The last few weeks have been the most remarkable in my 19 years of ministry. Our social media accounts and news stories are replete with people acting selfishly, empty grocery store shelves, frustration with government officials, economic ruin, and rising infection and death rates. Nevertheless, it has been a blessing to see Central continue following Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. We have continued to be about the mission and ministry to which God calls us.
This week we have seen Gov. McMaster and state officials begin to roll back some quarantine measures. Regardless, we are still being asked to exercise social distancing. This means limiting the number of people in buildings to 20% occupancy or 5 people per 1000 square feet. It also means maintaining six feet of distance from people who are not part of your household. I am also mindful of John Wesley’s first General Rule – do no harm. From a practical standpoint, it is impossible for us to hold in-person worship and resume normal church activities in compliance with these guidelines. From a spiritual standpoint, it would be harmful to members of our church family if we were to go against these social distancing guidelines. As such, we will continue virtual worship and meetings through May 15th. The situation remains fluid and we may adjust these plans going forward. Please continue to monitor communications from the church via email and the COVID-19 resource area of centralmethodist.net.
As I have shared with you before, the words of Romans 8:38-39 have been with me throughout this crazy time:
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I do not know when and I do not know how, but I know this pandemic will end. I know this because I know nothing can separate us from God’s love. Until then, let us rest in God’s love and live in love with one another.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas W. Smith