Embody Compassion, Serve as God’s Light, and Be Love in Action

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In John 3, we learn that Nicodemus came to see Jesus during the night because he was afraid or ashamed to be seen with Him. Nicodemus questioned Jesus and the two had a candid discussion about spiritual matters. Jesus welcomed Nicodemus in the darkness and provided him with the understanding he needed to develop his own faith. As part of that conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

According to Pastor Rick Warren, a life without meaning “has no significance or hope.” Without hope, our lives would be empty. It can be difficult to find hope after a disaster. Those affected by disasters are left with feelings of pain, despair, and loneliness. At a time when it may feel like they have lost so much, survivors need to know there is hope. That’s where UMCOR comes in. 

UMCOR and its volunteers embody compassion and serve as God’s light for people who feel caught in the storms of life. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters to help relieve suffering. They provide a loving, caring, Christian presence during those dark times of need. They share the light of their faith so that others can see and eventually enter the kingdom of God. 

Forrest White, director of missions for the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, said it best after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole devastated his state. “Scripture tells us that we are called to nothing less than to show our Christian love in action. If we show up for people affected by disaster…we are tangible reminders of God’s love and God’s presence.” 

On Sunday, March 10, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday. Please consider giving generously so that UMCOR can focus on providing compassion, healing, and hope to communities and individuals going through crises and disasters. To give online, visit UMC.org/SSGive. To give by check, mail your checks to: GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203. Please include “UMCOR Sunday” in the note section.

When you support UMCOR, you become part of something much larger than yourself, help that light shine even brighter in the dark shadows of disaster, bring hope to those in need, and allow the church to be a living example of God’s love in action.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org/drm

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Planning for Disaster Response Victories

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In most sports, the coach prepares the team for a game by developing a plan. This blueprint outlines the strategies and tactics to which players will adhere and execute during competition. Using a plan clearly defines roles and responsibilities, establishes goals, and guides the team toward success. When disaster strikes, it is equally important to have a plan and allow God to bless it for success.

This was particularly evident when major flooding swept through the Clarks Summit area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District) on September 9, 2023, catching many people off guard. As a result, nearly 300 individuals and/or families in and around this community just outside Scranton found themselves wondering how to address their wet basements and damaged property. And, when the call for help went out, the response to meeting this need mirrored the work of a well-practiced team entering competition.

In the hours immediately following the flood, Rev. Mike Bealla and the congregation at Elm Park UMC opened its doors. It’s not the first time they’ve come to the rescue of their neighbors in need. They worked with the American Red Cross to open a temporary shelter at the church. And, because of this witness in the community, those who were displaced by the flooding were able to find refuge and experience the love of Jesus in action.

Over the next few days, most families utilizing the temporary shelter had made more permanent arrangements until their homes were safe, sanitary, secure, and livable. The decision was made to close the temporary shelter. But the Red Cross still had one family of three that was unable to find suitable lodging. And because of the support and generosity of churches and individuals throughout the Conference, the Disaster Response Ministry provided an additional three weeks of temporary housing that enabled them to focus on putting the pieces of their lives back together.

As the weeks passed, PA VOAD partners planned for and started responding to the needs of the Clarks Summit community, specifically providing basement cleaning/muck out and debris removal. Requests for Conference teams were made. Pennsy Waltman and a team from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg District) answered the call. And plans were made for the team to spend a week in Clarks Summit. Countryside Community Church offered to host the team, providing lodging and a kitchen. Ministry partners from the Baptist Resource Network provided a shower trailer. Tom Meyer, South Gibson UMC, offered to do some property assessments in advance of the team’s arrival so they could be prepared to start work on their first day. 

Mt. Calvary team was joined by volunteers from Countryside Community Church that week. Five homeowners were blessed. This joint team cleaned/sealed basements, removed debris, accomplished landscaping, removed/repaired drywall, and replaced flooring.

God’s promise is clear. As we plan for and pray about doing what He has called us to do, He will guide us toward success. In Psalm 20 and 21, we are told He will give us those things we desire in our heart and grant us success. And, when that success comes, we can be thankful and rejoice in the victory.

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Commentary: In the Master's Hands

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

I remember attending the Pennsylvania Farm Show a few years ago and viewing the butter sculpture on display in the Main Hall. I was always amazed at how much time and effort went into creating these dairy displays. The sculpture for the 2023 annual show took fourteen days to create and the sculptors spent that time creating their masterpiece in an enclosure cooled to a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees. It’s quite a contrast to the artists at outdoor festivals whom I’ve watched create ice or wood sculptures in a fraction of that time, in very different conditions, using some very rudimentary tools. In both instances, the result was a wonderful piece of art.

