An Important Message Regarding COVID-19

To the people of Trinity UMC

Peace be with you, especially in these uncertain times! We want to keep you updated as much as possible with what is going on at Trinity UMC and how we are continuing in ministry amid the concerns over the COVID-19 virus.  The CDC has recently recommended that any events with more than 50 people be postponed. Since Trinity regularly worships with more than 50 in attendance, we need to make some changes to be in compliance with this recommendation. For this coming Sunday, March 22, 2020, we have decided to continue to have our worship service online at 10 am, via the link on Trinity’s website (www.trinitymcmurrayumc.org) and/or Facebook page. This means that while we will not be gathering together physically in the sanctuary, we can still gather together spiritually on Sunday mornings for a time of worship and prayer.

We are also temporarily postponing any gatherings at the church building, such as small groups, choir practice, etc. Some may view this action as being overly cautious. I am aware of that. However, we are trying to find the right balance between panic and preparation, and no one knows exactly where that balance lies at this point, so we choose to err on the side of caution until we learn more.

We do not know how long these changes will be in effect, and are making our own decisions on a week-to-week basis. We will communicate more with you about when we will again gather together for worship at Trinity in the coming weeks, but for now please maintain social distance and proper handwashing, and stay safe. 

This week I have reached out to many of the shut-ins in our faith community as well as others, and I encourage you to do the same. Check on your neighbors, family, and friends. Pray for each other, and be creative in finding ways to connect with and continue to serve others in the name of Jesus.The church office is still open, and Eileen, Ken and myself are in for our usual office hours. Please let us know if there are needs we can help to meet, or questions we can try to answer. 

And let’s remember one of my favorite verses in the Bible. This one comes to us from Luke 2:1, as it is recorded in the King James Version.  “And it came to pass…” Let’s all remember that this too shall pass, and that God’s reign will last forever.            

God bless,
Pastor Jeff