Covid-19 Updates
As information is rapidly changing, we will try to keep you updated as best as we can. When in doubt, please follow the advice of the CDC and local governments.
Weekly Update-19 June 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Mayor Jack Young announced this morning that Baltimore City is moving to Phase 2 effective 5pm today, we are not rushing into meeting in person. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) except for 1st Sunday of the month (communion Sundays). There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. Please see the announcement below.
My husband, Rev. Lemuel Dominguez, Pastor of Milford Mill UMC in Pikesville, wrote the following reflection that was so eloquent and bold, I wanted to share it with you:
Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith. - Habakkuk 2:2-4
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War on September 22, 1862, declaring that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States were free. The Proclamation did not include freedom for the enslaved peoples of the Union. In fact, it would not be until December 18, 1865 that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery throughout the Union.
On June 18, 1865, Federal troops arrived to occupy Texas following the surrender of the Robert E. Lee and his Confederate forces on April 9, 1865. "General Order No. 3" was read aloud the following day from the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, declaring all slaves to be free.
The word "Juneteenth" is obviously a combination of June and the number 19, but Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton wrote a brilliant interpretation of the significance of "Juneteenth" in 2008:
The name Juneteenth may capture the excitement those slaves felt. According to the “Queen’s English,” the celebration should be called “June Nineteenth.” But when chains of captivity fell from their bodies and souls, their tongues were not concerned about grammar. Newfound freedom prompted the creation of a new word, “Juneteenth.”
New birth out of the chains of captivity required a new language, something that we, as a Christian community arisen from the sacred event of Pentecost, can understand quite readily. Though Christ's sacrifice on the cross freed us from the bondage of sin, it would not be until the Spirit's empowering of Christ's followers to go into the world and proclaim God's mighty acts in Jesus to every nation of the globe that Christ's vision of a Gospel-led church was born.
In an age of instant gratification, many American Christians are not accustomed to waiting on their desires. In the throes of a pandemic that has crippled the entire world, some of us who are privileged wait for the restoration of our former lives. Yet the present moment has forced us to consider that for many throughout the country and indeed, the world, freedom is not guaranteed. In fact, freedom, even liberation, has been delayed for Black people throughout our country, and for many marginalized groups. This is not news to the Black community or any other marginalized group, but it is plain to see how startling an idea it has been for the countries of the world.
The lag of liberation is as much a sin before God as is the denial of freedom. We were created to be free, as those who bear the semblance of God on our bodies and souls. The power of sin convinces us that our outward appearances can serve as a justification for the evil deeds we commit to furnish our selfish ambitions; in fact, the sin that clings so closely to us will use any and all means to tear us down whole, if we allow it. Each day that we allow sin to have its way is a day that we refuse Jesus entry into our hearts. God ultimately seeks to liberate us all, if we would allow the Lord's grace freedom to become our constant companion.
Freedom is a work in progress. God calls on people of faith to fight until its full realization. Freedom may be delayed, but as our Holy Scriptures reveal, it cannot be denied. Praise be to God.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 8.1 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.3% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 2.3 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.3% (down .3%). In MD there are approximately 64k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (same as a week ago).
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-21-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Parking Lot Communion Worship--Sunday, July 5, 2pm (TENTATIVE). More details will follow. This event may be cancelled if cases in our community surge, or new information becomes available. You will need to RSVP ahead of time using this form: https://reopen.church/r/17hk5Vrf with your family name, car (or bring a chair), and number of persons. We cannot accommodate more than 18 households in one service (we can offer additional services, if needed). Bathrooms and the building will remain closed. If you do not RSVP, you will not be allowed to attend. All participants will be screened before entry. You must wear a mask.
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Mayor Jack Young announced this morning that Baltimore City is moving to Phase 2 effective 5pm today, we are not rushing into meeting in person. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) except for 1st Sunday of the month (communion Sundays). There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. Please see the announcement below.
My husband, Rev. Lemuel Dominguez, Pastor of Milford Mill UMC in Pikesville, wrote the following reflection that was so eloquent and bold, I wanted to share it with you:
Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faith. - Habakkuk 2:2-4
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War on September 22, 1862, declaring that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States were free. The Proclamation did not include freedom for the enslaved peoples of the Union. In fact, it would not be until December 18, 1865 that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery throughout the Union.
On June 18, 1865, Federal troops arrived to occupy Texas following the surrender of the Robert E. Lee and his Confederate forces on April 9, 1865. "General Order No. 3" was read aloud the following day from the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, declaring all slaves to be free.
The word "Juneteenth" is obviously a combination of June and the number 19, but Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton wrote a brilliant interpretation of the significance of "Juneteenth" in 2008:
The name Juneteenth may capture the excitement those slaves felt. According to the “Queen’s English,” the celebration should be called “June Nineteenth.” But when chains of captivity fell from their bodies and souls, their tongues were not concerned about grammar. Newfound freedom prompted the creation of a new word, “Juneteenth.”
New birth out of the chains of captivity required a new language, something that we, as a Christian community arisen from the sacred event of Pentecost, can understand quite readily. Though Christ's sacrifice on the cross freed us from the bondage of sin, it would not be until the Spirit's empowering of Christ's followers to go into the world and proclaim God's mighty acts in Jesus to every nation of the globe that Christ's vision of a Gospel-led church was born.
In an age of instant gratification, many American Christians are not accustomed to waiting on their desires. In the throes of a pandemic that has crippled the entire world, some of us who are privileged wait for the restoration of our former lives. Yet the present moment has forced us to consider that for many throughout the country and indeed, the world, freedom is not guaranteed. In fact, freedom, even liberation, has been delayed for Black people throughout our country, and for many marginalized groups. This is not news to the Black community or any other marginalized group, but it is plain to see how startling an idea it has been for the countries of the world.
The lag of liberation is as much a sin before God as is the denial of freedom. We were created to be free, as those who bear the semblance of God on our bodies and souls. The power of sin convinces us that our outward appearances can serve as a justification for the evil deeds we commit to furnish our selfish ambitions; in fact, the sin that clings so closely to us will use any and all means to tear us down whole, if we allow it. Each day that we allow sin to have its way is a day that we refuse Jesus entry into our hearts. God ultimately seeks to liberate us all, if we would allow the Lord's grace freedom to become our constant companion.
Freedom is a work in progress. God calls on people of faith to fight until its full realization. Freedom may be delayed, but as our Holy Scriptures reveal, it cannot be denied. Praise be to God.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 8.1 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.3% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 2.3 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.3% (down .3%). In MD there are approximately 64k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (same as a week ago).
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-21-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Parking Lot Communion Worship--Sunday, July 5, 2pm (TENTATIVE). More details will follow. This event may be cancelled if cases in our community surge, or new information becomes available. You will need to RSVP ahead of time using this form: https://reopen.church/r/17hk5Vrf with your family name, car (or bring a chair), and number of persons. We cannot accommodate more than 18 households in one service (we can offer additional services, if needed). Bathrooms and the building will remain closed. If you do not RSVP, you will not be allowed to attend. All participants will be screened before entry. You must wear a mask.
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-12 June 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 2, Baltimore City remains in phase 1, as of 2pm on Friday by order of Mayor Jack Young. We are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be. There will be no in-person gathering until at least Phase 2 in Baltimore City (and this does not mean in person, inside).
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. Please see the announcement below.
This week, my son got to see a farm with a bunch of peacocks--his favorite animal. There were at least 15 or 20 mingling with the goats, the sheep, the llamas, and just wandering around on their own. At one point, two males got into a kerfuffle right next to us, and we jumped! At another point, my son was following the peacock around. But as fast as he moved, the peacock moved faster and was just a few steps ahead of him. And as we laughed and took pictures, I was reminded that in this time of Covid-19, the virus is still just one step ahead of us, as we chase after it like a toddler trying to figure out how it works. We must remain diligent and faithful in our hand hygiene and face mask usage. We must not let our guard down, or we will become more vulnerable. And yet, the peacock and toddler analogy is also applicable to how we should pursue our faith and God. God is chasing after us and won't relent. God is here for you in this time of trial and tribulation. You are not alone. If you are feeling alone or scared, worried or concerned, please reach out to me so that we can come up with a plan for you. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You are loved.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 7.6 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.6% (down .2%). In the US: approx. 2.1 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.6% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 61k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (slight increase). What is troubling is that Wicomico County has passed the 1000 case mark. The rural areas do not have the resources we do in the City. Even 1-2% needing hospitalization will overwhelm their health systems.
Re-engaging into restaurants: the longer the interaction is, the higher the risk for contracting Covid-19, even with masks and social distancing. Face masks lose integrity after several hours due to droplets, social distancing drops the longer you are together and so the risk increases. Lowest risk is limited to drive through, takeout, or curbside. Wiping down food containers is fine, but not necessary now as we have learned about the virus. Just wash your hands. Even if you touch it the virus, it is very easy to wash it off. More risk: Outside dining. Tables should be 6 feet apart. Even more risk: Onsite dining with indoor and outdoor seating. To eat, you must pull facemasks down. The risk goes up exponentially. Depending on the ventilation of the room, Covid-19 can spread more. Highest risk. Onsite dining, no 6 foot spacing. Johns Hopkins recommends that you do not go to places like this. The risk is too great.
To minimize your risk at a restaurant, wear a mask as long as you aren't eating. If you aren't wearing a mask at that moment, remember to use respiratory etiquette: Sneeze into elbow, hand hygiene. Minimize how much you share--utensils, food, etc. to reduce your risk. Be mindful of the space you are in. We must learn to adapt to the times. We don't have a cure or vaccine. We must learn to keep our guard up at all times to keep ourselves safe.
Re-Engaging in Community/Public Pools: Pool water: as long as it follows the disinfectant regulation is fine. Can destroy and kill just about every virus known. Covid-19 has never been tested in pool water, but it seems likely given how other similar viruses behave in pool viruses. Must maintain social distancing while in the water. Look for lifeguards to help maintain 6 foot distance even in the water. Ventilation: Outside the pool is where the transmission is likely to occur. Outdoor pool are better for circulation--lower risk compared to an indoor pool with recirculating air. Should allow windows open to allow outdoor air in. Spacing: 6 foot rule applies in and out of water. Facemasks should be worn at all times by non-swimmers. Don't swim with the mask on. When wet, they loose their integrity to help you anyway, plus safety concerns. Sharing: kickboards, goggles, toys, etc. Don't do it. Don't share things that are hard to disinfect--like goggles. Pool noodles or kickboards could be shared if properly disinfected. Sign out product for an hour, return to be disinfected, then can be checked out again. Call ahead and discuss what the policies are. Attendance: One pool in Parkville is only allowing 10 people/hour via a reservation system. Find out what your pool is doing. If all these guidelines are followed, there is a minimal risk of getting Covid-19 at a pool.
Covid-19 can be transmitted through the eyes. Respiratory particles can get through to the body through any mucousal surfaces, including the eyes. If you were close to someone who had Covid-19 and they coughed, you could get it through your eyes. While most cases are most likely through mouth or nose, eyes are possible. If you have Covid-19 and you cry, wipe your eyes, and then touch something, someone else could touch that and get the virus too. Wash your hands, don't touch your eyes, don't share towels or pillowcases, if you have any virus including Covid-19 to prevent the spread through the eyes.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-7-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Parking Lot Communion Worship--Sunday, July 5, 2pm (TENTATIVE). More details will follow. This event may be cancelled if cases in our community surge, or new information becomes available. You will need to RSVP ahead of time with your family name, car (or bring a chair), and number of persons. We cannot accommodate more than 18 households in one service (we can offer additional services, if needed). Bathrooms and the building will remain closed. If you do not RSVP, you will not be allowed to attend. All participants will be screened before entry. You must wear a mask.
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
ReplyForward
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 2, Baltimore City remains in phase 1, as of 2pm on Friday by order of Mayor Jack Young. We are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be. There will be no in-person gathering until at least Phase 2 in Baltimore City (and this does not mean in person, inside).
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. Please see the announcement below.
This week, my son got to see a farm with a bunch of peacocks--his favorite animal. There were at least 15 or 20 mingling with the goats, the sheep, the llamas, and just wandering around on their own. At one point, two males got into a kerfuffle right next to us, and we jumped! At another point, my son was following the peacock around. But as fast as he moved, the peacock moved faster and was just a few steps ahead of him. And as we laughed and took pictures, I was reminded that in this time of Covid-19, the virus is still just one step ahead of us, as we chase after it like a toddler trying to figure out how it works. We must remain diligent and faithful in our hand hygiene and face mask usage. We must not let our guard down, or we will become more vulnerable. And yet, the peacock and toddler analogy is also applicable to how we should pursue our faith and God. God is chasing after us and won't relent. God is here for you in this time of trial and tribulation. You are not alone. If you are feeling alone or scared, worried or concerned, please reach out to me so that we can come up with a plan for you. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You are loved.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 7.6 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.6% (down .2%). In the US: approx. 2.1 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.6% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 61k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (slight increase). What is troubling is that Wicomico County has passed the 1000 case mark. The rural areas do not have the resources we do in the City. Even 1-2% needing hospitalization will overwhelm their health systems.
Re-engaging into restaurants: the longer the interaction is, the higher the risk for contracting Covid-19, even with masks and social distancing. Face masks lose integrity after several hours due to droplets, social distancing drops the longer you are together and so the risk increases. Lowest risk is limited to drive through, takeout, or curbside. Wiping down food containers is fine, but not necessary now as we have learned about the virus. Just wash your hands. Even if you touch it the virus, it is very easy to wash it off. More risk: Outside dining. Tables should be 6 feet apart. Even more risk: Onsite dining with indoor and outdoor seating. To eat, you must pull facemasks down. The risk goes up exponentially. Depending on the ventilation of the room, Covid-19 can spread more. Highest risk. Onsite dining, no 6 foot spacing. Johns Hopkins recommends that you do not go to places like this. The risk is too great.
To minimize your risk at a restaurant, wear a mask as long as you aren't eating. If you aren't wearing a mask at that moment, remember to use respiratory etiquette: Sneeze into elbow, hand hygiene. Minimize how much you share--utensils, food, etc. to reduce your risk. Be mindful of the space you are in. We must learn to adapt to the times. We don't have a cure or vaccine. We must learn to keep our guard up at all times to keep ourselves safe.
Re-Engaging in Community/Public Pools: Pool water: as long as it follows the disinfectant regulation is fine. Can destroy and kill just about every virus known. Covid-19 has never been tested in pool water, but it seems likely given how other similar viruses behave in pool viruses. Must maintain social distancing while in the water. Look for lifeguards to help maintain 6 foot distance even in the water. Ventilation: Outside the pool is where the transmission is likely to occur. Outdoor pool are better for circulation--lower risk compared to an indoor pool with recirculating air. Should allow windows open to allow outdoor air in. Spacing: 6 foot rule applies in and out of water. Facemasks should be worn at all times by non-swimmers. Don't swim with the mask on. When wet, they loose their integrity to help you anyway, plus safety concerns. Sharing: kickboards, goggles, toys, etc. Don't do it. Don't share things that are hard to disinfect--like goggles. Pool noodles or kickboards could be shared if properly disinfected. Sign out product for an hour, return to be disinfected, then can be checked out again. Call ahead and discuss what the policies are. Attendance: One pool in Parkville is only allowing 10 people/hour via a reservation system. Find out what your pool is doing. If all these guidelines are followed, there is a minimal risk of getting Covid-19 at a pool.
Covid-19 can be transmitted through the eyes. Respiratory particles can get through to the body through any mucousal surfaces, including the eyes. If you were close to someone who had Covid-19 and they coughed, you could get it through your eyes. While most cases are most likely through mouth or nose, eyes are possible. If you have Covid-19 and you cry, wipe your eyes, and then touch something, someone else could touch that and get the virus too. Wash your hands, don't touch your eyes, don't share towels or pillowcases, if you have any virus including Covid-19 to prevent the spread through the eyes.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-7-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Parking Lot Communion Worship--Sunday, July 5, 2pm (TENTATIVE). More details will follow. This event may be cancelled if cases in our community surge, or new information becomes available. You will need to RSVP ahead of time with your family name, car (or bring a chair), and number of persons. We cannot accommodate more than 18 households in one service (we can offer additional services, if needed). Bathrooms and the building will remain closed. If you do not RSVP, you will not be allowed to attend. All participants will be screened before entry. You must wear a mask.
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
ReplyForward
Weekly Update-5 June 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 2, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young (moving to Phase 1 on Monday). We are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be. There will be no in-person gathering until at least Phase 2 in Baltimore City.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. We will be planning this information this week, and hope to have more for you very soon.
In November, I got pulled over for supposed speeding. Was I going slightly over the speed limit? Perhaps. But it was rush hour on 83. I couldn't have been doing the 80+ MPH the cop claimed. I was pulled over by an unmarked car and my heart was pounding. I was having trouble finding my registration in my glove compartment because my hands were shaking so badly. The cop let me use my emissions form, because it had the information on it that I needed. As concerned as I was, I never thought I wouldn't make it out of there alive. That's privilege--white privilege. (And, for the record, I asked how they clocked me, and when they couldn't give me an answer, the charges were dropped).
This week, my heart has been breaking. Breaking for the black and brown persons who are using their bodies to protest police brutality and needless death. No one, and I mean no one, should fear for their life when getting stopped by a cop, regardless if they are "guilty" or not. Race is a persistent conversation in our household. We talk about it nearly daily. We teach our son about it. We read books about it (if you need recommendations, please reach out!). But not everyone does this. This week, if you are white, I encourage you to find a way to notice and acknowledge your privilege in some way. How have you benefited, even unintentionally, from your race? Less violence in your neighborhood? Better job opportunities? Better schools? Access to healthcare? You aren't wrong for using these things, however, we must be aware of the systemic ways our society privileges certain groups of people over others. And our world, our nation, our state, our neighborhood can't be as good as they can be until we deal with this unequal and racist history. Let's work together to overturn the past and point the way to a brighter future--where black and brown persons are safe; where all people can work together for a healthy and whole world, where no child has to fear being stopped by a cop. Let's do this!
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 6.74 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.8% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 1.92 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.7% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 56k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.5% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more--we've plateaued. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. In Maryland, our rates are coming down, however, there disproportionate deaths in minority populations, including Baltimore City. This week, a study came out about Remdecivir--an antiviral medication that showed promise earlier in the year. It was approved for emergency use in the US while undergoing trials. It was created in 2009 for Hepatitis C, but was found not effective. Tried to be repurposed for other viruses. Saw it tried with Ebola and other viruses with marginal success. Brought it out in March and April. Saw promise to effect morbidity. Earlier this week, we saw in the New England Journal of Medicine, results released early from a trial that showed a potential victory against Covid-19. It was a good trial with a large, randomized sample. Over 1000 patients in trial. Randomized--1 group placebo. 1 group medication. Docs didn't know which group was which. This is an IV Medication (so you can't go to the pharmacy and get it). It showed a statistically significant impact on morbidity. Shorten amount of time patients were struggling with Covid-19 by 4 days (11 days vs. 15 days). However, it failed to show an impact on survival. Right now, we are struggling to find any intervention that is helpful for this with Covid-19. Other trials continue.
The virus has been found in urine and feces. We don't know if it can be transmitted through these yet. However, the presence makes it a possibility, which means public restrooms could be grounds for transmission. (At our church, we will be implementing strict bathroom protocols to help reduce this risk, including closing the lid before flushing, and sanitizing touch surfaces between uses). As the weather warms up, and activities resume, people are eager to return to activities, including water-based activities. Pools themselves are not an issue--they will kill the virus because of chlorine--even if a kid pees in the pool (and is positive). The ocean itself is not a risk--it will be diluted. The transmission risk comes from breathing (respiratory) within 6 feet of someone who has the virus. We must consider how pools are handling this--masks required outside of the water (there is no safe way to swim with a mask at this time), limited occupancy--even 10 people or less for an hour at a time would be helpful. If a facility isn't advertising and practicing good policies, you shouldn't go.
The reality is that masks will be with us for a long time, and must become the social norm. (So stock up!)
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-7-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 2, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young (moving to Phase 1 on Monday). We are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be. There will be no in-person gathering until at least Phase 2 in Baltimore City.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away. We will be planning this information this week, and hope to have more for you very soon.
In November, I got pulled over for supposed speeding. Was I going slightly over the speed limit? Perhaps. But it was rush hour on 83. I couldn't have been doing the 80+ MPH the cop claimed. I was pulled over by an unmarked car and my heart was pounding. I was having trouble finding my registration in my glove compartment because my hands were shaking so badly. The cop let me use my emissions form, because it had the information on it that I needed. As concerned as I was, I never thought I wouldn't make it out of there alive. That's privilege--white privilege. (And, for the record, I asked how they clocked me, and when they couldn't give me an answer, the charges were dropped).
This week, my heart has been breaking. Breaking for the black and brown persons who are using their bodies to protest police brutality and needless death. No one, and I mean no one, should fear for their life when getting stopped by a cop, regardless if they are "guilty" or not. Race is a persistent conversation in our household. We talk about it nearly daily. We teach our son about it. We read books about it (if you need recommendations, please reach out!). But not everyone does this. This week, if you are white, I encourage you to find a way to notice and acknowledge your privilege in some way. How have you benefited, even unintentionally, from your race? Less violence in your neighborhood? Better job opportunities? Better schools? Access to healthcare? You aren't wrong for using these things, however, we must be aware of the systemic ways our society privileges certain groups of people over others. And our world, our nation, our state, our neighborhood can't be as good as they can be until we deal with this unequal and racist history. Let's work together to overturn the past and point the way to a brighter future--where black and brown persons are safe; where all people can work together for a healthy and whole world, where no child has to fear being stopped by a cop. Let's do this!
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying There are more than 6.74 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 5.8% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 1.92 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.7% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 56k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.5% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more--we've plateaued. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. In Maryland, our rates are coming down, however, there disproportionate deaths in minority populations, including Baltimore City. This week, a study came out about Remdecivir--an antiviral medication that showed promise earlier in the year. It was approved for emergency use in the US while undergoing trials. It was created in 2009 for Hepatitis C, but was found not effective. Tried to be repurposed for other viruses. Saw it tried with Ebola and other viruses with marginal success. Brought it out in March and April. Saw promise to effect morbidity. Earlier this week, we saw in the New England Journal of Medicine, results released early from a trial that showed a potential victory against Covid-19. It was a good trial with a large, randomized sample. Over 1000 patients in trial. Randomized--1 group placebo. 1 group medication. Docs didn't know which group was which. This is an IV Medication (so you can't go to the pharmacy and get it). It showed a statistically significant impact on morbidity. Shorten amount of time patients were struggling with Covid-19 by 4 days (11 days vs. 15 days). However, it failed to show an impact on survival. Right now, we are struggling to find any intervention that is helpful for this with Covid-19. Other trials continue.
The virus has been found in urine and feces. We don't know if it can be transmitted through these yet. However, the presence makes it a possibility, which means public restrooms could be grounds for transmission. (At our church, we will be implementing strict bathroom protocols to help reduce this risk, including closing the lid before flushing, and sanitizing touch surfaces between uses). As the weather warms up, and activities resume, people are eager to return to activities, including water-based activities. Pools themselves are not an issue--they will kill the virus because of chlorine--even if a kid pees in the pool (and is positive). The ocean itself is not a risk--it will be diluted. The transmission risk comes from breathing (respiratory) within 6 feet of someone who has the virus. We must consider how pools are handling this--masks required outside of the water (there is no safe way to swim with a mask at this time), limited occupancy--even 10 people or less for an hour at a time would be helpful. If a facility isn't advertising and practicing good policies, you shouldn't go.
The reality is that masks will be with us for a long time, and must become the social norm. (So stock up!)
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-7-june-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and a children's video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-29 May 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given, for us, even as restaurants open tonight for outdoor seating at 5pm. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
*** If you have not completed the survey, please take it now. If you are among the 24+ households who have already participated, thank you. As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL The Survey will close after worship on Sunday so we can begin to act on the information given.
As many of you know, our family tries hard to be bilingual. We read books in both English and Spanish, we have some phrases we only say in Spanish (Like "I love you" is "Te amo"). Our son is definitely English dominant, but our hope is that early language exposure will help him in the future.
As we celebrate Pentecost this week, I went to church with my son to set up and video our traditional Pentecost fire, and take a few pictures. He loved dragging the red and orange tulle around to "help mommy" and really wanted to touch the fire. And as I stared at the flames shooting up, I was reminded of that first Pentecost--the one where people had to learn a new language, a language of how to be the Church.
Learning a language is hard work. You have to shift what you think you know. You have to change how you think. And we as the Church are in a Pentecost moment this year. We are being called to learn a new language--a language of technology, of shifting norms, of new ways of being present in our community. And sometimes we get it right, and other times we get it wrong. But as long as we are moving forward in faith, guided by the Power of the Holy Spirit, we will not only survive, but thrive. We can do this. It's hard work. But it's necessary work to remain relevant to our world and people. And what is the church without people?
