Christ First
United Methodist Church
663 Lakeview Avenue
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 664-5803 | c1stumc@gmail.com
Where do we go from here?
Things remain fluid when it comes to balancing community well-being with being faithful. Currently churches fall into the Governor’s Phase 4 category, the final category of institutions allowed to reopen. We have been told that worship may begin now but that gatherings of no more than 10 people will be allowed statewide. This guide will work for meetings but is not conducive for worship with a congregation our size. It is a mandate that each time the building is used, a deep cleaning is required for every area that was utilized.
I admit I am anxious to once again fully open church, but my desire to do so is tempered with my love for all of you and placing your health and safety first. The Upper New York Conference wisely reminded me recently of John Wesley’s statement that “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness,” emphasizing the centrality of community in the life of disciples of Jesus Christ. Wesley also established “do no harm” as a primary pillar of faithful living. Our guidelines for reopening will attempt to balance those truths.
Throughout the month of June, we will be holding “drive-in church” in the lower parking lot off of Buffalo Street. You will be able to hear the music and preaching in the safety of your own car by tuning your car radios to our transmitter frequency. Our worship team will be experimenting with how we can best make this happen. It’s exciting to be doing something creative and different – and at least we can wave to each other through the closed car windows!
Following are some guidelines for this new way to worship:
We will go slowly and safely into the future. Exactly what that future will look like may be unknown at this time, but God is faithful and we will again worship together even if we have to social distance with masks, limited music, and hand sanitizers at the ready. In the meantime, remain safe until we meet again.
In Gentleness,
Pastor Sue
I admit I am anxious to once again fully open church, but my desire to do so is tempered with my love for all of you and placing your health and safety first. The Upper New York Conference wisely reminded me recently of John Wesley’s statement that “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness,” emphasizing the centrality of community in the life of disciples of Jesus Christ. Wesley also established “do no harm” as a primary pillar of faithful living. Our guidelines for reopening will attempt to balance those truths.
Throughout the month of June, we will be holding “drive-in church” in the lower parking lot off of Buffalo Street. You will be able to hear the music and preaching in the safety of your own car by tuning your car radios to our transmitter frequency. Our worship team will be experimenting with how we can best make this happen. It’s exciting to be doing something creative and different – and at least we can wave to each other through the closed car windows!
Following are some guidelines for this new way to worship:
- The building will remain closed and locked even during the drive-in worship time.
- Please remain in your car at all times with the windows up and air conditioner on.
- We will be singing during the drive-in worship since we will be isolated in our cars.
- Please do not socialize before or after the worship service.
- E-giving is now available on our website. Please consider using this convenient way to offer gifts to the Lord. All you need to do is click on the link and follow the instructions. It is a secure site.
- There will be no bulletins. We are working on a plan to have screens available for your viewing convenience and safety. Information will be available on- line for the order of worship, words to music, scriptures etc.
- Additional information will be coming as to what FM channel we will use, so “stay tuned!”
We will go slowly and safely into the future. Exactly what that future will look like may be unknown at this time, but God is faithful and we will again worship together even if we have to social distance with masks, limited music, and hand sanitizers at the ready. In the meantime, remain safe until we meet again.
In Gentleness,
Pastor Sue
How can your Christ First family help you? We know these are challenging and stressful times. Our gatherings are suspended, but our care for our community is not. We want to help.
If you depend upon the Food Pantry to help your family, we want to be sure you do not go without. Please contact us. There is no judgement, we only want to serve you.
Is going out for groceries difficult or risky to your health? Let us do shopping for you.
Do you need to talk, or have someone who could use encouragement in this time? We are here.
If there is any way we can serve you, please let us know. We are community and we care for one another.
If you depend upon the Food Pantry to help your family, we want to be sure you do not go without. Please contact us. There is no judgement, we only want to serve you.
Is going out for groceries difficult or risky to your health? Let us do shopping for you.
Do you need to talk, or have someone who could use encouragement in this time? We are here.
If there is any way we can serve you, please let us know. We are community and we care for one another.