God works in much the same way. Sometimes it takes Him years to sculpt us into a masterpiece. He pulls away the layers slowly and methodically to give us our spiritual shape. Other times, He is very capable of transforming our lives overnight. The environments in which He finds us can be varied. Yet, like the sculptor, God knows exactly what His design plans are and creates us with purpose. In His time and through His effort, we are individually handcrafted and uniquely made.

And, Isaiah 64:8 reinforces this. “But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.”

As God works in us, we need to be open to His guiding and leading. And, like the clay used by the potter, we need to have some water…Living Water…to make us pliable and shape-able. We also need to be centered on the Master Potter’s wheel, spending time in scripture so we don’t start to wobble and crumble when life starts to turn. 

Did you know that, after the Farm Show is over, the butter from the sculptures is recycled…used for another purpose? These works of art, and others like them at fairs across the nation, are used to produce soap, animal feed, tires, and renewable energy. We, as God’s masterpieces, are transformed from our old lives into something new that is not intended to just sit on a pedestal. He created us for a purpose.

In her article “The Potter and the Clay – Bible Lessons on How God Molds Us,” Diane Shirlaw-Ferreira explains that God is a very skilled potter. “He took a shepherd boy and molded him into a King. He took a grumbling fisherman and molded him a leader of the Church. He took a Hebrew who was ‘dull of speech’ and molded him into the leader of a nation. And most of all, He molded Himself into human form, the form of an infant, a baby lying in hay in a manger; to set the captives free; to give us eternal salvation!”

Imagine yourself as a lump of clay, sitting on the table, and allowing God to transform you—making you into His masterpiece. What is He preparing you for? Is it a children’s ministry in your church? Are you being shaped to share your musical talents during worship? Or, maybe you are being sculpted to be a caring, Christian presence in someone’s life as they recover from a disaster in their life. Whatever it is, remember, you are God’s masterpiece. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). Your heart, body, and mind were formed and shaped into something He can use for His glory. And, you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) to accomplish His plan in your daily life.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog

Commentary: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

By Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

A few weeks ago, I was struggling. Facing health- related issues and problems at work, I was looking forward to a weekend camping trip. It was going to be a great opportunity to put those troubles and concerns behind me, if only for a few days. I packed the camper Friday morning and started my weekend, intending to meet my wife when she finished working that evening. I was 30 minutes into my trip when I felt the camper bounce and sway. And, before I knew it, I was sitting along the side of the road. 

The camper had sustained a flat tire. As I got out of my truck to inspect it, I saw rubber from the tire lying on the road, accompanied by torn air conditioning duct work and plywood. My heart sank. Approaching the back of the camper, I found the tire had shredded and had ripped away portions of the weather barrier and subflooring. The wire that reinforced the duct work was tightly wrapped around the axle of the camper. At that point, it became obvious that my relaxing weekend was over. I left the camper on the side of the road, called my wife to inform her that our plans had changed, and returned home to figure out my next steps.

I spent that evening removing the wire from the axle, with the help of my oldest son and some of his friends. I towed the camper to the garage and made arrangements to get an estimate for repairs. We made the best of the remainder of that Saturday. I was carrying the burdens of my health and work issues, along with my concerns about the camper as we walked in to the sanctuary Sunday morning. The service began and the praise team started singing.

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.”

The band played. The voices of the congregation filled the room. And try as I may to prepare my heart and mind for worship, I could not stop thinking about the problems I was facing. Then, as the chorus rang out, I heard a voice. It was soft but distinct. I listened closely and the words of the chorus became extremely clear.

“Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

I turned around to see a blonde-headed boy, not more than six or seven years old, with a big smile and singing with conviction. The words I heard were reassuring. Everything I needed would be provided, including solutions to all my problems. Just be faithful. As everyone continued to sing, I felt the burdens I had been carrying being lifted. I took a deep breath and joined in the last verse. 

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote the words of this poem based on Lamentations 3:22-23, which eventually became the well-known hymn: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

While it may seem strange to find comfort in a book of the Bible filled with expressions of grief or sorrow, we can be assured by these verses that God will be faithful, no matter what. He knows what we are going through. His presence provides all the hope, joy and strength we need to successfully confront our challenges. And, eventually we can take pleasure in the blessings He provides as we move through them.

When the world around us seems noisy and stress-filled and our lives look as messy as a shredded camper tire, take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the enduring peace and blessings He has provided.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp
Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Disaster Response Ministry: Le Tour

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

I am an avid bike rider and enjoy spending time on the roads and trails. I cycle for exercise and the enjoyment of the outdoors. Each year, during the month of July, you can find me glued to the television watching le Tour de France and le Tour de France femmes. 

Also referred to as “grand tours” in the cycling community, these men’s and women’s races involve up to 200 individual riders representing 24 teams from professional cycling world-wide. Over the course of a few weeks, these riders traverse the French countryside completing daily stages (21 for the men and eight for the women) and riding approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) and 1,033.6 km total (642 miles) respectively. For perspective, as a novice rider, the most I have ridden has been 74 miles in one day and 400 miles over the course of a month.

The tour is both a team sport and an individual one that relies on strategies and tactics to be successful. Only one rider can stand on the podium as the winner of each stage. Four additional riders are recognized as race leaders. Each is awarded a colorful leader’s jerseys (yellow, green, polka dot, and white) for that stage. And, when the tour concludes in Paris, the overall leader and category winners are crowned as champions. To have a rider from your team standing on the podium is celebrated as a team success.

As I watched each stage unfold, I could not help but think about the parallels of this concept as they apply to how the church and the Disaster Response Ministry work. Scripture tells us “There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

In cycling, the team is comprised of individuals who each have certain skills that contribute to the team. There are riders that are known for their speed and sprinting ability. Others are better at climbing the steep mountains. And, some are skilled at maintaining a pace. But, without them all, the team cannot be successful.

Likewise, in Paul’s illustration, the church is one body and comprised of many specialists who serve in many different capacities to share the gospel in the community. And, in disaster response, relief and recovery efforts would not be as successful without a multitude of people sharing their many skills and abilities. 

On July 27 and 28, portions of Kentucky sustained major flooding and hundreds of houses and businesses have been destroyed. Relief efforts are ongoing and my counterpart in the Kentucky Annual Conference is working with UMCOR and other disaster relief agencies to meet the needs of the communities affected. While we wait for assessments to be completed and needs to be identified, there are many things our team can be doing to support this effort.

PRAY. Spend time, individually and collectively, praying for the victims, leaders, and emergency responders in these communities. This can be a powerful tool in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a disaster. As you pray, petition God for direction and guidance on how you can be involved.

SUPPORT. The financial need after a disaster is great. Your generous giving makes this possible. To provide financial support, click: UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery Advance. This will ensure 100 percent of the donation reaches the affected area, supports the work of UMCOR and its partners, and meets the needs of the community.

ACT. While we wait, consider assembling UMCOR cleaning and hygiene kits. Information about those kits and how to assemble them can be found on the UMCOR website or the Mission Central website.

Every gift comes from God. And, 1 Peter 4:10 tells us we should “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 

In the future, there will be opportunities to serve the people of Kentucky. Until then, work together as faithful stewards of these gifts to honor Him, bless others in your community, and build His Kingdom.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org/drm

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Commentary: Yeast, Bread, and Growing the Kingdom of God

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Recently, my wife and I spent a weekend camping at Greene Hills Family Campground & RV Park. It was a relaxing time and we enjoyed experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of God’s creation. The colorful foliage, the sound of the nearby river, and the smell of cooking over a camp fire brought back fond childhood memories. We ended our weekend by attending the worship service. Vance Hart, the chaplain, shared a message of the importance of yeast. He spelled out how it is used to make bread and ferment grapes. As he spoke, I began to think about the aroma of freshly baked bread and the process of making it.

Assemble the ingredients. Dissolve the yeast. Mix in the remainder of the ingredients. Knead the dough and allow it to rest and rise. Then, bake it and serve it. As these thoughts ran through my head on the drive home, I was reminded of the scriptural significance of bread and yeast. 

Bread is not just something that satisfies our physical need for sustenance. It provides spiritual nourishment. It sustains the body and reminds us of the generosity of and blessings from God.

In the parable of the yeast, Jesus shared “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough (Matthew 13:33). 

When just a small spoonful of yeast is added, it doubles the size of the dough. It takes time for the yeast to work. But, the results are obvious. The same is true of our work in ministry and mission.

The Disaster Response Ministry assembles teams of volunteers who have been blessed with the skills and desire to serve. We mix in some training to prepare for the tasks those teams will be required to perform. And, when the time comes, we send them out to serve those in need. That service starts small as we provide a caring, Christian presence for those who have suffered as a result of disaster. During our work, we meet their physical needs and feed them spiritually by sharing the love of God. And, as we do, the “yeast” is kneaded into their lives and, over time, the kingdom has an opportunity to “rise” and grow.

Like yeast changes the dough, when someone accepts Christ, they begin to grow and change from the inside. As you serve those in need, take some bread with you. Feed their physical needs and nourish them spiritually. Share the blessings God has given you. And, in the process, transform and grow God’s Kingdom.

Email Doug at drc@susumc.org

I Love a Parade!

Fire trucks. Marching bands. Floats. And, candy, lots of candy. These are some of the childhood images that come to mind when I think of a parade. I remember how exciting it was to grab a grocery bag, sit on the side of the road, and gather all the sweets thrown my way. As I got older, I remember marching with the Scouts and decorating our high school class floats every year for the homecoming parade. When I joined the military, I spent the summer of 1986 learning the precision and detail that marching required. Those skills became very useful because we marched everywhere. Thirty five years later, I still get excited about a parade. I stand a little taller when I hear the heavy beat of a drum. I get chills at the sound of a firm, booming cadence being called. The sound of a group moving in sync is music to my ears. And, when the drum major raises that baton, my excitement grows because I know what is coming next. The air will be filled with the harmonious sounds of a band performing.

In Joshua 6, we learn that God used a parade to provide victory in battle. After crossing the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, the Israelites faced a formidable enemy in the highly fortified city of Jericho. They had no real weapons of significance to make the task of overtaking the city any easier. And, Joshua had to wonder if it was even possible to achieve such a feat. God met him and provided the plan for success. 

Joshua followed God’s instructions and the people paraded around the city once each day for six days, while carrying trumpets of rams’ horns. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times and the priests blew the trumpets. And, when they made a long blast, everyone shouted and the wall around Jericho fell. The stronghold on the city was destroyed and the Israelites were victorious.

While God destroyed the city walls, there is so much more to be learned from the Jericho parade. God goes before us in all situations, working on our behalf, to claim victory. He promises to be with us just like he was with them. His message was, and still is, “I will not leave your or forsake you. Be strong and courageous...Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go... Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5-9, ESV).

Today, we face our own battles. We wrestle with personal circumstances that seem to take hold of our lives. Publicly, we are fighting a pandemic, struggling to overcome racism, and arguing over human rights. Like Joshua, we may wonder how to achieve triumph over these apparent strongholds. The Battle of Jericho can provide a reminder that victory is possible if we remain faithful and obedient to God. As the weather turns warmer, take some time to “parade” around your community. Pray for your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are talented enough to play an instrument, take it with you. Make a joyful noise. And, share in the excitement of knowing God is already there, will help us overcome our problems, and destroy the walls of sin, sickness, injustice, and hate in our lives.

Wandering Through a Pandemic

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

As we approach the one year mark since the pandemic forced us all to change the way we go about daily living, I am reminded of the challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt. While enslaved there, God protected them and provided for their needs. He sent Moses to demand their release. Each time, when Pharaoh refused, God inflicted plagues on Egypt. He turned the Nile into blood, covered the land with frogs, turned dust to gnats, brought flies into the houses of Pharaoh, and sent disease and disaster to kill Egyptian livestock and people and destroy crops. Exodus 12 reveals to us that God then brought about plague to kill all firstborn Egyptian males. Before doing so, He instructed Moses to tell the Hebrew people to cover their door in the blood of a lamb, leaving a sign of protection for their families. After spending more than 400 years suffering in slavery, God, through Moses, led them to freedom.

As they made their way to the “land of milk and honey,” the people began to question if they would survive or die in the desert. Their fear grew as the armies of Egypt pursued them. God provided a miracle by allowing Moses to part the Red Sea. After crossing the sea to safety, the people praised God but soon began to question their supply of food and water. Again, God provided, sending manna from heaven. The Israelites faced war during the exodus, and God provided them with victory. For months, God provided safe passage, eventually bringing them to Mount Sinai. And, during this time, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and covenanted with the people.

Of course, there is much more that occurred during the Israelite’s trip to the “promised land,” a trip that eventually lasted 40 years. But, each step of the way, God met them where they were. He provided for them in his own time. And, He did not keep them in the desert forever. It wasn’t easy. But, in the end, it was worth it.

As we continue to face the challenges presented by the pandemic, consider looking back over the last year. Think about the trials you faced? Did God meet you there? If you are like me, you certainly had questions. Did you take them to Him? And, did He provide you with answers? What miracles have you experienced during the pandemic?

