My beloved Mt. Tam Church,
When we first started a weekly e-mail to the congregation about ten years ago, it was revolutionary for a church to do so. We thought we were very tech-savvy, a “with-it” church. (Yes, I know, I know, by using that phrase I’m dating myself. But hey, I’m technically a senior citizen and deserve special kindness right now!) This week, I have discovered that we have fallen behind, as we scramble to learn which medium is best for becoming an online church with meetings via Zoom. It’s been a steep learning curve and I’m grateful for Jeff Brown and Tricia Wiig who are navigating the technical waters while we catch up with working remotely and pastoral visits via text and all the other changes that come with this unsettled landscape called ‘sheltering in place.’
For right now, on this day, here’s how we are doing:
—the church buildings, including the office, are closed for the duration of the sheltering in place period. All church meetings will meet via ZOOM online. All building users and renters will either not be meeting or meeting virtually. All staff are working remotely from their homes; it is best to be in touch via email. Please do not hesitate to text or call me for pastoral care and conversation.
—the current plan is for virtual worship for at least the 3 Sundays of the sheltering in place time—March 22, March 29 and April 5.
Worship will be online at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday through Facebook. You don’t need a Facebook account to access the church Facebook page. We will live-stream a shorter service, about 20-30 minutes at 10:30; that video will be placed on the website within 24 hours for those who miss it. An order of service will be sent out via email by Friday. In addition, we are exploring have Godly Play lessons and other venues for faith learning online.
Please note: there will be no one at the church or in the sanctuary on Sunday morning. We will gather not with our bodies but in spirit.
In order to access worship on Sunday if you don’t have a Facebook page, simply go online to Facebook.com and type “Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church” in the search block. You should be directed to the church’s page. The live streaming of prayers, scripture, a short message, and a blessing will be shared! Also watch the Facebook page for Godly Play lessons and other prayers, poems, and lessons.
Through this uncharted territory of shelter in place, I am grateful that we journey with God and we journey together.
Peace,
Pastor Kim
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