A Message From Pastor Adam – Online Worship (3-19-2020)

Hello Church Family!

I pray that you are all well and finding joy in Christ daily.  As you all are aware, our country is in a unique time with the arrival of COVID-19.  The CDC is currently recommending that groups of 50 or more should not meet in person in order to limit the spread of the virus.  Obviously, we want to make sure that everyone stays safe, so we will be moving worship exclusively online until at least April 12th.  Moving forward we will be following the recommendations of the CDC as they develop.  Luckily, we live in a time of amazing technology, so we will still be able to worship together, even though we will not be able to worship in person.  An online worship experience will allow us to continue to meet and encourage one another as well as worship God together.  The online worship will happen Sundays at 10:15am for as long as we are unable to worship together in person.  I encourage you to take the time to log in and worship with us each week by going to connectumc.online.church.

During this time, many business, individual families, and churches will feel a financial impact.  Many of you are blessed enough to have a salary that is not being impacted by COVID-19.  For those of you who are able, I would like to encourage you to make an effort to support our local businesses who have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19.  One way that you can show this support is by ordering takeout from the local restaurants who are being impacted.  Many restaurants, who do not typically do takeout, are currently offering that option.  For example, the Falkner family, who are members of our church, own and operate Signature Grill and Bistro 22 in Edmond.  Be sure to give them a call to order dinner and support our church family.  I am also asking each of you to continue to give to the church faithfully and sacrificially so that we can continue to be in ministry to our community.  You can give online by following this link.

Just because we need social distance does not mean we have to be isolated from one another.  I want to encourage each of you to reach out to your friends and family via phone or social media to check on and pray for one another.  We are lucky enough to live in a time where technology enables us to stay in touch even when we are apart.  Our leadership team has met and recruited a number of volunteers who will be reaching out to each member of the congregation weekly.  If you know anyone who is in need of a visit, groceries, or any assistance at all, please email us (careteam@connectumc.org).  

I would also like to encourage each of you to continue to pray for our country and the world.  During this time of uncertainty, we must be vigilant, faithful, kind, and without fear.  Isaiah 43:1 says, “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”  I am not afraid because you and I belong to Jesus Christ.  We will continue to live our faith daily and find comfort in the presence of Christ.  This Sunday at 10:15am, I will be preaching on living faithfully without fear even when the entire world in uncertain.  God is in control, and because God is in control we do not need to live in fear.  I love you and pray for you all. Thank you all for being an amazing church!