Greetings my fellow shelter-in-placers! We are now into our 20,317 day of our SIP mandate (…or at least that’s what it sometimes seems to me as I live through this crisis!).
I wanted to bring you greetings as we progress into this Christian season of Eastertide. This Easter Sunday was not typical by any stretch of the imagination. Quite frankly, I had a huge gaping hole in my heart as I tried to celebrate this holiest of days in the Church. Absent were the wonderful celebrations of Easter we usually share: our sunrise service, our worship celebrations, the children’s Easter Egg hunt, and our breakfast put on by the men of our church.
But as I was ruminating about how much I missed the joy our church brings to my life and others, I realized that being the Church is more than just a building. I witnessed examples of God’s Love being lived out in the world. I heard stories about families gathering by Zoom. Other families and friends gathered in their yards practicing the art of social distancing. I heard other stories of people getting offers of groceries being delivered to them. And still other stories of people receiving a phone call from a friend just to check in and chat with them. Even though we did not experience worship with each other last Sunday, Christ’s Spirit was alive and present!
I am writing you today with a few updates for the week:
Worship Services. Most of you have access to our worship services electronically either through our church website or church Facebook page. If you or someone you know does not have electronic access, we are able to make DVD copies of the service. Please contact our church office at (925) 934-4208 for more information.
Basic Care Groups (BCG). The purpose of our Basic Care Groups is to care for the members of our congregation during this shelter-in-place. As I have received weekly reports from our BCG leaders, it has helped me to know who might need some assistance from our church and your pastor. If you are not part of a BCG and would like to be included, please contact the church office.
A Financial Update. Unlike many other churches, our church so far remains financially healthy. We continue to employ our staff, and they in turn are continuing their respective work and helping in other areas like the administration of our Basic Care Groups. We are keeping a close eye on our expenses and our income. Please remember you can give your offering in the following ways: 1) by mailing them directly to the church office; 2) by giving online through our church website: walnutcreekumc.org/giving; or 3) by texting your donation to (877) 769-1961. Thank you for your faithful support.
Finally, I want to encourage you to not lose hope. I know some of you are struggling mightily during this time. But please remember the eternal words of the Risen Christ when he spoke to the women at the tomb: Do not be afraid! Let’s us go forward knowing that we do not walk alone through this crisis. We have our families, our friends, our church, and most of all, our faith in the Risen Christ to help us move forward this day and every day! Amen!
Blessings…
Pastor Colin