Large numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported in New York City this week. And while authorities are cautiously optimistic that a “flattening of the curve” may be coming soon, the need for help continues as medical supplies run thin. Crowded hospitals with overworked staff see no end in sight.
Using Ezekiel’s stark vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell elicited any number of innovative ideas from about 70 pastors and other church leaders during Wednesday’s videoconference on Spirit-inspired worship, one of the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations.
The “New Way” podcast will drop the first episode of a brand-new season Friday morning. The podcast, a periodic series of conversation from the 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is entering its fourth season just as many people are feeling the mounting impact of the coronavirus.
It’s been more than three weeks since most of the employees of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) packed up their offices and left the building because of COVID-19. While the building may be closed, employees who work at the Presbyterian Center are actively engaged and continue to be available to assist Presbyterians across the country.
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) has been working in Panama, as a focus country, since 2018.
The Presbyterian Church of Colombia is reaching out to its siblings around the world, sending greetings of “solidarity in God’s call that invites us to do everything in our power to protect the life of the people in our congregations and neighboring communities through pastoral and humanitarian care.”
On Friday morning, March 27, the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, walked into the chapel of the Presbyterian Center in downtown Louisville. With his white robe in one arm and sermon notes in the other, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was preparing to do something he hadn’t done for an Easter service before, deliver his sermon to an empty room.
The following is revised and updated from a Presbyterian News Service article published March 11: As the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak advances, congregations are responding in creative and highly effective ways. Given strong guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and federal, state, and local governments against gathering in person, many have chosen live-streaming or pre-recorded modified services as a way to glorify God together, stay connected as the body of Christ, and seek the healing work of the Spirit.
Frank, I really don’t think it’s a good idea to gather at the church. Yes, I know this is the holiest of weeks. You are correct. Easter is coming. Yes, I know you miss your church. Yes, I know you will take precautions. Oh, you have a mask. That’s good. And hand sanitizer? That’s great, but we need to keep our distance. Yes, I know you understand that. Yes, I heard you. I know it’s Holy Week. But to come to the church to ring the bell … I was about to launch into my public service announcement about the need to stay home, especially as the COVID-19 virus began making itself known to our rural community, but I was interrupted. “Pastor, I don’t think you understand,” Frank sighed. He sounded as exacerbated as I was with our phone conversation. “I need to hear our church bell ring.”
Many of a certain age can harken back fondly to loading into the family station wagon and visiting the local drive-in movie theater. Finding just the right spot to get a great view of the screen, attaching the scratchy metal speaker to the partially rolled-down window, and sitting in the back seat with blankets, pillows, a big tub of popcorn, and a drink were integral parts of the outdoor movie experience.