MCCC Update – From the Pastor

To start I wanted to share with you a portion of my report to the Board:
“I am profoundly thankful for and amazed by the patience, grace, and generosity of our congregation. MCCC is an incredible church and we’ve made that even more clear during this time.  Navigating the pandemic has been hard on everyone. Many have lost their jobs, many are stressed with new remote working arrangements, and the challenge of the schools working online. People are stressed, grieving, and just trying to take it day-by-day.  That being said, we are surrounded by powerful acts of generosity, love, and kindness. Kids Weekend Meals is meeting every 2 weeks and putting together over 1,300 meals to help the children in our community. Multiple members of our church continue to work through the epidemic as nurses, grocery clerks, cashiers, farmers, truck drivers, and more.  People are making masks, contributing to our online worship, and giving of their finances to help the church stay afloat and help others. The church building was empty on Easter this year–maybe for the first time EVER–but believe me, the church is ALIVE and moving about in the Name of the Risen Christ. Thanks be to God!”  We have over 1300 views of our service on YouTube and lots of engagement with our website and Facebook page.  Thank you to all who are keeping our community alive through worship, zoom, and engaging on Social Media.  A great way to show we are alive and well even in this time of distance!

Thank you, also, to everyone who is contributing through calling, emailing, texting, and praying for all those who are being affected by COVID-19.  We have strength together and we will press forward.  

Resource Attached

Brian Hurd sent me the document below with emotional stages during this time of sheltering-in-place.  I found it helpful to have more self-awareness and to make some goals.  That being said, please recognize that this is not a “linear process.” (ie. I’ll be in this stage, then I’ll get to this stage, then I’ll get to this stage.) Instead, you might find yourself in any one of the stages during the course of a week.  Watch and Pray.  Be gentle with yourself and give yourself space to be where you are.  Let God love you! 

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Zoom Opps

This week, we still have several opportunities to gather over Zoom call!  
Life Study, Wednesday Prayer, and MCCC Kid’s Call (see updated info below).

Life Study from 6:30-7:30pm continues this week with a TEDTalk newly created with the Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.  The title of the talk is “How we can navigate the coronavirus pandemic with courage and hope.”  The first week was great and it will be easy to join in if you couldn’t make it last week.  This week Sarah Smith will be leading in my stead as I have a Board of Health meeting.  I’ll try to join after.  Please join us for the encouragement and conversation.  

Wednesday Prayer – Afternoon at 2:00pm.  This Wednesday’s call is to have a time of sharing and prayer.  Please join us to pray for our congregation and community.  

MCCC Kid’s Call on Thurs at 7:00pm.  This week we will do a Scavenger Hunt and hear a story.  Feel free to invite friends and family to join us.  
See updated info below.

God’s hope, peace, and love abide with you and your families during this time!

In Christ,
Chad & Sarah 

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Let’s ZOOM Together!