We’re starting our second week of “sheltering in place.” Most churches have had at least two if not three Sundays of only online worship or some other means to reach out spiritually to our congregations. We’ve got this week to prepare for Holy Week and then…Easter!
Read MoreChurch buildings closed. Sanctuaries silent. Pews and Sunday school classrooms empty. It’s a surreal scene in churches around the country since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic turned our world upside down and disrupted our everyday routines, such as going to church on Sunday.
Read MoreAs I write this column, one of our pastoral families welcomed a first baby into their home. Others are burying a parent. Families are frantic for the well-being of loved ones separated from them by the novel coronavirus. Others are juggling homeschooling and entertaining rambunctious children.
Read MoreWhen the DuPage Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) organization announced the closure of all interim (overnight) shelter locations beginning Saturday, March 21, George Groves was saddened. Groves, a member of Naperville: Community UMC was scheduled for the 9 pm – 1 am Sunday shift. For Groves—and for many area UMC churches—the coronavirus pandemic has upended a long-standing ministry to the community.
Read MoreLearn 12 tips for promoting generosity during this coronavirus crisis and after as well as easy options for online giving.
Read MoreIn the face of the worldwide pandemic of the novel coronavirus, Bishop Sally Dyck and the Cabinet calls us to join Christians around the world for an Ecumenical Reciting of the Lord's Prayer today, Wednesday, March 25 at noon.
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