Pastoral Statement on COVID-19
Decision on moving worship from Unity building to online Zoom gathering. |
Dear Unity Assembly,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46.1 I have been listening and praying during these days of the spread of COVID-19 and Coronavirus. With the guidance of our bishop, pastors, government and Unity Church Council, I feel it is time that we should cancel our Wednesdays in Lent and Sunday worship service. We will do this one week at a time for now. This means: No Lenten Wednesday March 18; No Sunday worship March 22. We’ll review again next Tuesday March 24. The safety of our congregation is very important. Many people are deciding to stay at home and self-quarantine already, and the spread of the virus is now escalating rapidly in Chicago. Without proper testing available the number will only increase. “Now is the acceptable time,” as St. Paul says. I realize this will be an inconvenience for many. Unity is a source of support and a lifeline to one another. But we choose to see this as an opportunity to “do a new thing.” We can still be in touch with each other in a number of ways, and we’re working on technology to make our Wednesday and Sunday services available to you online and/or by phone. Council members and I’m sure others, are ready to assist those that need help with groceries, and other supports. So let’s get creative together as we learn new words for new things, and new ways of being in community, in this time of “social distancing.” As this is the Lenten season, let us dig deep into our faith and rely more than ever on the Grace of God as we journey to the cross and resurrection. Please call me at (773) 992-6951 with any questions, or if you just want to talk. Be Well and Stay in Touch, Pastor Fred Additional Resources: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elca.org Metropolitan Chicago Synod mcselca.org Care For Real (emergency food resource) carefroreal.org Pastor Fred’s sermon from March 15 |
Screenshot of our trial Zoom meeting