COVID-19 and Our Church, Update 2

Over these last few weeks our sermon series has been all about the radical sayings of Jesus – those sayings that may have made the first followers uncomfortable, those sayings that still make us uncomfortable. I believe his most radical saying is among his most popular: love one another. 

Love one another.

I believe the best way we can show love to another in this time is to stay informed with current updates concerning COVID-19 and to act/react accordingly. In recent days Denton County has issued a Disaster Declaration limiting gatherings and the Denton ISD and Lake Dallas ISD have announced they are shutting down through April 3. 

With these restrictions and closures in mind, we have made the difficult, prayerful decision that, effectively immediately, all on-site activities and on-site worship will be cancelled through April 4. 

Worship will be available online through Facebook live stream.  Please join us on Sundays at 8:30 (traditional worship) and 10:45 am (contemporary worship). Please check in and comment while you are watching.

Since we need to be mindful of our neighbors and still be Christ's presence in our community in this time, the only exception will be to keep the Food Pantry and Community Aid Fund open with limited hours. Hours will be posted on a weekly basis. 

We are committed to being church and sharing the love of Christ even though we understand that will look different in the coming weeks. With the cancellation of worship services, churches are finding they are not getting the offerings they would normally receive; offerings that are needed to fulfill our mission and serve others. We are no exception. I invite you to remain faithful in your giving, even as we do not gather together. If you would normally give cash or a check, please consider giving digitally at lakecitiesumc.org/online-giving. You may also mail your check to the church (300 E Hundley, Lake Dallas, TX 75065). If you are financially able, please consider giving above and beyond your normal offering. In times of confusion and crisis, your generosity is needed. We are grateful for any amount you are able to give.

I ask you to not let the isolation be a reason to not worship or be in relationship with your church family – please join us online this weekend for worship and please reach out to your church family via phone call, or text, or email. Check in with one another, pray for one another, love one another. 

Remember that the love and peace given by Jesus will be with us even in these troubling times; that peace will continue to surround us in all we do. Stay safe, stay healthy, and wash your hands 😊.

Shalom,

 Pastor Beth