Dear GFUMC Members,
Our Coronavirus Task Force held a virtual meeting Thursday evening, Dec. 10, with several local medical professionals participating, including Northeast Georgia Health System’s chief of medical staff, Dr. Clifton Hastings. Based on their recommendation, our Task Force has decided to suspend in-person gatherings at our Church, effective immediately. This includes all worship services, as well as small group meetings. These events will be conducted in an all-virtual format until further notice. We share your disappointment in having to make this decision, especially with the plans we had made for Christmas Eve celebrations. However, the recent surge in coronavirus cases in our community convinces us that we must take this step to protect the health and safety of everyone.
Please know that the suspension of in-person activities does not mean the suspension of the work of the Church. Ministries will continue and worship services will be held. But we must do these things a little differently for a while. You will still be able to reach pastors and staff by email and/or by calling the Church office. While there will be reduced on-site staff, your calls will be answered. You may also continue to send tithes, offerings, and financial contributions online or by mail.
This year has been filled with challenges. In the face of each challenge, you have responded in magnificent fashion. We need to ask you to do so once again. There is every reason to believe that better days are ahead. Hopefully, the distribution of vaccines will be the beginning of the end of this ordeal. But until the virus is under control, we must remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of all our people. This decision is a necessary part of that vigilance.
We ask for your understanding as we continue to maneuver through these times. Your support of the Church has never been more important than it is now. Please continue to pray for our Church and all its ministries.
Matthew 1:23 says, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called, Emmanuel (which means, God with us).” Our message this Christmas is that God is indeed with us, even when we cannot gather together physically with one another.
As followers of Jesus, let us continue to care for one another and share God’s love with our community and the world.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Sincerely,
Mike Morgan
Senior Pastor
Rick Story
Church Council Chair