This is a beautiful week -- weather wise. The sun is out, the temperatures have been high enough for us to enjoy the outside for a few more days. I want to focus on that because it feels like everything else is in a state of uncertainty and indecision. Election results are not final yet and COVID is returning even stronger and more aggressive. I feel part of the reason for this strong resurgence might be coming from the fact that many of us have gotten used to the reality and relaxed our guards a little. Regardless, the reality is that Illinois was reported to hit 10,000 COVID deaths yesterday, and a record-breaking 9,900 new COVID cases.
Chicago city’s top doctors report that ‘in a group of 10 Chicagoans picked at random, there is a one in three chance someone in the group has COVID-19.’
With this new reality, your church leadership has decided to SUSPEND in-person worship, effective immediately. I learned yesterday that one of our Chicago area clergy (United Methodist) is quarantined at home because they tested positive for COVID. I also attended a meeting yesterday with our Bishop and a few staff members from our Mayor's office where a staff person from the Chicago Department of Public Health reminded us of the heightened possibility of contraction of the virus during singing. (To learn more or for updates, please go to this website.) Keeping that in mind, we have also decided that from now on you will only hear Robert singing and providing music for worship. Since this is a recent change, and we may not have enough time to do things differently, we will stay on zoom for this Sunday. Click here for the link to log in. If you are joining us by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 489 148 569; Passcode: 290727.(Info also on our events page.)
Friends, these are tough times, and it is very easy to feel discouraged and disheartened. I urge you to please stay connected with each other, check on each other, and call at least one family member or friend. We will continue to provide care to the best of our ability given the limitations. We are also in the process of figuring out how to plan Advent and Christmas seasons. We will keep you posted and do all we can to make the experiences as meaningful as we possibly can. Also, if you are willing to assist in worship, please sign up here.
And remember, this Sunday is Stewardship Sunday. A pledge card link will be shared with you during worship, and is available here. I urge you to take the next few days to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to respond. Remember -- the life we live is indeed “A Wonder-full Life.”
Beloveds, I urge you to please take good care of yourselves -- wash your hands, wear your mask and refrain from large crowds, and I pray that you are doing well, and doing all you can to stay positive. May God give all of us the strength we need for each day. And remember, I am always your partner, in justice and in ministry,
