Our continuing response to the Coronavirus crisis
The scripture says, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
God calls us to act boldly, but also to be wise and caring. As I indicated in my last message, the margins and decisions about how we all respond to this concern will continue to move. Our government is asking us to eliminate unnecessary gatherings of people to slow and reduce the spread of this terrible virus.
Because of this request, I am suspending all gatherings at the Pendleton Center and First United Methodist Churches except needed leadership meetings through Sunday, March 22.
This will include worship services, dinners, choirs, Bible studies, preschool, social activities, and outside group activities.
This is intended to give us time for a pause as we consider how we can respond to this concern with prudence and courage. God calls us to ministry without fear but also calls us to a loving concern for each other.
I ask that you pray for our church, our nation, and the world. Our staff will be available during office hours to receive phone calls this week. We will also be planning our longer-term strategies and response to how we can meet the spiritual needs of our people and reach out to our community and help people in need. You may receive a request to help with some of these efforts. If you can help, please help. If you shouldn’t help, please remain safe and keep us in prayer.
Please feel free to share this with anyone who needs to know this information since not everyone the ability to receive it the way you have.
If you have ideas of how the church can best be helpful in this time of need, please let me know at [email protected].
May God bless you and all our people with his protective care and love.
Pastor Tom Kraft
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