5/27/2020
Pastor’s Pen In-Person Worship Let me speak to the question I am most often asked these days, okay the second most; yes I am getting a haircut this week. But I digress. There is great interest in knowing when Crievewood UMC will open for in-person worship, which I very much appreciate. I too miss the gathered community experience. This has been an ongoing conversation since in-person worship was suspended after March 8th. Over subsequent weeks we have abided by instructions from our Bishop, the Mayor of Metro Nashville and Davidson County, and the Governor of Tennessee. We have also factored advice from the Medical Community. However, State level restrictions have eased, Metro Nashville is in Phase 2 of its protocol, and the Bishop has granted permission to restart in-person worship the third Sunday in June. It was time for us to make the best decision for Crievewood UMC regarding when we would re-open. Onn May 17th, the Church Administrative Council met (by zoom) to consider the matter. Attendance was good, conversation was robust, and a decision was made (unanimously). We will not begin in-person worship any earlier than July 12th. The Council discussed new realities for our worship life that will be adopted no matter when we open, such as no more passing of the offering plate. Yet what drove the conversation were the theological implications of opening sooner rather than later. Limiting the number who can be in a worship service, creating the necessary social distancing in the sanctuary, wearing masks, and encouraging a large demographic of our congregation to stay home, did not match the inclusive and welcoming message we seek to embody. Ultimately the Council voted to wait until masks are optional, all are able to come if they so choose, and social distancing is self-determined. I am confident that you will join me in thanking God for the strong lay leadership of this faith community. There are of course many other elements of our shared life that require action steps to re-start, such as Sunday School and small group ministries. So, stay tuned! I look forward to our “virtual community” worship this Sunday, Pentecost. Literally tune in for that (on Facebook live) as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Try not to let my haircut distract you. Peter van Eys |
Welcome Sign Our lovely welcome sign will soon be on sale at the Farmers’ Market, unless a Crievewood member snatches it up first. If you want to make the purchase, please contact Mary Bryan (bryanmarym@yahoo.com). Any donation received for the sign will be given to the church. The item is offered on a first come basis. |
Project Transformation A big THANK YOU to all who donated items for the “Summer Camp in a Bag”, the Project Transformation Summer reading program. We collected all the items needed for 50 bags, and the bags will be delivered to Antioch United Methodist Church Monday morning. This project will help children stay on reading grade level for the upcoming school year as well as provide them with indoor and outdoor activities and snacks. Crievewood always provides blessings to others. |
The CHNA’s farmers’ market hosted by Crievewood UMC continues on Thursday evenings during the summer but with social distancing practices in place. The market has local produce including peaches and berries, meats, bread, baked goods, but right now, the market will not offer raffles or kids’ activities. The music is back, though, welcoming all to the market! We hope you will come and support our local farmers and merchants. But, for the safety of all, please familiarize yourself with the new procedures before entering the market. You can find an outline of those procedures at http://www.crievehallassociation.com/farmininthehall. |