We don’t know what it will feel like. We will be recording the hymns today, so obviously it will not be the same. We will all be singing the hymns at home, while Robert and his small (responsibly distanced) crew will lead the hymns, and we do hope that you will enjoy the hymns, remembering that we do it all for the glory of God.
When can we sing together? Well, that would be a while! Even though our Governor’s re-opening plan for Illinois suggests we will be in phase 3 by the end of next week (which would allow gathering of 10 persons or less), Mayor Lightfoot does not think Chicago is ready for it. So, it will be a while before we get to phase 4, which will allow gatherings of 50 or less. And even with all that, we have to wait and see when we get to that phase. Even when the state allows it, we will have to be careful in getting all our precautional plans in place before we can safely be back in the building. Our conference is putting a re-entry procedure in place and our own leadership is also looking at all the possibilities. Whatever we do, it will be keeping all of our people in mind and we are aware that even with that, every person will decide for themselves -- based on their own needs and comfort. In the meantime, we will continue to be the community that Broadway is and support one another virtually.
Speaking of connection, don’t forget to sign up here to do a short 2-4 minute video, to connect with your community. It can be about a book you read, a movie you watched, a question on your mind, a scripture you want to read or a prayer you wish to say. I have enjoyed those that have been posted so far and look forward to hearing for many more of you.
Beloveds, it is evident that many of us have learned to cope with this new normal. Realizing that, we are eliminating the Thursday gathering on Zoom. The rest of our services will continue. Quick links to weekly events are available at the top of this email and on our events page.
Beloved, your staff has been working tirelessly in these past 10 weeks to maintain as much normalcy as we could, with the limitations that COVID brought upon us. I am sure you will join me in affirming that. We will also be taking a few days off in the coming week. Our virtual office will be closed on Monday, May 25th to observe Memorial Day, and will be taking vacation days from Thursday, May 28th to Sunday, May 31st. We will upload a Pentecost Sunday worship service, on Facebook, put together by leaders in our District (Robert and I participated in it). We will resume our Zoom worship on Sunday, June 7th. Thank you for allowing this time and of course -- we will be available for any emergencies.
