Online Only: COVID-19 Response
March 13, 2020
Dear Church Family,
As the pastors and staff of FUMC Denton, we have been closely monitoring the news regarding COVID-19. Each day, and even hour, bring new information regarding the spread and response to COVID-19. We are diligently monitoring updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from local partners, as the health and safety of all of you is our top priority.
Since our last email regarding this, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and a 30-day restriction on travel to-and-from Europe were announced. Both of these decisions were made in an effort to make clear the serious nature of what we are facing globally. I and other church leaders have been in contact with our District Superintendent and the City Mayor about the evolving spread of COVID-19 and how best to respond. While at the time there are no confirmed cases in Denton County yet, the feeling is this is only a matter of time.
At this moment, the way that we as people of faith can do the most good is to not hold large gatherings of people (25 or more). We are learning that the most effective way to slow the spread of this coronavirus in our communities is to practice “social distancing”—minimizing exposure to infected individuals by avoiding large public gatherings and maintaining 6 feet of space from others. Practicing social distancing can be a way for us to prevent further infections and save human lives. Out of respect for our community and local healthcare systems, out of concern for the health and safety of our congregation, and by request of Bishop Michael McKee we have developed the following plan:
As a precautionary measure, this Sunday, March 15 and next Sunday, March 22 we will hold online worship services ONLY. We encourage everyone to join us for worship online at fumcdenton.com/livestream. There will also be no Sunday School, children or youth gatherings.
Our staff will livestream Traditional Worship online at fumcdenton.com/livestream and broadcast on TV on Charter 191 and Frontier 39. Mosaic Worship, Open Worship, and Jesus Fuente de Vida will all be livestreamed on Facebook. You can find links to their Facebook pages on fumcdenton.com/livestream. If you usually attend our 8:30 Traditional service, please tune in at 11:00.
We are also suspending all church events (other than weddings and funerals) through Saturday, March 28. This does not affect CDO, FunStop, or regular church business hours.
All outside group meetings are canceled.
Committee meetings and small group meetings with less than 20 attendees may meet at the discretion of their leaders.
Groups of 20 or more may choose to meet by way of teleconferencing or conduct their business by email.
As followers of Jesus, we are not called to be a people who panic or react out of fear, but we are called to take seriously the concerns of our neighbors and respond in a way that communicates love for our larger community. Our main concern is the health and well-being of our congregation and our neighbors. I hope you will join us in praying, washing your hands thoroughly, and doing whatever we can do to minimize the impact and spread of this virus.
Information regarding this virus is fluid, and we will continue to make week-to-week decisions regarding large gatherings, including worship. You can always find the most updated information on our website, fumcdenton.com. For more information on how we can play our part to keep our communities safe, please reference this Coronavirus Resources page on our North Texas Conference website.
Lastly, let us always remember that our God is always with us, in every season. We need not fear, for we find hope in Jesus. If you have any questions, you may direct them to me, dlee@fumc-denton.com or Alan Heath, our Business Administrator, at aheath@fumc-denton.com.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Don