Beloved Congregation of the UMCV, 

After meeting with the administrative leadership of our congregation this morning, and reviewing and discussing the current covid19 health crisis, we have decided, out of an abundance of caution and with love for each of you, to cancel worship tomorrow morning, March 15.  None of us take this decision lightly, but do so with the conviction that we are a church family and part of our larger community, and so must act responsibly.  We do not know how this health crisis will unfold, and will strive to do what is right, consistent with the suggestions of every leading health organization.   

Please continue to watch your emails and other ways you receive information.  Next week we will have a live streaming worship online and a Lenten message will be emailed for you to pray and continue your Lenten season of reflection.  

During this time we will continue to email, call and contact you to hear your prayer needs and how we might be able to support each other more.  

My heart is heavy for this decision, but your well being is the most important concern at this moment.  All staff (and even a few musicians) will be at the church tomorrow to greet any of you who stop by, or don’t receive this email today.  

Grace and peace to you!  Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

We’ve been talking about physical health and the flu season in our congregation since January (and before).  “Stay home if you are sick.”  “Wash your hands.”  Two weeks ago we ‘paused’ hand shaking and hugging.  Always, we have held one another in prayer for health. It is our way of faith.  Recently, we took extra steps of caution.  During this extraordinary time, we will take even more aggressive steps to protect your health and faith. 

Here is where we are: our way of being a Faith Family and Christian community is being disrupted.  And it is for good reason.  The health and well-being of every congregation member and every member of our community and our nation is at risk.  In the midst of this health disruption, we will and are committed to stay connected and caring for one another. 

We will continue with worship this Sunday at the regular times.  (If you are sick, or are concerned for your own well-being, please stay home and let us know how we can pray for you.)  If you come, please wash your hands before you arrive, while you are present and when you leave.  Use hand sanitizer if you can’t get to the sink.  (Bring your own hand sanitizer for an extra layer of precaution if you can.)  Doors will be propped open to reduce touching handles.  The situation and impact of Covid19 is changing rapidly and Sunday may require additional adaptations and changes.   Thank you in advance for staying flexible. 

After this Sunday we will likely go to a modified schedule, and (I hope) an online, live streaming feed of worship.  Watch for information to come on this.  (Thanks to Rob Pierce for taking lead on this.  If you want to support this effort, please email or contact Rob.) 

Jesus has always called us to love God and love neighbor.  Putting this into bolder practice is critically important at this moment.  In order for us to continue faithfully walking our journey together, I ask that you keep engaged, keep reading emails and newsletters, keep sharing your prayers and prayer needs, and keep supporting this church with your financial gifts.  There is a small ‘Samaritan fund’ for special needs requests.  I’ve used it previously to pay for emergency needs like hotel rooms for homeless, pay for electric bills for families, pay for a car repair and more.  Please continue to remember your church with your financial giving so we can keep our doors open and if you are able to support the ‘Samaritan fund’ for any emergency requests, that will be a valuable resource also. 

I also want to thank each of your for your support, encouragement and prayers.  I am humbled to be on this faith journey with you, and the days are challenging.  We will do this together…

Your pastor and sister in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

In response to the coronavirus pandemic and out of concern for the well-being of our community, we are postponing our church meetings and activities until further notice.  Don’t hesitate to contact us for prayer or to talk. 

The Education/Discipleship program is postponing meetings and activities until further  notice.