In-person Worship Information

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As you are likely aware, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an order for a 3-week "pause" targeting indoor gatherings and other group activities.  Additionally, Bishop David Bard, Bishop of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church sent an e-mail to all Methodist churches in which he states "Today, I am asking you in the strongest way possible to refrain from in-person worship for the Advent and Christmas seasons."  (Please see the link to read the Bishop's entire message -->  https://michiganumc.org/more-advent-counsel-from-bishop-bard/)

We do not take decisions about in-person vs. online-only worship lightly.  From the early days of the pandemic, we have committed to doing what we can to protect the health and safety of our members and our community.  Ad Council has been exchanging e-mails over the last few days and has concluded that it is necessary to return to online-only worship from now through December 8, at a minimum.  We will re-evaluate in early December and determine the best course of action at that point in time. 

This decision does not mean the church is "closed".  Worship Committee has been hard at work planning for the Advent season with contingencies in place for the fact that we may need to worship virtually.  UMM has constructed a large, outdoor Advent Wreath so that we can gather on Saturday evenings (with masks, socially distanced, outdoors) to join in the Advent candle lighting together.  

We also know that certain individuals may have difficulty participating in worship online.  If you, or someone you know, is unable to participate in worship online, please let me know or call the church office.  We are working with those individuals to help find alternatives to attend worship.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly (asg10@albion.edu or call/text 734-740-2219).  

I am looking forward to the time when we can all worship together again safely.  Until that time, I will pray that you will find meaning in our online worship, participation in one of our Growth Groups (https://www.bellevillefirstumc.org/groups), or the other Advent activities planned.