Pausing In Person Worship 11/29/2020

Dear friends,
As rates of COVID-19 have risen in the last few weeks so quickly, the Gift Team Board and leadership of the United Church of Christ of Hummelstown have decided that we will suspend all in person worship and gatherings starting November 29th. 

As we have done for the last nine months, we will continue to stream every worship service on Sunday at 10:30 am, and ensure they are available after that time for those who are not able to “attend” at that specific time.

This live stream will continue to be shared at the toll-free call-in phone number, for those without internet. For details, please call the church office  If you are not currently on the mailing list and would like to be, please call the office and request that you be placed on that list.  If you are not currently on our email list, or are having issues with your email delivery of the weekly bulletin and information, please also contact us to ensure you are able to receive the weekly updates, especially in this time of such quick change and uncertainty.

What will be done digitally and how do I access it?

• Worship: Streamed on Facebook, also available from our website without logging into Facebook.

Call in to listen: Call the office before Thursday at 2 pm to be added to the call list.

Watch the video: Scroll down the home page to the video and click to make full screen. The first video listed should be the one upcoming/current.  Stream goes live at 10:20 approximately to allow for time to get in and settled before worship begins. 

• Zoom fellowship after church & Zoom Bible study: Call the office for details if you are not already on our weekly email list.

How long will this last?
We aren’t clear how long we will be suspending in person worship. We will do our best to be transparent and allow as much time as possible to get updates to you as we can.  We will continue to follow CDC and medical recommendations as we continue through this time together, yet apart.

How can you continue to engage with the church when we aren’t meeting in person?
The number one thing to think about is to stay connected, but to find new ways to do it!  Pray for those affected by illness and for who this time of intentional isolation is hardest, as well as those who are still working in essential industries who are continuing to be exposed to large numbers of the public and are therefore at risk.

Call, email, send letters or postcards. As we are more separated, we will all begin to feel more lonely or discouraged.  Take some extra time to check in by virtual means or send a letter saying hi to remind someone you are thinking of them.

In this time of fear, share the heart of who we are with the world, that the God we worship, and the life we celebrate is centered on love.  God is present with us even when we are lonely.  I invite you to find the ways that will calm your own anxieties, and find your center there.  Speak up when you can to share a vision of unity with those who would sow divisiveness.

May you feel the presence and peace of love as we move into uncertainty and walk with one another in grace. 
 
Blessings,
Pastor Beth Rogers

For more information about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania visit:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx