Partridge Community Church family, Mar. 17,2020

 

Last night, I met with the board of deacons, a representative from the trustees, and our moderator to discuss our next steps in light of the current CDC recommendations.

 

We are in agreement that the most faithful response at this time is to suspend all in-person church gatherings for at least the next two weeks (through March 29) and to re-evaluate at that time.

 

This decision is an incredibly difficult one and was not taken lightly. However, in order to love our neighbors, we must do everything we can to "flatten the curve" and slow the spread of the virus.

 

Even though our in-person gatherings are suspended, church continues. Now more than ever, we are keenly aware of what has always been true: the church is not the building we gather in, the hour we spend in worship on Sunday morning, or even our most beloved rituals and traditions. We are the church.

 

In the days and weeks to come, we will continue to be the church. It won’t look the way it has usually looked, but we will experiment and get creative. We’ll connect through technology and phone calls and letters. We’ll learn together what works and what doesn’t work. We’ll trust in God to guide us through this wilderness just as God has guided us through other wildernesses in our lives.

 

What can we do now?

 

• Check in with each other by phone, email, or text to offer a listening ear and encouragement. This week, think about the people who sit beside, behind, and in front of you in church or people who might be in particular need of a friendly word from their church family. You can access the directory here: https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/.

If you need help with your log-in, please contact Phil Pitzer at phillip.pitzer@gmail.com. Paper directories are also available and can be mailed or delivered to you if you would like one.

 

• Protect your health and the health of others. Wash your hands, try to stay home as much as possible, and be smart and safe. Check sources like the Center for Disease Control or the World Health Organization.

 

The CDC has determined that older adults and people with serious chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung conditions, and diabetes are at higher risk for infection and face the most serious consequences.

 

If you are someone who is not in a higher risk category and would like to volunteer to run errands and deliver groceries for those who are, please contact me to be added to a volunteer list.

 

If you are someone who should limit the risk of exposure, please bless others by allowing them to be a blessing to you. Contact me and let me know that you would like someone to reach out about helping with errands and deliveries.

 

• Keep reading your church emails. We are working on ways to offer meaningful worship, study, and prayer online as well as ways to connect with one another. More details will follow.

 

• Continue to support the church. While we may not be together on Sunday, the ministry and mission of Partridge Community Church UCC is ongoing. Please continue to financially support the church as we offer support to each other and the wider community. Contributions can be mailed to:

P.O. Box 38

Partridge, KS 67566.

 

This is new territory for all of us.

We are going to do some things right.

We are going to make some mistakes.

But we will continue to be the church and love each other through this with care and hope.

 

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything: 405.317.3259 or rev.irick@gmail.com.

 

Much Heart,

Sheridan