Thank you for receiving with such grace last week's message that we would not meet for in-person worship this last Sunday, November 15, at Union Chapel Indy. Your flexibility in these ever-changing times is a blessing to many!

 

Yesterday, November 16, Indiana UM Bishop Julius Trimble additionally mandated that all Indiana UM Churches suspend in-person worship for November 22 and "several weeks after." I received this message last evening from our Conference Superintendent, Dr. Aleze Fulbright.

 

To be consistent with this instruction, and to be as safe as possible for the staff, volunteers, and worshipers of Union Chapel Indy, we will not meet for in-person worship before January 3. While I know that this news is disappointing given the holidays ahead of us, we must put the needs of others ahead of our own desires for comforting rituals and gatherings. As Scripture commands us, during this time especially, we will seek to... "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves." We will "...look not to our own interests, but to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4 NRSV)

 

As we practice restraint in gathering, I invite you to join me in prayer - prayer for the world and all those affected by the pandemic; prayer for the towns, communities, and businesses where we live; prayer for our neighbors; and prayer for each other.... that we might know the powerful presence of God in the midst of the difficulty, and see God at work to bring healing and hope to every corner, even as we join God in that work.

 

Christmas will still come on December 25. And we will find ways to celebrate - as a distanced community of faith and as individuals. And we will find ways to serve and love others. Stay tuned for more details and opportunities. These things will all just look a bit different than other years. Thank you for your grace, your flexibility, your generosity, and your positive attitudes as we move through this season.

 

Thank you each and all for your presence in this ministry. Together we are more. And I am so grateful to be a part of this particular "together." 

 

Please let me know if you have questions, particular needs, or want to talk about any of this. You may email me at   or contact me through the church office at 317.846.3429. Thank you, again, for being Christ right where you are and loving others with his love.

 

Blessings,