UPDATE FIRST UMC ROCKWALL CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE: CANCELLATIONS
Video Update April 2, 2020, Rev. Joe Pool | Click Here
Video Update March 26, 2020, Rev. Joe Pool | Click Here
Video Update March 18, 2020, Rev. Joe Pool | Click Here
Updated March 13, 2020 at 2:30 pm
CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES/PROGRAMS/GROUPS CANCELED
At the request of Bishop Michael McKee and local health professionals, all worship services on Sunday, March 15 are canceled. We will evaluate the constantly changing environment and make future determinations on a weekly basis.
WORSHIP ONLINE OPTION
A pre-recorded worship service of the First UMC Rockwall will be available through our website, FUMCROCKWALL.COM on Sunday, March 15. Important announcements and information, hymns, music, prayers and sermon, as well as, sharing the gospel with children. Gather your family and worship together.
– Our North Texas Conference provides a list of United Methodist churches that offer live streaming. Click here to access.
SMALL GROUPS AND CLASSES
The following groups of programs/activities/gatherings are canceled until further notice:
- Sunday Morning Classes – All ages
- Sunday afternoon/evening classes and groups, including Sunday Night Live, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, UMYF, Adult Study groups, etc…
- Weekday programs and groups, including handbells, choir rehearsals, Lenten Bible Studies, all small groups and studies, the Ark Preschool, etc…
- Off campus gatherings which have ten or more regular participants are discouraged from meeting.
- All groups utilizing our campus – Boy Scouts, E.S.L./GED, NAMI, etc…
THE TRINITY PROJECT: BECOMING ONE | COMMITMENT SUNDAY EXTENDED
Commitment Sunday, the receiving and dedicating our commitment cards to God in support of the The Trinity Project: Becoming One, will be extended through Sunday, March 22. We are encouraged to still bring them to worship on Sunday, March 22, drop them by the church office, mail them in the envelope provided, or use our secure online option: FUMCROCKWALL.COM/THETRINITYPROJECT
The Response Team will offer friendly reminder calls after March 22.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayer requests may be addressed through our website or by calling the church office, 972-771-5500.
OFFICE HOURS
The church office will be staffed weekdays during normal office hours, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
OFFERINGS/TITHES/GIFTS/LENTEN MISSIONS
Offerings, tithes, The Trinity Project: Becoming One commitment cards, Lenten Missions support may be brought to the church office or may be given online.
FUMCROCKWALL.COM/GIVE or FUMCROCKWALL.COM/THETRINITYPROJECT
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
- Our congregational care team remains committed to offering excellent care to our congregation, including visits to hospitals and care homes, but they will be taking additional precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Pastors and Care Ministers will not visit if they are sick or have been exposed to the virus.
- They will diligently wash hands before and after every visit.
- We will temporarily refrain from touching patients and holding their hands.
A PERSONAL WORD
We have faced so many distractions, anxieties and fears this past week – I need to spend time with God! If we can’t worship together, take advantage of our pre-recorded service on our website or engage in a dedicated hour of prayer and Bible study. Reach out to those who may be affected more than you – those who may need groceries, a trip to the pharmacy, or are affected economically by the closings of schools and businesses. This is the time the church comes together to be the living body of Christ beyond the wall of our buildings! I will miss being with you in worship – but the Spirit of Christ will be with us until we gather again.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
through the earth should change,
Be still, and know that I am God.
– Psalm 46: 1, 2, 10
Always,
Rev. Dr. Joe Pool,
Pastor
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YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.