Return to Worship

In my studies and devotional life, again and again, I return to the Psalms. These are wonderful real testimonies of the people of God at worship and prayer. They capture the depth of their longings as they learn to trust and live in a land with Yahweh. The last five Psalms are called “the great Hallel.” They all begin and end with “Praise Yah.” No matter what our circumstances, we find they are small compared to the greatness of God. I find this to be a great comfort, which leads me to the topic of FUMC returning to public worship.

Mike and I gave our best effort to provide our leaders with a "return to public worship" protocol. These protocols are a plan to lovingly and safely return to public gatherings of worship. Guided by our Bishop and medical professionals, we offered guidelines to our trustees for approval. Respectfully, the trustees voted to re-open Jacob’s Ladder on June 1 in order to serve a critical need in our community. In addition, they voted FUMC may return to public worship on June 14. We will follow these protocols for six weeks with possible extensions. Please note there are varying, valid opinions about our safe return, but we all agree how vital our worship life and communion are to our well being. Please grant us the courtesy of honoring these protocols for everyone’s sake.

The hallmarks of the protocols are these: 1. To practice social distancing upon arriving, being seated, and departing. 2. Wearing masks. 3. Temperature gatherings. 4. Gloves or hand sanitizing. 5. Limiting bathroom use. 6. Updated cleaning practices by our staff.

The June 14 date allows us several advantages. We will better know how the “spread of the virus” is tracking, gain insight in regard to other churches who have returned at earlier dates, and be provided the time to assess the broken AC unit at the Arbor. Lastly, it also allows our staff to acquire the needed supplies to support our return. Be aware this start date is contingent on the Bishop and Cabinet not extending the June 1 “not before date.”

I offer a special thanks to Neal Watts and our trustees, who have faithfully guided us through massive events. The protocols will be communicated to everyone shortly; please allow some time to read and learn them. We have a great team of leaders, and it has been a long nine weeks for everyone.

Barry

Tough Dad with Tender Touch

I grew up with a Dad who was tough as nails and a hard disciplinarian. He lied about his age and joined the old CCC Camps when he was not quite fifteen years old and sent his paychecks back home to Winston County, Alabama to his blind mother. As his oldest, growing up under him was not easy. His expectations and standards were high and the consequences of noncompliance painful. Before I was ten, I could plow, cut and split firewood with an ax, use a scythe, lay tongue, and groove flooring, and many other “grown-up” tasks. I got to play sports only after the assigned duties were accomplished. It was not easy being my Dad’s son. However, it was a blessing. 

Because he had a rough time early in his life, he was determined to see that we had it better. He never ran around with the other men. He always worked all the overtime he could get, raised a huge garden, and spent all his free time with us; showing us how to do things or fishing or hunting. We kept two freezers full of home-grown vegetables and fish and game. Life was tough but, life was good. I knew my Dad cared about me. Later, I began to realize I was loved.

When I was about twelve, I remember being really sick with a high fever that would not go away and I remember my Dad coming into my room when he thought I was asleep. He put his hand on my head and prayed a simple prayer, “Lord, make my boy well.” The “Ole Man” has been gone for Sixteen years now. I’ve moved on down the road myself and, until this day, that touch is one of the most tender I’ve ever felt, and that prayer is forever in my heart. My Dad was a tough Dad with a tender touch.

Psalm 46 Says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea.”

My Dad always referred to God as “The Man Upstairs” and, anytime he had a problem, he would say, “I need to have a talk with The Man Upstairs,” and he always advised us to do the same. 

As I write this, our world is in a time of crisis; fighting an enemy we cannot see. Life’s toughest battles are in times such as this; so many challenges, so many unknowns, so much fear. These things call us to cling to that which we do know and understand. Behold the truth! We have a tough God with a tender touch who can deliver us from the things of this world.

 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need.”

Blessings, Mike.