Update - November 8:
The leaders of our church recently met to discuss potential plans for re-opening our sanctuary for in-person services. The consensus was “not yet.” We feel it is still too risky at this time, especially as cases are trending higher in New Jersey and specifically in Ocean County. Also, the strain on the volunteer team would be too great. And to abide by the current CDC guidelines and follow the directives from our Governor would make for a very limited worship experience.
As your pastor I am very concerned about not putting anyone at any undue risk. As a Conference in the UMC, Greater New Jersey is committed to not having any United Methodist activity spread the virus. My decision, supported by collective wisdom from our leadership, is to wait until we can be sure it is safe. So, in the meantime, the Church is being called into new territory, and we are being challenged to innovate and move forward in this new context. We have begun planning at IHUMC to make our online worship experiences more inclusive of members, and to develop small online groups to meet via Zoom and other platforms to connect and pray for each other. We are also looking at some in-person activity such as “to-go” Men’s Breakfasts and outside Christmas caroling in December.
Please continue to pray for the ministry of our church and feel free to contact me if you have questions, concerns, and ideas for innovative ministry. This is time we have been called into, and I know we will thrive as we trust in God.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Blair
The leaders of our church recently met to discuss potential plans for re-opening our sanctuary for in-person services. The consensus was “not yet.” We feel it is still too risky at this time, especially as cases are trending higher in New Jersey and specifically in Ocean County. Also, the strain on the volunteer team would be too great. And to abide by the current CDC guidelines and follow the directives from our Governor would make for a very limited worship experience.
As your pastor I am very concerned about not putting anyone at any undue risk. As a Conference in the UMC, Greater New Jersey is committed to not having any United Methodist activity spread the virus. My decision, supported by collective wisdom from our leadership, is to wait until we can be sure it is safe. So, in the meantime, the Church is being called into new territory, and we are being challenged to innovate and move forward in this new context. We have begun planning at IHUMC to make our online worship experiences more inclusive of members, and to develop small online groups to meet via Zoom and other platforms to connect and pray for each other. We are also looking at some in-person activity such as “to-go” Men’s Breakfasts and outside Christmas caroling in December.
Please continue to pray for the ministry of our church and feel free to contact me if you have questions, concerns, and ideas for innovative ministry. This is time we have been called into, and I know we will thrive as we trust in God.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Blair