From the Pastor 3/26/20

March 26, 2020
Sandy Mount Church Family,

I believe by now we are all feeling the effects of COVID-19. Many have been furloughed, and we are seeing record numbers of folks applying for unemployment. These are indeed hard times for all of us.

As of yesterday, we received communication from our bishop concerning worship services. We will not be able to worship together until May 3, 2020. It may seem like we are so far from one another, and yet we are promised that God is always with us, watching over us, walking with us.

Your worship team will continue to provide worship services in a virtual format. We are posting services on our YouTube channel by way of our website (www.sandymountumc.com, click on ‘sermons and media). We are also hosting services on our Facebook page at 10 AM each Sunday. I encourage you to tune in when you can, knowing that the services will be available to you at any time after they air for the first time.

I also encourage you to engage in family worship. Many of you have your Lenten devotionals and there are resources online through the www.upperroom.org website and others. I hope you can take time each day to spend a few moments in prayer, reading scripture, and in fellowship with your families.

One thing I’ve noticed is that it appears that families are drawing closer together through this time of social distancing. Perhaps we have all gotten just a bit busy, and this is an opportunity for us to reconnect with God, with ourselves, and with our families.

I truly miss seeing all of you every week. I’ve talked with many of you over the phone, but there’s something special about face-to-face communication. We will plan a huge celebration for our first Sunday back. It will be our Easter celebration. It will be our time to reconnect as a church family and truly celebrate everything that makes us the Sandy Mount United Methodist Church community.

I wanted to extend a special note of gratitude to all of you who are checking on your neighbors, staying in touch with our shut ends, and holding those in need in your prayers. We are still a powerfully connected community and this is our time to shine Christ’s light in what can be difficult times. Jesus said “you are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Thank you for sharing your light in every way.

We appreciate your continued financial support as well. We are doing all we can to make sure our fixed expenses are met, therefore we greatly appreciate your help. Options include mailed checks, online giving through your financial institution, or PayPal via our church website.

Our hope is to continue with weekly free take-out dinners offered to our church family and the community beginning tonight from 5-7 PM. We are adding another blood drive as the need for blood is critical. Worship continues. I am available for pastoral care and council. And as always, my prayers are with you all.

Your servant in Christ, Pastor Kathy