MCC Detroit's Hiatus in Response to COVID-19

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View this email in your browser “When you hear that a tornado is on its way, you do not stand on the roof, you move to the basement.” John DiLodovico Henry Ford Health System and  MCC Detroit Member   I wanted to lead off with this quote that was shared with me at the Board and Leadership meeting as we weighed the options of our response be to the Covid 19 Pandemic.  The Board of Directors voted unanimously to suspend all in-person worship services and meetings at the church (including Connection Groups) until April 4th.  SO...we are "moving to the basement" in order to prepare for this current threat.  This decision creates many questions and I would like to provide some of those answers.   Why did you make this decision considering our worship attendance is under the 100 people in a shared space warning from our Governor? We were fortunate to have health specialists attend our meeting today and they provided us very clear information that Covid 19 is not the flu and will impact the respiratory system differently.  Our nation has passed the time frame of containment and the best way to mitigate this threat is through social isolation (and hand washing, of course).  This virus is airborne and can reside on surfaces up to 14 days.  It is unclear who is and is not carrying the virus due to the lack of testing currently.  In short, we are following the example of many other churches (including our host church Clawson UMC), businesses and government offices and advising people to practice social isolation for the time being.  This is not our way of telling you how to live your life, but we recognize there are alternative ways to worship God besides coming to a building.   Does this mean there will be no worship opportunities and communion while the building is closed? Beginning Sunday, March 15 and through Sunday, March 29, I will be recording my messages and uploading them to MCC Detroit’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.  We will also include them on our website and weekly newsletter.  However, for those who would like to have live interaction, I will be offering our Adult Sunday School class via Zoom video conferencing beginning on Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 am.  More details will be forthcoming about this Bible study and you don’t need to own a Bible to participate!  Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer our weekly communion service during this hiatus.    What if I have a pastoral care need? We recognize that social isolation can be very difficult, and we pray this restriction will not last long.  In the meantime, we encourage you to call or email the church for any pastoral need you may have.  The church number is 248-399-7741 and leave a voice message.  The voicemail will be checked three times daily.  The church email is [email protected] to connect with one of our Deacons or Rev. Deb Cox, who is available. For Rev. Roland, contact me at [email protected].   Why until April 4th? What if this challenge extends beyond that time? We prayerfully hope we will be able to resume service in time for Palm Sunday (April 5) and Holy Week.  However, if this challenge extends into April or beyond, we will continue to  provide online worship and maintain our pastoral care outreach.   How do I continue to give my tithes and offerings? I am so glad you asked! We recognize for many in our community this can be a difficult time financially if employment is limited or halted during this time.  For those who can continue with your pledge and financial support, we need you to do so.  There are a variety of ways to accomplish this: 1. Send a check or money order to MCC Detroit: MCC Detroit Treasurer PO Box 836 Royal Oak, Michigan 48068 2. Send money electronically using Zelle: Zelle is a free bank-to-bank money transfer application.  Set up Zelle on your bank or financial instution’s online site.   If your bank does not participate with Zelle, you can download the Zelle app on your cellphone or from the zellepay.com website.  Zelle money transfers are free to both you and your recipient. In Zelle, add MCC Detroit as a new recipient: First Name:  MCC Last Name:  Detroit Nickname:  Church Email:  [email protected] (be sure to note the two T’s in ‘TTRIAD’) Note that before any donation is sent, you will get a confirmation saying that [email protected] is registered to “Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit…” 3. Send money electronically using PayPal: Go to the church website:  www.mccdetroit.org Go to the “GIVE” tab at the top right of the page Click "PAYPAL" tab Click "GIVE TO MCCD" button Enter your PayPal account information If you do not have a PayPal account, you can create one for free. 4. If you would like to donate cash, please hold it until we resume services. If you need assistance or have any questions, send an email to the MCCD Treasury Triad at [email protected]. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24   I want to end with this quote from scripture to remind us where hope is found, especially in times of challenge and uncertainty.   God never leaves us nor forsakes us and is right here with us.  God is not going anywhere, and neither is MCC Detroit during this time.  May you and your family and friends be safe and healthy during these weeks to come. In hope and love, Rev. Roland