Statement Regarding COVID-19 For INUMC Churches

Coronavirus

From Julius C. Trimble, Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference
United Methodist Churches of Indiana

With the first confirmed cases in Indiana, it’s important for all of us to take precautions against the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. I invite you to join me in responding to this situation in the following ways:

Pray
Pray for those that have fallen ill, for the families who have lost loved ones from this virus, for medical teams working to contain the outbreak. Pray for a cure.

Prevent
Churches can do their part in preventing the spread of this virus. Consider the following ways:

  • Offer individual cups and wafers when serving sacraments.
  • Contemplate the use of gloves when preparing and distributing the Communion elements.
  • Refrain from handshakes or hugs during “Passing of the Peace.”
  • Make hand sanitizer available in common areas like lobbies, fellowship halls, and restrooms.
  • Sanitize doorknobs, stair rails, and children’s areas/toys.
  • Consider allowing staff persons to work from home if the virus becomes present in your community.

Plan
Because a local outbreak could have an impact on churches, leadership in the Indiana Conference should plan in advance for how they might respond. How will you communicate any service changes to your congregation? Plan to care for your congregation well by creating a system for wellness checks for older people in your congregation whom you haven’t seen for a while. To stay updated on the Coronavirus so you can plan accordingly, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at coronavirus.gov.

You can also read more about the current situation on the UMC website.

Give
The United Methodist Church has responded to the virus by assisting China with a Global Health fund grant through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). Give generously to Advance #3021770 at advance.umcor.org.

Also, please consider giving to assist in disaster recovery in Tennessee through UMCOR Advance #901670. Donations to both advances can be made online or via check mailed to: 458 Ponce De Leon Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia, 30308.

Though this situation is serious and demands attention, I encourage you to not fear. Pray, prevent, plan, and give, but also place your confidence and trust in our God, who is bigger than any outbreak or virus. As people of hope, we endure through prayer for our world and for a swift end to this and any other besetting illness in Jesus’ name.

Statement Regarding COVID-19 From Pastor Randy

Worship is a cherished part of our lives. If it is safe to worship together, we certainly want to worship.

Dr. Steve Barnett and I have been in conversation since last Sunday about the Coronavirus and the precautions we need to take. This Sunday, March 15 and until further notice, we will greet each other with big smiles, but without hugging or shaking hands. We will not pass the offering plates. Instead, the ushers will be at the back of the sanctuary with baskets after the blessing. We will still have our special music during the time we ordinarily take up the offering. On Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, March 22, we will give you the opportunity to donate to UMCOR for tornado relief in central Tennessee.

Also, we will not have a meal following this week’s service (March 15). We will continue to re-evaluate for the following weeks.

On Communion Sundays, we will not dip our bread into the chalice, but everyone will drink the juice from the individual plastic cups for the months of April, May, and June. We will re-evaluate for July. If you are sick, we ask that you please stay home.

If you are absent, please consider sending your offering by mail to:

Baker Chapel United Methodist Church
3495 E State Route 62
Boonville, Indiana 47601

We will continue to monitor the fast moving developments and make decisions accordingly. If any changes are made to any church events or services are cancelled, we will reach out to the congregation via email, through our website, and on our Community Facebook page.

Be well! Much agape.

Pastor Randy