bring help, hope and health to congregations and the world as we travel the uncertain path of social distancing and sheltering in place. Watch the intro and be on the lookout for future episodes.
Publishing House relaxes copyright on Book of Worship
Art Courtesy of UMPH
UMPH Logo
Logo of The United Methodist Publishing House
The United Methodist Publishing House is known as a stickler for copyright. That’s why it’s commendable that the House just announced it is suspending copyright requirements for use of some material contained in the United Methodist Book of Worship.
According to the official release posted on the Iowa Annual Conference website, “To assure that local churches have the resources they need, the United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) announced that it is granting permission to use and post online selected contents from the United Methodist Book of Worship (BOW) as congregations care for their members during the international health crisis.”
The copyright suspension applies to “selections from the General Services (pages 13 – 171) in the BOW for which UMPH holds the copyrights, available for use in streaming services at no cost through April 30, 2020. Permission is granted only for content listed showing The United Methodist Publishing House, the Methodist Publishing House, or Abingdon Press as the copyright holder in the Acknowledgments section found in the back of the Book of Worship.
“For hymns and tunes from hymnals and songbooks, UMPH recommends churches use a license from OneLicense or CCLI, both of which administer music rights for multiple copyright holders. OneLicense has also announced that it is granting free licenses for one month during COVID-19 pandemic.”
Thanks to the Iowa Annual Conference for posting the release on its website.
Desert Southwest stay-at-home extended
Bishop Bob Hoshibata has extended his stay-at-home worship order for the Desert Southwest Conference which includes Arizona and the Las Vegas region of Nevada. Confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona now top 1,289, while Nevada has 1,113 confirmed cases. Only a week ago both states were reporting just a few hundred cases each.
Love Feast in North Texas
Bishop Mike McKee has invited North Texas United Methodists to a virtual Love Feast at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1. The first 500 registrants will be able to see the feast over Zoom, while others will view it on the conference's YouTube channel. Participants are asked to have some juice and a cookie, piece of cake or a wafer ready for the liturgy.
"At the beginning of our time together, I will lead a conversation concerning online communion and how to preserve the sacredness of this blessed sacrament," Bishop McKee said in his email.
Media Mentions as of March 31, 2020
‘Zoombombing’ comes for houses of worship – Religion News Service
With conferences canceled, UMC split and SBC votes wait for next year – Christianity Today *
The president, the pandemic and the limits of positive thinking – Religion News Service
Recommended Readings: The Impact of Coronavirus on UMC Mission – UM & Global
Psalm 23 for Covid 19 – Nancy Webb – UM Disability
Florida pastor arrested for refusing to halt worship amid outbreak – Religion News Service
Churchgoing Changed
