Dear Union Church,
With coronavirus (COVID-19) looming heavy in our world right now, we want to share with you how Union Church plans to respond as followers of Christ and members of the Prescott community.
GATHERINGS
For Now:
Yes, we do plan to gather for church this coming Sunday (March 15). There will be some modifications. In order to best care for our members who are at higher risk for the more serious complications of the virus, the most loving approach we can have in our Sunday gatherings is to minimize points of close contact. So let’s give big smiles and big hellos and maybe an elbow bump or two and embrace the awkwardness of this season. To help with some practicalities from a medical professional, a local doctor will be sharing his perspective and giving some advice in the midst of this season. Our communal coffee and treats area will be temporarily closed. Additionally, because our communion system is unavoidably a close point of contact, we will temporarily be halting it as well. For those who are avoiding public gatherings, we are committed to making sermon podcasts and blogposts available no later than Monday mornings so all will still be able to be connected to as much of the life of Union Church as possible. Our Gospel Communities will continue to gather for much needed encouragement and prayer.
For the Future:
While we will always remain committed to gathering in corporate worship, new developments with the coronavirus may compel us to make adjustments in our calendar. Like so many, we are staying informed and prayerfully considering the best ways in which we can be helpful citizens during this difficult time. Therefore, if canceling future Sunday gatherings becomes a recommendation of health officials, we will abide by those recommendations. We will move forward together, one day at a time.
COMMUNITY
This unique moment in history gives us an extraordinary opportunity to love God and love one another. It is possible that we are headed into an extended time of difficulty and uncertainty. Therefore, we are going to need to humbly practice “bearing one another’s burdens.”(Galatians 6:2) In this time, like all times, may we have eyes open to the see the needs of our church, our neighbors, and our community as we love like Jesus has loved us. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) With our language and our lives may we practice peace and patience with all we come into contact with; humble hearts, hands that help, and mouths that speak good news. This may have surprised us but it didn’t surprise Him. So if our minds and hearts begin to drown in the waters of uncertainty, may we remember that He is our rock and He hears us, even from the ends of the earth. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1)
With much love,
The Elders and Staff of Union Church