March 31, 2020
Dear California EC Church Family,
California EC Church will continue to remain closed to all in-person services, classes, events, and activities until further notice. What that means in the here and now is this: we know that will NOT be holding our regular Sunday Worship this upcoming Sunday (April 5 – Palm Sunday), nor our traditional Holy Week services (April 9 – Maundy Thursday and April 10 – Good Friday), plus our long-awaited and celebrated Easter Sunday Worship Service (April 12). And there is the possibility that these cancellations could continue throughout the month of April as the health crisis unfolds.
We continue to strive to make choices for our church that are rooted in faith and not fear for we trust in the mission of God even while our doors are closed. However, due to the continued rise in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases nation and state-wide, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s “stay-at-home” orders, and the closure of PA schools indefinitely we feel that to do our part to “flatten the curve” we must continue to remain closed. By doing so, we are caring for those in our church family and our community at large.
The continued decision to remain closed is very saddening considering the time of year we find ourselves in. This season of Lent is one of preparation for that long-awaited Easter and Resurrection Day celebrations. We cherish those feelings of joy and togetherness that are paired so powerfully with God’s greatest act of love and grace. I found that these words from N.T. Wright described my own feelings as he wrote:
“For many Christians, the coronavirus-induced limitations on life have arrived at the same time as Lent, the traditional season of doing without. But the sharp new regulations—no theater, schools shutting, virtual house arrest for us over-70s—make a mockery of our little Lenten disciplines…And this Lent has no fixed Easter to look forward to. We can’t tick off the days. This is a stillness, not of rest, but of poised, anxious sorrow.” (For the full article: Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It’s Not Supposed To)
In truth, I wish I could explain why all of this is happening and be able to see God’s grand understanding – but you and I simply cannot. And we should be ok to say that and to lament what feels lost. That’s what hurting people do: they cry out to God and he listens.
So how are we continuing to maintain community and closeness even from afar?
#1 – Our regular worship services are (for the time being) ONLINE each Sunday @ 10:30 AM. Each Sunday morning we encourage you and your family to gather for worship through the gift of technology. It has been encouraging to hear from folks who have tuned in and have shared their own experiences with this new method of worship. Thank you, also, for your grace and flexibility as we continue to learn how to worship together when we are urged to be distant. The worship services are available in video format and uploaded to our website (www.californiaecchurch.com) as well as by simply searching: “California EC Church” on YouTube. Let us know how we can help you worship during this extended time apart from one another!
#2 – Our “Lent Fasting Exercise” continues all throughout these final days leading up to Easter! We pray that as you “Give Up” and/or “Take In” something daily, you are finding new ways to encounter those worshipful elements of fasting considering the present circumstances. Some days are going to be easier while others will be tougher than expected. But don’t give up. Continue to lean on God’s peace and encouragement during this season of “social-distancing” and the practice of fasting.
#3 – Daily “God Nuggets” bring us together through the wisdom of scripture. Each day you receive a message of hope and reassurance: like a “Gold Nugget” (or “God Nugget” as we are calling it since we are “California” EC Church). It goes out via our prayer chain and on our Facebook page so make sure that you are a part of our listing and “LIKE” our Facebook page. May that quick 60-second message bring you joy and community all day long as we each reflect on God’s goodness in scripture. Think of it as California Church’s version of the “Daily Bread Devotional”. Contact Pastor David or Meredith Saluzzi with any questions.
#4 – We are EXPLORING new and creative ways to connect! Churches, schools, businesses, and families all around our country and state are adventuring out into the world of what it means to connect solely by technology. And many churches, like us, are searching out how to take the church worship experience online – for the first time. There are churches using Facebook or YouTube and live-streaming worship services right to your computer or TV. There are others creating pockets of conversations through online platforms such as StreamYard, ZOOM, and Google Hangout. And people are learning every day new ways to connect. We are hoping to do the same, while also remaining within our own means and technological prowess. We are not looking to reinvent the wheel when there are others who have been mastering this sort of thing for years. Check out what others are doing and worship alongside them as the church body worships and praises together!
I will once again reiterate this point from our previous posting: Please understand that even though our church building is closed, the expenses and financial commitments of our church will continue. The church may be closed but ministry is still happening! While I understand that many will face financial challenges during the upcoming weeks and months, I am asking you to continue to worship through giving each week by mailing a check to the church address (350 California Road, Morgantown, PA 19543). Thank you to those that have already given and I would encourage us all to continue to worship in this habit.
We continue to monitor daily reports, restrictions, and briefings from our federal, state, and local officials in the hope that this health crisis will come to complete healing in the near future. When we re-establish and reopen the church for worship – we want that day to be a day of CELEBRATION, not a fearful or timid gathering. And so whenever that first Sunday worship may be, know that we are eagerly awaiting that day. And in the meanwhile, we are praying with you and your families as you manage the stresses and uneasiness that each day brings. Know that you are loved, you are being prayed for, and that we are excited for the day we can all return to “normalcy” again. But may this time apart grow us and challenge us so that we are better because of the journey.
Thanks be to God that Jesus Christ did not come to build and establish church buildings, but to build up people – the church body – to make disciples! May we, the people, bring glory to his name and call on him to restore, renew, and to rebuild our spirits during this period.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor David
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