CONTINUED RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost.  They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.  Mark 6:49-51 (NIV) 

Grace and peace to you, 

During this unusual season in life we are all limiting our potential exposure to the Coronavirus by staying home and practicing social distancing. It’s a strange time, because our Christian faith is based in relationships with God and neighbors. We view ourselves as the Body of Christ. We are the hands and feet of Christ. BUT, for this season, we are also taking precautions. 

Bishop Ough has sent a request that we discontinue holding worship services. His updated request can be seen in a video presentation on our website and Facebook page. A portion of the announcement reads:

Bishop Bruce R. Ough is asking congregations to suspend in-person worship until at least May 10 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related health agency and government guidelines. But he points out that regardless of what is happening in our world on April 12, Easter cannot be canceled. "We may not be able to gather in our glorious Easter celebrations in our lily-decorated sanctuaries, but Easter cannot be canceled," he said. "The resurrection cannot be stopped or delayed or defeated!" 

Worship: Christopher and I will continue to do our best to provide quality worship through our website and Facebook page. 

Easter: We are working out the details to hold Drive-In Theater worship experience. Weather permitting, we will bring the Big House Band outside and play from under the portico. The person speaking will stand on a platform, so they are visible to people in their cars. Audio will be broadcast on an FM signal so that you can comfortably listen on your car stereo. 

Offerings: As always, it is important to continue supporting the Church. Your gifts are essential to the continued ministry of Faith UMC. You can send your gifts through the mail, ask your church to send a bank draft, or set up electronic giving. The government passed a $2 trillion stimulus package to bolster the economy and I hope the money helps your investments and gives people job security. If you are able to give, we appreciate each and every gift. If you need to choose between buying food and medication or sending a gift to the Church, I encourage you to care for your basic needs first. Those of us who can give more will carry the load. 

Food Ministry: We cannot ask our guests to go without a stable food source for another six weeks. We will continue this humanitarian ministry and continue to use a drive-up method, asking people to stay in their cars. 

Church Office: Christopher and I will continue to work from the church office unless there is an official call for a mandatory quarantine. 

Prayer: We trust that God is with us. We trust the Holy Spirit continues to be active around the world. We trust there is hope for the future. God is working through individuals caring for people around the world: government officials, the staff in hospitals and clinics, our first responders, the staff at our grocery stores, truckers, factory workers, and many more. 

During these trying times, we place my trust in you. Therefore, we believe this will not only be remembered as one of our most difficult, but also one of our finest hours; because you are our God and we are your people. Amen. 

Pastor Ray Baker

 The following church events have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns:

Lent Activities - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

All live Lent Activities at both Faith and First United Methodist Church are suspended indefinitely. Maunday Thursday and Good Friday Worship will be live streamed at these websites: 

firstumcfargo.org/live-stream/

facebook.com/FargoFaithUnitedMethodistChurch

Live Sunday Worship Services

As a result of CDC direction, live Sunday Worship Services are suspended indefinitely. A live streamed Sunday morning worship service will be provided during this time each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on this website or on our Facebook page at:

facebook.com/FargoFaithUnitedMethodistChurch

Youth Group Activities

All Youth Group activities are suspended until further notice.

English Conversation Group

All English Conversation Group meetings are suspended until further notice. 

Care Group

Care Group meetings have been suspended until further notice.

Scouts of America

Scout activities will not place when school is cancelled.

Men's and Women's Breakfast

All Men's and Women's Breakfast events are cancelled due to the direction of North Dakota and Minnesota restaurants to close.

Circle Groups

Both Rebecca Circle and Esther Circle events have been suspended until further notice.

UMW Rummage Sale

The UMW Rummage Sale that was originally scheduled for April 23-25 has been cancelled.

UMW Style & Fashion Show

The UMW Style & Fashion Show that was originally scheduled for May 9th has been cancelled.

Fargo Area UMW Fellowship Dinner

The Fargo Area UMW Fellowship Dinner that was originally scheduled for April 23rd at Calvary United Methodist Church has been cancelled.