COVID-19
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Advent Online
Dear Friend in Faith,
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In 2 Timothy 4, the writer says: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Truly, we have had a good run since we returned to church in July. Small groups have reconvened without issues. Our mission to serve the people of Bay View has not missed a beat. Worship has been attended by a small yet faithful following. We fought the good fight. We had a good run. We have kept the faith. Although we have kept one foot in front of the other in this race – the path beneath our feet has changed.
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A lot has developed since I spoke to you during our Annual Meeting, so I want to update you. On November 10th one of my children was exposed to a COVID-positive person at daycare. My family is currently under quarantine for 2 weeks. Because of my quarantine and the high level of positive case counts in Wisconsin, our Church Council made the decision to return to online-only worship at this time. We will reassess our situation in the new year to determine whether it will be possible for us to reconvene.
So, what does this mean? Our services will not be held in-person at this time. Services will continue to be recorded and uploaded to our church Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/christchurchucc/ and our website at www.uccmke.org. If you would like to view the service with others, you can attend the weekly streaming Facebook Premiere in the group. Hard copies will continue to be sent. *I would suggest setting aside a special place in your home that is specifically designated as a sacred space for you and your families.
This decision also means our Christmas Eve service will be online. Our Worship Committee will determine how we can best bring you a meaningful celebration that you and your families can enjoy from home. I know this is disappointing news, but the promise of the Gospel is that the Christ-Child will show up whether we gather in-person or in our homes. For if God’s Love incarnate can show up in a barn, perhaps the light can pierce the darkness which is draped over our world right now.
I want to close by saying that I am thankful for you, Church. Thank you for running this race together over the past 9 months. We have had a good run – a great run – and we will continue down this path together. Thank you for your love and support.
With gratitude for you,
Rev. Dan Stark
Attending Worship Online This Advent
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*If you are not already signed up to receive a weekly bulletin via email or hard-copy, please contact the office (office@uccmke.org or 414-481-3530) to sign up.
*Worship will be recorded on Fridays and uploaded generally by late afternoon after editing. It will be available at www.uccmke.org/worship and www.facebook.com/groups/christchurchucc
*You can watch worship with others at 9:30am on Sunday mornings in the church Facebook page.
*If you have children and would like to receive children's advent lessons via email, please contact the office.
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