“And I will guard your going out and your coming in.”
— Psalm 121
Dear Friends,
In all things, even strange and stressful times like these, we can turn to God to remember who we are and whose we are. The psalmist reminds us that we belong to a loving God in whom we can find comfort in whatever we are facing.
For the past three days, several teams of church leaders have worked almost non-stop to monitor the Coronavirus and its risk, digest expert opinions and advice for best practices and discern as prayerfully as we can what is best for all. Last night, the session took several steps to protect us all, steps that invite us to explore being community to each other in new ways.
We are suspending all in-person organized, church-sponsored gatherings until further notice. We will make the best use of technology, including things as simple as the telephone, as the life of the church goes on. Specifically this means:
Worship: We will worship virtually online and over the phone on Sundays at 11 a.m. Anyone with a phone or a computer will be able to access worship from home for either audio or video content. It will be similar to how we have done worship via Facebook Live in past winter weather events but not require you to have a Facebook account. We are excited about using new ways to remain closely connected and interactive, hear and explore the word of God, enjoy music and share prayers. STAY TUNED for details, probably tomorrow, for how to access worship thus Sunday.
Classes, Committee Meetings and other church-related gatherings will go online or via conference call effective immediately: We’re a busy church with a lot to do, regardless. Group leaders will be equipped with conference call lines and Zoom video-conference capability to continue to advance our ministries, from our 4H work to the regular work of serving each other and our city.
Congregational Care: We will energize our prayer ministry especially for all of those who may be vulnerable to the virus. Let’s hold up in particular our members who are over 65 or who have underlying health concerns and issues. Staff will continue to work our full schedules and we will remain in close touch with our members and friends as we all cope with the new stress of what faces our nation as well as life’s normal ups and downs. Stay tuned for more on how we will organize enhanced ways to stay in touch and in community in care for each other. One immediate step you can take is to think about anyone who doesn’t use a computer and call them to update them on this news.
Please know these decisions were made prayerfully, carefully and thoughtfully. We are following the advice of experts who say that the sooner precautions and interventions are put in place, the sooner our nation will work through what is ahead and we can get back to life as normal.
It WILL BE important for everyone to be mindful of their promise and pledge to God in financial support of Caldwell. It’s a great time to set up online giving, which makes it easy on you and is better for the church’s ministries. You can do that by clicking here – it’s quick and easy.
For each of us, our life together as church is central and vital to our being, sense of identity and belonging. We enter into a time of these temporary modifications lifting each of you up and in confidence that God will indeed guard “our going out and our coming in.”
Please watch your email and Facebook for more directions soon and don’t hesitate to contact me or any staff member with your input, ideas or questions.
As always in Christ,
Rev. John Cleghorn
jcleghorn@caldwellpresby.org
704-957-4511 – mobile phone