Hope in the Lord!

Psalm 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!

3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.

This is the Psalm for the 5th Sunday in Lent.

What a powerful witness to our collective spirit!

Hope is in the Lord! In the midst of the fear and anxiety of this uneven and unusual season, we are people of hope!

Our mission in this season is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in the face of disruption and distance.

The number of persons worshiping with us virtually has grown exponentially thanks to the technology of livestreaming and interactive worship.

Daily, I learn of the amazing creativity of our leaders in this season of disruption. I give thanks to God for all our pastors are doing to be faithful. I learned today of pastor who is driving to the homes of her parishioners, calling the parishioner on the phone and inviting the person to come to the window while she offers a prayer of blessing.

Congregations are gathering on Sunday in their cars in the church parking lot and technology is allowing the worship service to be broadcast over FM radio signals.

Virtual Communion and Continued Remote Worship 

In thinking about how we might engage our people virtually with regard to our liturgical traditions, I have reflected on John Wesley as a practical theologian as well as an innovator. He wanted pastors on the frontier to have the ability to offer the sacraments, so he ordained Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke.

After prayerful and careful consideration of the theological concerns with virtual communion, I offer the attached Guidance on Virtual Communion as a way for our pastors to faithfully exercise sacramental authority.

Based on the best information I have been able to receive from multiple sources, I have determined that it will be in the best interest of our communities for worship services to be suspended through April 26.  Should it become necessary to continue that suspension after April 26, we will notify you.

Annual Conference 2020

It is my deep hope that we will be able to gather in June for Annual Conference. At this time, we have not made a decision about postponing Annual Conference. However, we will make that decision no later than May 1.

With the Psalmist, I pray:

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

Hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.”

Remember:

Stay Calm,

              Stay the Course (stay on Mission)

                                            Stay Connected

May the peace of Christ be with you all.

Bishop M