Welcome to
Faith United Methodist Church

June 19, 2020

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, June 21, we will open the sanctuary for in-person worship, as well as continuing our online worship service. While it will be wonderful to see each of you, there are new procedures for everyone’s health and safety.

Faith United Methodist Church’s Leadership Council, Staff and Worship Team have had many discussions about things we can do to keep our congregation safe. The church has been deep cleaned and sanitized throughout the building. Our sanctuary has been divided to encourage physical distancing and some items have been removed from the building. We are in the process of moving the church offices to the west side of the building and creating a new church nursery near the sanctuary. Please be patient, or better yet, volunteer to help complete this important project!

Faith UMC’s new procedures include:
*Please use the Main Entrance only
*Please wear masks (thanks to all who donated masks)
*Electronic bulletins and newsletters emailed to you (no paper bulletins)
*Communion on the first Sunday of the month, using individually sealed communion elements
*No coffee & pastries at this time
*Place offering in basket or give electronically (no passing the offering plates).
*We plan to resume in person Sunday School later this summer

Please be aware that Covid-19 is still possible until a vaccine is widely available, so please continue using the precautions that are advised: Wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, wash/sanitize hands frequently and stay home if you have any symptoms.

Here are some reminders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
*Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms
*Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart of lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from Covid-19 illness.
*Watch for symptoms, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestions or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

I know this letter is long and it contains several important points. I write to prepare, not overwhelm you. Throughout all the changes in our nation, our community and our church, God is faithful.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

During the 14 weeks we have been in quarantine, of course life rolls on. We are all grieving in different ways: the loss of loved ones, the dashed expectations of special events, the loneliness and changes to our way of life. Through it all, I pray that your prayer life has strengthened you and that you have discovered a deeper reliance on God’s grace and love. I look forward to worshipping with you, online and in person.

Grace and peace,
Reverend Linda Potter