And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
As all of you are aware, CUMC continues to try to find the balance between in-person gatherings and proper safety measures. By the grace of God, we have had no known outbreaks where COVID spread as a result of in-person gatherings. We have had a few instances where members of our church and those who share facilities with us have contracted COVID but each time, we were able to quarantine individuals and close the building until it was deemed safe to return. I would like to inform you all that our church services are open again for in-person services. At the same time, we provide a livestream every Sunday for those who prefer to worship from home. We also continue to offer a women’s small group, prayer meetings, and bible studies each week through ZOOM as a means of continuing to fellowship and grow spiritually.
I would like to say one thing that God has placed on my heart. The times in which we live are difficult times and I’ve seen many examples of people who are starting to “spiritually drift.” What started as a way to keep safe has resulted in not putting in the same amount of effort toward what today’s scripture calls “spurring one another on toward love and good deeds” through “meeting together” It is no accident that if we feel we are struggling spiritually, it may be because we are less connected to other believers. The spiritual life as God intended it requires us to be in intimate community. I understand that the present situation poses some challenges but I want to encourage all of you to find your own way of remaining connected. Whether it be to join one of our ZOOM meetings during the week, call another church member to offer support, or simply reach out to me as your pastor for spiritual counsel, we can all be doing something – even during these challenging times.
The season of Lent is coming up and I would suggest making a commitment to “connect” during those 40 days. Decide what you can do to remain connected to the body of Christ (the church) as a way of serving others but also receiving spiritual nurture. May God continue to keep us united as Community United Methodist Church! God bless each of you and your families!
Pastor Kim
