Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
“Be strong and do not fear!
Here is your God.”
Isaiah 35:4 (NRSV)
Some people are very, very scared right now. Let’s start there. We don’t know what the weeks and months ahead will bring, but there are things we can do to better prepare ourselves and our neighbors for whatever will come. One of the best parts of our shared Christian witness is the legacy of caring for the sick and vulnerable. With that in mind, here is practical guidance on how we as the Flemington United Methodist Church can be a part of spreading hope in the form of our General Rules.
First, Do No Harm:
COVID-19 is no one person or group’s fault. Seeking to place blame based on race, ethnicity, or country of origin is harmful. Viruses don’t discriminate; neither should we.
We will seek to livestream our entire worship services on Facebook Live for the indefinite future… it is not the same as being here, but if you comment during or after the stream, we can reply, and you will be counted as in attendance. Additionally, you can continue to offer your needed financial support through the “donate” button in the top right hand corner of this webpage.
All visitation to medical treatment facilities, including Hunterdon Care Center and Independence Manor, is temporarily suspended. We can best care for the residents through letters and cards of support, prayer, and phone calls for now.
There may be changes to our church’s calendar of events in the weeks ahead. Additionally, planned mission events and trips may be postponed.
Second, Do Good:
Be calm and generous even when others panic. Resist the urge to stock up on masks, toilet paper, sanitizer, or other in-demand items beyond what you can actually use. If you have extra, share it!
Practice good hand-washing by scrubbing thoroughly and above the wrists to destroy any germs you may be carrying. The 20-second guidance can be observed by singing a verse of a favorite hymn, like “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” or something else you have memorized, like the Star Trek intro… whatever helps you protect yourself and others!
Third, Stay in Love With God:
Extra time indoors or at home could lead to cabin fever, or it could be an opportunity to dedicate ourselves more fully to study, prayer, silence, and other personal disciplines to deepen our faith.
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to seek forgiveness from? Journaling can provide an opportunity to better connect with where and how God has been seeking your attention.
Pray.
How else can we bear witness to the love and grace of God during this time?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben
I don’t like Lent