Worship Services and Other In-Person Church Activities Cancelled Until Further Notice
Our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ is to love our neighbors. There is something that seems off when we isolate ourselves in order to do that, but in these strange circumstances the most loving and just thing that we can do is to try to prevent the spread of this disease – especially to the most vulnerable among us – by following the guidelines set forth by our medical professionals. These currently include not gathering in groups of 10 or more and practicing social distancing. Therefore, all in-person, church-sponsored events – including worship, Sunday School, and Wednesday Night Life – are cancelled until further notice. The church office, Nearly New Store, and the Blakemore Children’s Center are all closed as well. All this is in an effort to be the most loving that we can be by protecting the public health. We do not know when we will be able to reopen and resume our regular activities. Schools are out through at least April 24, and we will likely be closed until at least May.
In the meantime, we can still connect with one another and know and share God’s love. I encourage you to reach out to others in your lives, especially those who might be feeling especially alone or isolated. Make a phone call, send a card, write an email or text message, connect on social media. We need each other during this time, and each of us has the opportunity to share God’s love with others.
On Sunday mornings, we are gathering online at 9:30 through a platform called Zoom, which enables multiple users to join together with video and audio, to visit with each other and study and discuss the Bible. You can download the Zoom software to use on your computer or smart phone or even just call in with any phone and participate with only the audio. To join the meeting, you can click on this link, use the meeting ID 520 956 1228 in Zoom, or call 312-626-6799 and input the meeting ID.
This Sunday, April 5, we will continue with our Journey Through the Bible and our series called Vita, which highlights some important events in the life of Jesus (Vita is Latin for “life”). This week is Palm Sunday, so we’ll be looking at the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem from Mark 11:1-11. Our bishop has given us permission to celebrate communion virtually, so we will do that this Sunday as well. We will share in the liturgy of the Great Thanksgiving and then partake of the elements. If you would like to participate, you will need to provide your own elements at home – grape juice and bread/crackers are preferred (but do what you need to do).
As a reminder, if you are looking for a worship service to watch online, the Tennessee Conference has compiled a list of options here. If you want to listen to a past Blakemore sermon or Zoom session, you can do that here. As always, you can keep up with your giving by mailing a check to the office or by giving online here. I pray that each of you is staying healthy and finding ways to be reminded of God’s love and to share that love with others.
Grace and peace,
John Hill
Whether your week was full of meetings or deadlines or left you longing for more, reflect with us for Sunday School beginning at 9:30 a.m. Connect in debate and discussion, deepen your understanding of scripture study, or simply relax in the knowledge that you are not alone.
After worship we gather downstairs in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, light snacks, and intergenerational conversations.
Join us on Wednesday evenings during the school year as we gather downstairs in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 for a community meal prepared by church members. From 6:30 to 7:30, we have a variety of programs for people of all ages, including our Chancel Choir. Once a month or so, we’ll have an intergenerational fun event, such as a game night.
Dinner | 5:30 pm ● Programming | 6:30 pm