Beloveds in Christ,
Your Bethany pastors and staff are praying for you and your families, that you are well and at peace in body, mind, and spirit. Be diligent in caring for yourselves and your neighbors as we weather this health scare storm, together in spirit if not body. May you feel God's presence with you, within you, holding you fast with your feet planted firmly on the foundation of Christ during our time apart. We are certainly in Lent, but Easter is coming (even if circumstances delay our celebration of it in person).
In this uncertain season, we will continue to monitor and respond to news about COVID-19. Some of our usual processes in communication, such as this Epistle, will look different. We are so grateful for your patience, understanding, and prayers as we navigate this together. Though the news and the unknowns unsettle us, put your trust in the Lord and hear those frequent words from God’s Holy Word – be not afraid. Instead of reaching out to yet another news hour or social media outlet, turn to a fellow journeyer of the Way. In calls, cards, emails, texts, stay in touch with your family in Christ. Please let us know how we can offer you support and lift you in prayer now. Prayer requests can be shared at: https://bethanyumc.org/ministries/prayer/.
Here are a few other things we hope help ease your questions and confusions about church life:
COMMUNICATION:
We are expanding our church-wide emails to include other email addresses from our database, in order to reach out to as many in our congregation as possible. We will post updates on the Bethany website (https://bethany-umc.org/covid-19/)and our Facebook page. Small groups will be encouraged to stay in touch with one another via video-conferencing, as well as continuing to use their email distribution lists. If you are a team leader, please do be in touch with your groups to make sure everyone stays connected, as well as check in with each other’s wellbeing and prayer requests. Stay informed by checking our website or Facebook page, or providing us with an active email address if you are getting this only through the mail. Complete the form at this link to do so: https://bethany-umc.org/contactinfo/ With the rapidly changing situation we are in, we will not be able to keep you fully informed outside of electronic modes of communication. You can also find a church buddy who gets information online to keep you up to date. Our regular Epistle will be suspended for awhile.
WORSHIP:
We will hold two services of worship every Sunday – a praise service at 9:30 and a traditional service at 11:00. Congregants cannot be present for these at this time due to current bans of group gatherings. Please join us virtually in worship as we livestream services. We also have a link for those off of social media - facebook.com/bethanyumc. Register your attendance! There will be instructions to find the service in progress on our website’s worship page to help those who are not familiar with the Facebook platform. If you are unable to be with us virtually at a service during its scheduled time, it will still be available anytime afterwards via Facebook or the website link. We are also exploring other opportunities for virtual worship services, such as contemplative and mid-week services. Please continue to be together spiritually as we give glory to God and proclaim God's kingdom.
CLOSURES:
Your sorrow is met by ours that we cannot gather in person. Until further notice, our campus is closed to members, visitors, volunteers, and other community members. We are encouraging staff to work from home as much as possible to the best of their ability to accomplish our ministries’ needs. We will offer alternative ways for groups to gather virtually.
Be encouraged, family in Christ. His light cannot be overcome – shine it for others struggling in our current community restrictions, and bring hope to all with whom you interact.
In prayer with you and for you,
Bethany Pastors
