Hello friends!
Even though the doors of GFUMC are for all practical purposes, locked, there are still many wonderful acts of ministry taking place.
Let me share a few with you:
One of the first things I did was establish a Coronavirus Task Force. Betsy Eubanks, Carolyn Clifton, and Liz Millar have taken point on this Task Force and are doing an excellent job. The Task Force is made up of members of the medical community, and representatives from the various ages and stages demographics within our church. This team has been invaluable in offering information as well as strategies of how we can best be the Body of Christ during this time.
One of our first concerns was for our elderly members. Our Congregational Care Team created a call list and volunteers, as well as office staff, are staying in close contact with their own “Call Circles.”
We’ve had a huge outpouring of members volunteering to run errands or perform chores for people in our congregation in need during this time.
Our discipleship ministries have had a steep learning curve in how to leverage video technology during this time. There’s been many pictures of Zoom Bible study and small group meetings posted online. People are certainly realizing how important community and fellowship is during these times. Video conference meetings aren’t the same as being together in person, but folks sure are getting a sense of community through them.
Preschool and Children’s Ministry has gone online and are keeping children in touch with their teachers. Student ministry is holding Live Bible studies and small groups. They are taking full advantage of Instagram, where most of our students hang out. Instagram is being used to keep students informed about programming and to share inspiring and encouraging messages.
Our ministry to our local community continues. Several updates:
Good News Shelter: Our men who cook, prepare, and serve lunches on Monday have had to change their procedure. We are preparing meals and putting them in to-go containers and one member is delivering them to the shelter. They will be placed outside.
Family Promise: Currently not accepting new families. The current family is well taken care of as churches are still delivering their meals. They still have diapers and cleaning supplies available for those that need them.
Baker and Glover Community Center: We have worked with Riverbend Elementary in assisting a family. We are partnering with an organization in Gainesville to take food to seven families every Friday. Meredith is in consistent communication with the families in the community. She will let us know of any specific needs.
An update regarding our international missionaries:
Skinner Family: Reed was leaving Jordan and Kim Honduras as flights were being halted. The family is currently in Gainesville. Due to the nature of their travel they are being quarantined.
Mike and Karen Madsen: They are at the orphanage. Both are doing well. The orphanage is on lockdown and no one is allowed to enter. The government did assign a full-time doctor to the orphanage so that is a praise.
Dr. Stephen Swanson: “We made a decision to stay in Tanzania and continue to serve, though we face great uncertainty in doing so. Our mission agency has recalled all it's missionaries back to USA but allowed us to stay on (with a liability waiver signed). And we work in a setting where, even in good times, there is almost no possibility of caring for someone who is very sick--- no ventilators, limited supplies, few masks/gloves to protect ourselves. Please pray for us. We are at peace here and know that we are where we need to be.”
Dave Cox: “Like many of you, Jennifer and I are sheltering in our home and only going out for supplies. At this point the rates of infection in America are similar to the US. Continue to pray for us as we stay here to minister.”
We are sending weekly words of encouragement to our medical professionals and teachers. We continue to keep in touch with doctors regarding the situation at the hospital.
Great Day of service has been canceled, but we are still planning on doing some of the projects in the future.
A community need: Good news clinic needs masks and gloves. We are exploring the possibility of making masks. If you are interested contact mleach@gfumc.com.
We are all trying to figure out online worship! We’re not gonna lie, this is new territory for all of us! And add to that the need for social distancing! I’m thankful we have a very creative and flexible crew working on this. This Sunday you will see two worship services, one more modern and one more classic. And the services will be coming to you from our homes. Thank you for your grace and patience as we work to dial this in. In our minds this will be the new normal through Easter if not beyond. But we are discerning ways to make Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter very special. Stay tuned and stay flexible.
Probably the biggest take away for me from this unusual coronavirus season is: the church isn’t a building, and our relationships with one another are so much more important that I believe we even realized. I thank God for the lessons He’s teaching us during this time. And I want to thank you so much for praying for me and my own personal health. I am very grateful for each of you. Continue to look out for one another, take care of one another, take care of yourself and use this time to grow closer to the Lord.
I’ve covered just the highlights of all that’s going on. I’m linking a seven-page, in-depth report, at the bottom of this post and I encourage you to read it.
I also want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving during this season. One of the persons that continues to stop by the church every day is the postal carrier. And they still bring bills, just like at your house. I know these are uncertain times, but this is the time to put our trust in a certain God. Thank you for your sacrificial faithfulness. You can mail in your offering or go to gfumc.com/give.
Blessings to all of you,
Pastor Scott