03.19.20 | Stories, Resources, Events | by Lucinda S. Sutton
Greetings, friends!
These certainly are unsteady and uncertain times. Our messaging is still on point, though: Jesus reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. Love motivates how we act, and Jesus says the whole law can be summed up in love of God and love of neighbor.
In an effort to love our neighbors, we are taking further precautions to help us align with the guidelines of the CDC and our federal government. These precautions may seem extraordinary to the healthy, but they are specifically designed to love our most vulnerable neighbors to whom this virus can be deadly. They include moving to a fully online/streaming worship experience at both 8:30 and 11AM with our normal worship styles at each (we are even planning on having a children’s message, so have the kids ready), online gatherings of Sunday school classes and small groups, and suspension of all campus activities except for ongoing tornado relief efforts.
We are maintaining relief work because our faith tells us that in the face of suffering, we are required to take risks. The Church from its beginnings has modeled this, and we carry that mantle now. To that end, Rebecca continues to represent Lebanon FUMC at Lebanon 2020 Recovery meetings to see where we can act to alleviate suffering. Rebecca was also part of a team that went into a destroyed neighborhood where people were still living because they had nowhere else to go. The team provided food and water, hotels and places to stay and shower, and are seeking permanent housing for them. In addition, we are modifying but still hosting our Community Food Giveaway on 4/4 to help the hungry and those recovering from the tornado.
Our staff spent much of yesterday making plans for our ministries to go on. If anything, the work of the church is increasing! The list below is just the beginning of the provisions we are making to ensure our congregation and community are connected and having their physical and spiritual needs met, even in the absence of our physical assembling. We are exploring online offerings for Sunday school/small groups, our Youth, Confirmation, and more, with exciting opportunities to come—stay tuned! Please let us know how we can meet your needs better.
I remind you, too, that as the work of the church goes on, so do our financial needs. Your giving is important, and it helps the work of the church to continue uninterrupted — work which may now be more important than at any other point in our lives. You can give by text (615-933-2267), online, or through normal mail.
Finally, let me note that the Sanctuary is still open during normal office hours. Feel free to swing by if you are out and need a familiar spot to pray. You can also reach your pastors if you have needs or need to talk (see our contact info below).
We are in this together, friends. I have no doubt that we will be strong and expand our reach into this community. We exist to love and serve Lebanon, and together we will continue to do just that in these uncertain times.
Ministry Is Still Happening at Lebanon FUMC!
WORSHIP
- Worship services in our normal formats will be available online only through at least 3/29. These stream on our Facebook page at facebook.com/fumclebanon; stay tuned for more locations in development. We also have worship service videos on our YouTube channel and sermon podcasts on our website. If you need help signing on to these services, please call the Church Office.
- You may submit prayer requests during the online worship service in the comments section. You may also call the Church Office from 8:30-11:30 AM on Sundays to receive prayer or just to talk, if needed.
- Weekly orders of worship and children’s activities are at lebanonfumc.com/bulletin.
SPECIAL EVENTS
- All in-person, on-site activities are cancelled though 4/4.
- We WILL still have our Community Food Giveaway on 4/4 at 8:30 AM. The location has been moved to the Fairgrounds on the Midway. More details to come.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
- We will continue to care for our congregation while taking precautions to protect everyone’s health and prevent the spread of the virus.
- Submit prayer requests by e-mailing or calling the Church Office.
- Due to hospital restrictions in place, our pastors are working to create pastoral care plans for those admitted while not placing anyone at risk.
- We will work with volunteers to make phone calls to those who are homebound.
- Small groups and classes are encouraged to stay connected in whatever ways work best for your groups. Online options are in development with more details to come (and thanks to the A Maze of Grace class for heading this up!); please contact us if you need help creating a plan for your group.
- Mandy is creating a set of online/remote offerings for Youth; contact her for details.
- Rebecca is compiling a list of resources for families and children; keep an eye on our social media pages for these!
- If you have needs not mentioned here (groceries, meds, etc.), or if you are able to help meet these needs for others, please contact Pam in the Church Office.
COMMUNITY
- Our Sanctuary will be open during office hours for any who want to come and pray and/or receive prayer (M-Th 8-5, F 8-12).
- Our Food Pantry remains open with curbside service M-Th from 9-4 and Fri 9-11.
- Our track is open for up to 10 walkers at a time (does NOT include weight room).