Dear Hyde Park Community Family:
Grace and peace to you through our Lord, Jesus Christ. In these anxious days, fueled by the COVID-19 virus, these words of Paul in Philippians come to mind: “In our anxious thoughts and worry, God will guard our hearts and offer us peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Last night our Bishop, Gregory Palmer, sent an email to the churches of West Ohio Conference:
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Times like these require unprecedented measures. I am strongly urging West Ohio Conference churches to cancel public worship for the next two weeks. This is not a decision I have taken lightly. These precautions are not only important for your own safety but for the health and welfare of the entire community. Please use your discretion regarding smaller group gatherings such as bible studies, etc. I am not asking you to cease operations completely but to avoid large group gatherings.
As we take precautions, let us must remember the poor and marginalized still depend on our churches. The need may increase due to company shutdowns and closures for any period of time. In the days to come, the conference website and social media channels will have additional resources for you and your local church.
In the service of Christ,
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer
In light of Bishop Palmer’s letter, in addition to Governor DeWine and Mayor Cranley’s press conferences, Hyde Park Community will cease public worship this Sunday, March 15, and the following Sunday, March 22. We will evaluate, and decide on future Sundays after consulting with the Ohio Department of Health, the Bishop’s and District Superintendent’s offices. It is our responsibility to care for those in our church, community and world by limiting our contact as a sign of our love of neighbor.
Worship With us Online: www.hydeparkchurch.org (click on Media – click on Live Stream) . . . Although we will not have public worship we will have worship, online, via Live Stream this Sunday, March 15 and March 22. We will live stream worship at 9:30 (the service will be archived if you desire to join worship at 11:00). As you participate in the Live Stream please make sure you record your attendance. In addition, you will find the opportunity to make your offering online.
Once again, there will be no public worship services this Sunday, March 15, and March 22. You are encouraged to join us by Live Stream.
During this time, we are asking you to help stop the spread of the virus in the following ways:
- Stay at home when you or a family member are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your elbow.
- Get in the habit of NOT touching your face so often.
- Forgo shaking hands.
- If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved and take any necessary precautions here at HPCUMC.
Please know that our prayers are with you and your loved ones during this challenging time. During the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was in the boat with the disciples and commanded the wind and waves to “be still.” Jesus is in the boat with us. If this news or concerns are causing you to fear, please email one of the pastors and we can connect. May God’s blessings abound as we make this journey together.
Through Christ,
Pastors Cathy and Doug
Senior Pastors