Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In recent days, we’ve all been wondering what next and how much more is going to be impacted by Covid-19 precautions. We hope you are being wise and choosing to do those things out in the world that must be done while limiting extra physical contact when it is possible. I know this feels strange and in some cases almost impossible.
At this point, please remember that all worship and congregational activities being held at the church are suspended until further notice through the end of March. Along with the closure of schools, as per our usual weather policy, all events are canceled. As soon as we have more information and decisions about the month of April, we will begin sharing them with you.
For many of you, I know you can’t imagine just calling each other instead of dropping in for a visit. Or you simply don’t consider yourselves tech savvy enough to engage in technology. Maybe you don’t think you’re hurting anything to keep on doing your usual routines. Or maybe you’ve already found yourselves hunkered down whether you want to or not – with kids trying to figure out new ways of experiencing school via technology.
Here at church, we’ve been trying to figure out ways to offer encouragement toward different ways of connecting during this time. These are ones that don’t push us to ignore or neglect the important recommendations about our entire society working together to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Even without technology:
- We can call one another.
- We can run an essential errand for someone who doesn’t need to get out while taking care of our own essential errands. Remember, make those drop-offs on porches instead of visiting.
- We can write notes to each other.
- And if you are in regular direct contact with a family member or caregiver who has access to technology, you can ask for their help to experience some of the video worship experiences we will be making available to you.
With technology:
- We can go to the church website to view video worship clips – www.kernersvillemoravian.org or see them on the Kernersville Moravian Facebook Page
- Check out links to some online or digital content that I will be posting regularly soon.
- Email us the church office and keep us informed about your needs or prayer requests.
What’s happening with Worship?
Each Sunday we will make a new E-Worship piece available that includes music, prayers, and a sermon. I know this isn’t the same, but it is a way for you to connect and to feel that you are a part of something bigger even from your home.
For those who request it, we will begin sending out a weekly mailing with printed copies of some of the worship materials we will use in the E-Worship posts.
What’s happening with Giving?
We invite you to remember that our sharing of our tithes and offerings is a part of our worship of God. Just because we can’t gather together doesn’t mean that we can’t choose one of several ways to make these gifts of our selves and our resources during this time.
How can we give?
The easiest and most impactful ways for you to contribute to the church right now are:
- 1) By continuing to write a check, only for now we suggest you mail it in.
- 2) If you bank online, request a check be sent to us via online bill pay.
We discourage folks dropping by the church for now, but as long as we are able to maintain regular office hours, we will try to do so. We will have a drop box available for checks to be left in and all contributions will be secured. We do continue to have an online giving option, but we remind you that there is a credit card processing fee that comes out of credit card transactions that are made.
What can we do?
Maybe you can pick up additional shelf stable food items during your grocery run and stop by the Blessing Box by the Activity Building to drop some things off for others in need.
What’s happening with Pastoral Care?
As always, I am listening. Give me a call in the church office. Call or text my cell phone (and understand if I don’t answer or respond immediately, give me time). You can ask for it through the church office, if you don’t already have it. For now, we will continue to keep the church office open from 8am – 5pm on Monday through Friday. But we will not be able to remain open if we become a hub of activity (and escape), so only essential functions should be happening onsite, please.
If you have a need, even if it is just a voice on the other end of the phone, please call us and let us know what it is. If you are under age 65, in good health, and willing to assist members that have a need let us know that too. We will be working to connect willing callers or helpers during this time with those who need an errand run or just a regular phone call to check on you.
Psalm 139:7 reminds us, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your right hand shall hold me fast.”
Even in the midst of different routines and patterns, even away from our familiar worship spaces, God is still with us. Breathe that message in during these days. Remember that we have embedded in our tradition times when our ancestors worshipped in house churches and lived deeply in this knowledge that God is always with us even when everything else seems to have changed. Breathe God in as you watch the rebirthing of Spring out your windows or during time on your porch — and worship.
In Christ’s deep and abiding peace,
Pastor Christy
