Where are We?
Hello, family. I am praying for us all as we continue to live with faith in the face of this pandemic. There is tremendous uncertainty about COVID-19, but the Good News for us is found in Hebrews 6:19-20.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.
I am writing to offer some degree of our direction as a congregation. The Park is quite alive and CDC-compliant!
Despite the messages from our governor to open Texas, it is too soon. Our episcopal leader, Bishop McKee recently stated that all United Methodist Churches will remain closed to in person worship during the month May. Bishop McKee suggests that we could possibly return to our sanctuaries by mid -June. Until then, he asks that we continue online worship. A number of you have asked for drive-in worship. This is prohibited by the Bishop.
(FYI, I am a part of a clergy group that is standing up to Abbot’s actions to open up churches. Please see the attached link.)
Considering this, please prepare for virtual communion in May and June. Utilize crackers, bread and juice or water. There is no need to attempt to purchase the wafers that we use in church.
I am happy to report that the leaders of The Park continue with business, the Trustees, Finance Committee, Church Council, and Lay Leadership Committee meet regularly by phone conference or by Zoom.
Our Graduation ministry is having its traditional Sunday on May 17, 2020, so look forward to that.
The Food Distribution ministry continues to bless thousands and illustrates the command of Jesus, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) The program operates Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and will continue until May 29, 2020. There is a need for volunteers to plate the meals, also we need shopping bags and grocery store bags. (Most of us have them stuffed in closets.)
We are actively cleaning the roles by calling the names in our membership directory. There are lots of names with no phone number, and some numbers that are no longer accurate. If you have not received a phone call from a member of the pastoral team by the end of next week, please call Church Admin Art Mosley at amosley@theparkumc.org and give us a working phone number.
Let me close this letter on an upbeat note. I am hosting a birthday party for myself on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, on Zoom. We will share the link and ask as many as possible to join in for a virtual celebration!
Let’s stay safe and in prayer.
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson