What’s Happening? Glad you asked!
Be with us through this season, Lord, and
all our earthly days, that when the final
Easter dawns, we join in Heaven’s praise.
From O Lord, throughout These Forty Days (LBW)
The season of Lent (these forty days) seems to have some lessons for all of us during the current pandemic. Ash Wednesday starts our forty-day journey, through the stations of the cross, to Easter. We pray to God to give us clean hearts, along with our meticulously clean hands!
What’s happening with Mount Calvary? Glad you asked!
As we stated in our email yesterday, we are complying with the recommendation of the CDC that all gatherings of 10+ cancel for the next eight weeks, which has put all of our planned activities through May 10th in a state of suspension.
So, what CAN we do?
Worship
We were so excited about our Lenten “Voices of Grace” series this year. Those that were able to attend the first two Lenten services to hear the speakers know that they were wonderful. We had three more people to hear from, and since we’ve had to discontinue our Wednesday night services, we have already asked them to be a part of our program for next year. We can’t wait for you to hear their stories!
We have big plans for worship in the coming weeks. Hopefully many of you saw our Facebook video yesterday. (If not click here) We’ve set up a recording studio in the Fireside Room and our productions will only get better! Stay tuned to Facebook, Email, YouTube, and our Website. Each day we will continue to evaluate activities based on official recommendations. We will always use special concern for our diverse population and close gatherings.
Outreach
Families Moving Forward
Beacon Interfaith has made the tough decision to house all FMF participants in motels for the coming weeks. They are requesting that hosting congregations still provide meals for families. More information will be coming soon on how this will work logistically. If you have volunteered to be a meal host, please stay in that role if at all possible. We are still in need of a few more dinner hosts! Sign up here. More communication will be out soon regarding the needs and process for our FMF week.
Basic Needs Collection at Mount Calvary
MCLC and His House Foundation along with several other area churches are collaborating in an effort to help our neighbors during this time. His House Foundation will do a collection of “basics” including bathroom tissue, soap, and laundry soap at local churches. When you make your next grocery run, drop by Mount Calvary and drop off your donation.
Youth and Family
As Steven Colbert said on NBC this morning, “we all have to work together…by staying as far apart as possible.” Luckily, our youth are the most tech savvy members of our families! Since we can’t meet in person for Sunday School, our Youth Faith Formation Team has already begun work on a new online Sunday School curriculum.
Watch for more on our confirmation program. There will be some new dates coming your way! In the meantime, YFF is planning new ways of getting our youth together without actually getting together!
What can YOU do?
First, and always, we ask for your prayers. We’ll be praying for you. Second, keep in touch. If you, or someone you know needs something, or wants to share an idea, we want to hear from you. If you feel called, and are able to lend a hand with outreach activities, please contact Heidi Busch to get connected. Watch for more info coming soon on developing programs.
And, please remember your church in your giving. We’ll need your help to keep our programming going. Your online gifts are more important than ever!
O God, where spirits are daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (LBW)