Connections is a weekly publication connecting the people of Central United Methodist Church with programs, updates and informative articles.
GREAT NEWS!
The Annual Conference has awarded a Missional Support grant to bring Pastor Viseth Hou to full time (he is currently 1/2 time at Central and 1/4 time at Point Pleasant). From July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, we will receive $1,000/month in salary support funds. Central and Point Pleasant churches will both increase our support contribution modestly (about $75/month at Point Pleasant and $200/month at Central).
We are excited that the Cambodian ministry can be strengthened through this recognition of Pastor Viseth’s diligent work. Debra Brady, our District Superintendent, has authorized Jan to preside at a one-item Charge Conference on Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 p.m. via ZOOM. According to our Discipline, voting members of the Charge Conference include all elected members of the Church Council plus retired ordained ministers who report to Central’s Church Conference. Other Central members are welcome to attend with voice, but not vote. The ZOOM link will be sent to all voting members; others may request it from Jan.
SIMPLE QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED
- If we offered an 8.30am English language Sunday worship experience in Central Park later this summer, physically distanced, and wearing masks, would you come for a thirty-minute service? YES OR NO. (Gathering at this time would allow time for our Cambodian congregation to worship in the park at 9.30am)
- If our only in-person summer service was a thirty-minute service in the Sanctuary on any evening would you attend, be physically distanced, and wearing masks? YES OR NO
- If we are able to worship in Central Park or in the Sanctuary would you continue to worship on-line or would you attend the in-person service? YES OR NO
- Would you attend an in-person worship service where there is no hymn singing, or choir? YES OR NO
Do you have any other comments you would like to offer our Reopen the Building Team to consider as we go through the complex process of developing protocols for outdoor and indoor worship later this year? All plans must be approved by District Superintendent the Rev. Debra Brady, and follow the stricter of denominational, state or county guidelines. We will definitely be wearing masks, sitting apart, and not singing.
Please answer the four questions above by sending an email to Alan Cook at [email protected]. Please write the four numbers with your one-word answer; we hope that you will include comments.
Members of our Reopen the Building Team include Faye Hastings (representing the Trustees), Dick Edelstein (one of our newest ushers), Suzi Treganza (who worked on the protocol for opening the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church), Sophal Soun (a member of the Cambodian Congregation), Judy Avila (choir member), and coordinator Alan Cook. Jan will work closely with the team. When the protocols are in place a large number of volunteers will be needed for any services, outside or inside, that we conduct, so please let Alan or Jan know if you’d be willing to help with greeting, seating people, interpreting the sanitizing and mask requirements, and/or sanitizing after service, etc.
UMC SERVICE OF LAMENT
Wednesday, June 24
10.00am (12.00pm CDT)
Be a part of Dismantling Racism: A Service of Lament, Wednesday, June 24, at 10.00am. Watch and participate in the denomination-wide observance at UMC.org/EndRacism.
United Methodists from around the world will gather to lament for the racism in our midst. We will also reflect on Psalm 22, have a time of communion, and hear God’s call to join the work of dismantling racism and pressing on to freedom for all.
Together, we must pray, connect, show up and act.
“Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom” is a multi-level initiative throughout the church to implement a sustained and coordinated effort to dismantle racism and promote collective action to work toward racial justice.