Being Church and Being Healthy
Laingsburg UMC Response and Precautions Related to COVID-19 Concerns
Precautions effective 3/12 – 4/12*
As a church, we believe that encouraging healthy living is a vital part of our ministry, as is providing a healthy place to gather, serve, and worship. As more and more information is coming to light regarding the COVID-19 virus (Novel Coronavirus), and as public response recommendations are being made via health officials, Laingsburg UMC wants to remain proactive and in accordance with proper recommendations. As a church, we will remain committed to taking appropriate and reasonable precautions to keep our congregation and community as safe and healthy as possible.
*The following are decisions that have been made by Pastor Brian and Lay Leader, John Peck in consultation with the Michigan Conference of the UMC, health officials and CDC recommendations, and will be in effect through April 13th, unless you are informed otherwise. They are designed to increase social distance and limit virus transmission, as is broadly recommended during the period of a pandemic:
- At this point, we have canceled our regular Sunday morning worship service. With that being said, should any of these plans or the information change, it will be immediately communicated with the congregation and posted on our website and Facebook page. Please note that we will have a worship service on Facebook LIVE beginning at 10am on Sundays. Simply go to the Laingsburg UMC Facebook page to watch and participate.
- The church office will now be closed as well, at least through April 13th.
- Meetings, Bible studies, and small groups will not be held in person. Should a committee or group meeting be necessary, the church office can help arrange for a conference telephone call (multiple callers on one group call).
- Renters and community groups who regularly use the building are asked to refrain from holding their events until further notification is given. For those with AA, please be in touch with your group coordinator(s) and/or sponsor for more information about alternative meeting options.
YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY
We recognize that without in-person worship during this unusual time, our regular income through your tithes, offerings, and donations may decrease. Please know that your regular giving is still depended upon in order to ensure that salaries, utilities, and other ministry-related financial obligations are met on time. And so, please consider one of these means of continued giving:
- You can mail a check to the church via US Postal Services.
- You can utilize our electronic/online giving tool through www.laingsburgumc.org. There are no added costs for you.
Absolutely none of this is intended to add to any panic, concern, or over reaction. In fact, you are encouraged to see it as a reassuring response from our church to the recommendations of health officials. These are certainly not decisions that are favorable to the ministry of the church, nor have they been made without prayerful consideration. Yet, we believe that it is our responsibility, both as people of faith and as neighbors in our local and global communities to take these steps, encouraging both health and safety.
If you have a pastoral emergency, please call the parsonage, 517 651-5266.
We appreciate your patience and understanding in this unusual time.
Peace,
Pastor Brian
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