June 24, 2020
Rev. William Bills
Our Policy Governance Board met on Monday, June 22, via Zoom. Among the several items on their agenda were two dealing with reopening our church for corporate worship. The Board approved a policy for best practices for reopening our church. This policy was published previously for comment and can be found by clicking here: (https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d0e5d020-9173-43f9-82f2-8117854106a6.) The second dealt with a suggestion that we put that plan in to place and hold a corporate worship service in the sanctuary on Sunday, July 12th. We ultimately agreed not to do that. A letter will be coming to you (along with second quarter giving statements) detailing the Board’s reasons for not resuming worship services in July. The health and safety of our members, friends and staff are foremost at this time. The Board will revisit the matter at their next meeting on July 20.
We are currently able to accommodate groups of up to ten people for church meetings. Social distancing must be observed and masks must be worn. While we do have some staff at church Monday through Friday the building is locked. If you need to come to the church for something please remember to call ahead so that we know you are coming. Bring your mask with you, too, and sanitize your hands on entering the building.
We will continue to offer recorded worship services on Facebook each week. The services are posted at 10:00 on Sunday mornings on the church Facebook page. You can access the Facebook page from our website ( www.universitychurch.com ) or by clicking here (https://www.facebook.com/University-United-Methodist-Church-MSU-203706792977567/). A YouTube channel is being created for the church this week. That will offer an alternative for those who cannot access Facebook. If you or someone you know would like a copy of the service on DVD, please let me know. We will soon be able to offer that as well. Previous services can also be recorded to DVD for anyone who would like a past service. Adam Zipple and Parker Garman have been doing a great job for us in creating and editing video. They also receive some videos from church members to include in our services.
Please watch your mail for a letter from the Policy Governance Board. It will also be posted to the church website and to the Facebook page. Also, look for public service announcements from our building manager, Bruce Wheaton, on social distancing and safety practices on Facebook, YouTube and in the services so you will be prepared when you return to church. When you log onto the church service be sure to stay until the end. Sometimes there are pictures of our church family, funny bloopers and other outtakes!
At University United Methodist Church, we affirm that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are an open and inclusive congregation and welcome all persons into full participation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, education, background and whether single or partnered.