I pray we do not have to wander through this pandemic for 40 years. The days and months ahead may be difficult at times. And, we will become frustrated and have questions. But, we must rejoice in difficult times “…knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3–4). Remember your covenant and find hope and reassurance that God is with you, just as He was with Moses. He promised “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). Commit to trusting Him every day. He will answer your prayers, provide for your needs, and give you rest. It will be worth it.

***

Contact Doug at drc@susumc.org. Check out the Disaster Response Weekly updates at tinyurl.com/DRweekly

History Repeats Itself: The Church and Pandemics

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

As everyone knows, we are going through difficult times as a faith community. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the way we meet and worship. 

In March, Bishop Park strongly encouraged every church in the Conference to refrain from meeting in person. This was done out of an abundance of caution and, at a time when we knew very little about the coronavirus. It seemed as though our sense of community and belonging had been taken from us. The joy of worship and the spiritual enrichment we received was interrupted. And, while this was difficult to accept, we as believers found new ways to worship and do ministry. 

Pandemic History

This isn’t the first time the church has faced a pandemic. This certainly isn’t the first time the church has found itself resorting to different methods of doing ministry.

We know of plague and disease afflicting believers in Biblical times….pestilence in Egypt (Amos 4:10) and plagues during the exodus (Exodus 11:1), just to mention a few. And, we have experienced pandemic in more recent times, including the Spanish Flu in 1918, the Asian Flu in 1957, an avian influenza in 1968, and H1N1 in 2009.

 In 1918, the Spanish Flu spread throughout the world, eventually making its way to the United States lasting from February until April 1920. In the state of Indiana, health officials mandated a statewide quarantine beginning in October 1918. While this occurred over 100 years ago, there are some similarities and differences that should encourage us as we move forward.

Similarities and Differences

In 1918, a much less technologically capable society found ways to maintain individual faith and build community spirituality. Religious leaders worked together with local leaders and businesses to console and unite congregations and communities. In particular, they worked with the press and local newspapers to encourage individuals and families to read and study Scriptures or complete Sunday school lessons. Some churches promoted the time in quarantine as an opportunity to pray for the church and the nation. Pastors suggested their congregations spend the time usually spent attending church on Sunday, praying and meditating on God’s word.

As the pandemic continued, newspapers began to print worship resources in full-page ads, including hymns, scripture lessons, and sermons. And, historians note that one particular pastor collaborated with the telephone company to “facilitate dial in services” for his congregation to ensure that faith remained the focus of people’s lives. Some churches even hosted open air services. Sound familiar?

In November 1918, some faith communities slowly re-opened but, they reduced the length or number of services they held. They mandated the wearing of masks, and a portion of services were dedicated to providing congregations with instructions about dealing with the pandemic, addressing good personal hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting, and the limitations of public gatherings.

Unlike in 1918, there was no vaccine or antibiotics to treat the associated symptoms. Today, we have a well-developed health care system. Today, we attend virtual, live streamed worship services. We connect through apps and use a multitude of social media platforms to communicate. And, we spend countless hours on ZOOM meetings. 

Remembering our Past, Moving Forward

So, as you can see, the church has faced pandemics before. Has it been challenging to maintain our spiritual enrichment, while continuing to experience community worship? Of course! But, as in the past, churches continue to be creative as they address those challenges and bridge the gap.

In his letter to the Conference in November, Bishop Park re-emphasized that we, as a Conference, should continue to continue these practices. And, like their predecessors, our pastors, church staffs, and ministries will persevere, do their best to meet congregational and community needs, and make every attempt to keep them safe and healthy. 

As we look to a future that includes effective treatments and a vaccine, it is important to remember our past. It is also important to do our part and collectively unite with our leaders as they seek to do what is best for our spiritual and physical health and safety. Wear your face coverings…maintain social distances…be creative as you worship and fellowship…and, most importantly, pray for God to intervene and inspire those tasked with moving us forward to a time when we can return to in-person worship with the community of believers who are called Christians and United Methodists.

***

Bibliography

History of 1918 Flu Pandemic. (2018, March 21). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/1918-pandemic-history.htm

Past Pandemics. (2018, August). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/basics/past-pandemics.html

Rogers, K. (2020, December 3). For churchgoers during the Covid-19 pandemic, a deadly lesson from the 1918 flu. Retrieved from CNN Health: https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/03/health/churches-covid-1918-lesson-wellness/index.html

Contact Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator, at drc@susumc.org