My beloved Mt. Tam Church,
Every morning, the landscape of the current coronavirus pandemic changes and with those changes, we are all adapting. As of today, Friday, March 13th, here is the current adaptation at Mt. Tam Church:
The March 22nd Community Meal has been canceled as a sit-down, indoor event. We are looking into making bag lunches for the homeless and other guests who come for the food and fellowship. More information to follow.
We will have worship this Sunday, March 15th. Pastor Kim has been in contact with many of our medically and for-other-reasons vulnerable persons who encouraged us to continue in worship for “prayer, community and being together” at this time. During worship this Sunday, we will have a congregational conversation about the pandemic—how we are all feeling and doing, how we will be in ministry with and for any persons in our community who become infected and quarantined and whether we should either cancel services for a time or adapt services, such as having worship in small groups or worshipping outside, as the weather permits.
Small groups and classes will continue for the time being. Information about any cancellations or changes will be made with participants as soon as possible.
Our building users are being encouraged to make their independent decisions about meeting and that the church buildings will be open as long as we are not required to close them. Some concerts have been postponed; our deepest concern is for the 12-step community, whose meetings are essential for the well-being and health of hundreds of people. We have encouraged those groups to practice all the common-sense precautions and make the best decisions they can for their participants.
Please join me in this prayer: “Gracious God, we know you are always with us. In this time of fear and dis-ease, help us to put your presence at the center of our souls, that we may be calmed and comforted. Many of us find ourselves almost addicted to the information cycles on the news and social media—help us to create a balance of staying informed and yet not overwhelmed so that we are frenetic and afraid. Enable us to focus on the small glimmers of hope and joy near and far. Teach us to pray deeply for inner peace, for the health of all of creation, with gratitude for the many ways your presence shines. Be with all caregivers, medical responders, first responders and researchers who are seeking treatment and solutions for the coronavirus pandemic. Bless government and other leaders with wisdom, boldness of decision and strength. Help us to turn our trust to you, to lean on the light of Christ and love one another fully and deeply, that as we move through this crisis together, we may be more united and loving. We pray in the name of the Great Healer, Jesus Christ, amen.”
Please be in touch with me as you or others you know are in need of pastoral care: [email protected].
Peace,
Pastor Kim
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