Friends, I write today to share some news that was announced yesterday. The CHUMC Reopening Team decided, after much deliberation, that it is most prudent for CHUMC to continue to worship online only through at least January 3 with hopes of returning in person on January 10. I can tell you we long to worship together and went back and forth on this decision, especially considering this is the Advent and Christmas season, but we ultimately decided we could not risk harm to anyone in the church or community by gathering together.
You have likely seen the reports that the spread of the coronavirus and resulting hospitalizations have reached their highest point since the pandemic began. Also, Dallas and surrounding counties are required to limit capacity at local businesses to fifty percent once again due to the hospitalization rate over a seven-day period. The virus is simply spreading faster around us than it has all year and churches remain among the top-five super spreaders. We have observed important protocols without issue, so far, and I think much of the spread in churches has occurred where protocols have not been followed. In fact, we came close to deciding to worship together because everyone has followed the established protocols so diligently, but as we seek to love one another and love our neighbors as ourselves, we need to emphasize everyone’s health at this time.
We are, however, seeking to provide worship on Christmas Eve. We are planning on gathering in the courtyard at 7 pm with chairs arranged in household pods and we will wear masks. These measures will provide an opportunity for us to sing together on Christmas Eve, something we have been unable to do in several months. If you are unable to attend there will also be a Christmas Eve service online at 7 pm for you to view.
We know this is a very different and difficult year and it is made more difficult in the ways it is disrupting our traditional Advent and Christmas gatherings. As Holy Communion reminds us, however, God is present with us and is walking with us throughout this long ordeal. A new day is on the horizon. Salvation comes.
Grace and peace,
Rev. J.D. Allen
Senior Pastor
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