I thought it would be a good idea to update everyone on where we are at STUMC, and when we might be able to go back to church.
Let me start by saying that this email is going to be long. I know that means that sometimes we just skim long emails. Please don\\\’t skim – please take your time, and maybe read it through a couple of times.
Let me tell you that several of our leaders are doing research, and Video Conference meetings to discover the best way to go back. We are considering such things as how to take offering, do we need to have more than one identical service for a little while, and how to sanitize the sanctuary and seat people – just to name a few. Even when we do decide to go back – remember that you can still access the services on Facebook if you don\\\’t feel ready yourself.
You are going to be hearing much more about this in the coming weeks as we develop a plan for worship and safety. But rest assured that we are going to be diligent to make things safe when we do return.
Now as to dates. This is the hard part. According to the letter from the Bishop – the Georgia State of Emergency extends through May 13, and the Bishop says the earliest anyone can begin at this time is May 17. But please understand, that date is not set until we know how things are going to be in the next few weeks. My personal feeling is that due to the age of many in our congregation, there is no way that we will be beginning on May 17.
Realistically, I think we are looking closer to May 31 or June 7. As a point of reference, the North Georgia Conference has already announced that no services are to be allowed until June 22. So as we hear from our Bishop in South Georgia, our dates may change as well.
I say all that to say this – I don\\\’t know when services will be resumed. I wish I could give you better news than that; but, at the present, all we can do is tell you our hopes, and pray they come true.
Let me also say how proud I am of Striplin Terrace UMC. Giving was down a little in March, from January and February – but, not by much. You are all doing great!
As just a reminder, these are the ways we have set up for you to be able to offer your tithes and gifts to the church.
You can mail them to the office.
You can bring it by the office but please call before you come so that you can make arrangements with the staff that is there. The office is open 9-11 Monday through Thursday. And, if you\\\’re so inclined, you can either transfer money from your bank, or use the Venmo App on your cellphone or tablet.
Don\\\’t forget you can view the services we are putting together on Facebook. They are available Sunday at 11 am on the church\\\’s and my Facebook page, as well as from the Church webpage www.striplinterrace.com, at the same time. If you do not have access to these avenues, or know someone that doesn\\\’t, please let us know, and we can have a DVD or CD made for them.
Don\\\’t forget what I\\\’ve shared many times. The purpose of the church is to build each other up and to save souls. My prayer is that you are spending this time with your family and God. The situation we are in is not always fun – but believe me – we\\\’ve been given the gift of time. Let\\\’s spend it wisely!
My love to you all,
Rodney