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Pentecost is THIS SUNDAY. Please wear red!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 5.9 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.1% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 1.76 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.8% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 51k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. In Maryland, our rates are coming down, however, there disproportionate deaths in minority populations, including Baltimore City. As things begin to open more, we need to be aware of social distancing. There are 3 key variables that help us predict what the infection will do: 1) how long the virus stays in an individual (approx 14-30 days)--this is lengthy for a virus. 2) How a virus is spread (in this case, respiratory droplets and aerosol)--very contagious. 3) How vulnerable a population is. We can effect this. This is where social distancing becomes key. Social distancing does work. We must remain vigilant. Look at Norway and Sweden. Very similar countries. Norway mandated lots of lockdowns and extensive social distancing. Sweden didn't do this. Wanted herd immunity and expected public to act well. 8,000 cases in Norway. 28,000 case in Sweden. Norway 2% death rate. Sweden 12.8% death rate. Keep an eye on how crowded an area is. Don't go where it is crowded. It can go undetected from one person to another. We can spread it when no symptoms are present and you don't know you have it. Social distancing and face masks and hand hygiene are the ways we combat this.
It is normal to be feeling lots of things right now, to be depressed or anxious. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to me so I can connect you with a counselor to help you process and deal with what you are feeling so you can feel better and thrive. There are resources available, including ones that are free or sliding scale. You are not alone.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-31-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and a birthday celebration video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given, for us, even as restaurants open tonight for outdoor seating at 5pm. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
*** If you have not completed the survey, please take it now. If you are among the 24+ households who have already participated, thank you. As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL The Survey will close after worship on Sunday so we can begin to act on the information given.
As many of you know, our family tries hard to be bilingual. We read books in both English and Spanish, we have some phrases we only say in Spanish (Like "I love you" is "Te amo"). Our son is definitely English dominant, but our hope is that early language exposure will help him in the future.
As we celebrate Pentecost this week, I went to church with my son to set up and video our traditional Pentecost fire, and take a few pictures. He loved dragging the red and orange tulle around to "help mommy" and really wanted to touch the fire. And as I stared at the flames shooting up, I was reminded of that first Pentecost--the one where people had to learn a new language, a language of how to be the Church.
Learning a language is hard work. You have to shift what you think you know. You have to change how you think. And we as the Church are in a Pentecost moment this year. We are being called to learn a new language--a language of technology, of shifting norms, of new ways of being present in our community. And sometimes we get it right, and other times we get it wrong. But as long as we are moving forward in faith, guided by the Power of the Holy Spirit, we will not only survive, but thrive. We can do this. It's hard work. But it's necessary work to remain relevant to our world and people. And what is the church without people?
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Pentecost is THIS SUNDAY. Please wear red!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 5.9 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.1% (down .3%). In the US: approx. 1.76 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.8% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 51k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.6% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. In Maryland, our rates are coming down, however, there disproportionate deaths in minority populations, including Baltimore City. As things begin to open more, we need to be aware of social distancing. There are 3 key variables that help us predict what the infection will do: 1) how long the virus stays in an individual (approx 14-30 days)--this is lengthy for a virus. 2) How a virus is spread (in this case, respiratory droplets and aerosol)--very contagious. 3) How vulnerable a population is. We can effect this. This is where social distancing becomes key. Social distancing does work. We must remain vigilant. Look at Norway and Sweden. Very similar countries. Norway mandated lots of lockdowns and extensive social distancing. Sweden didn't do this. Wanted herd immunity and expected public to act well. 8,000 cases in Norway. 28,000 case in Sweden. Norway 2% death rate. Sweden 12.8% death rate. Keep an eye on how crowded an area is. Don't go where it is crowded. It can go undetected from one person to another. We can spread it when no symptoms are present and you don't know you have it. Social distancing and face masks and hand hygiene are the ways we combat this.
It is normal to be feeling lots of things right now, to be depressed or anxious. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to me so I can connect you with a counselor to help you process and deal with what you are feeling so you can feel better and thrive. There are resources available, including ones that are free or sliding scale. You are not alone.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-31-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and a birthday celebration video! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-22 May 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
*** If you have not completed the survey, please take it now. If you are among the 19+ households who have already participated, thank you. As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL
This week, as my son and I took a morning hike, he looked at some type of bug and asked me, "Mommy, what is that?" I replied, "a bug," and was prepared to move on. But he was not. He wanted to watch it. To examine it. To speculate about it. And he wanted to know exactly what it was. Mommy's "it's a bug" was not enough to satisfy his curiosity. He wanted an answer I didn't have.
Later that day, I was live-streaming the Festival of Homiletics, a preaching conference that I've always wanted to attend but couldn't because of scheduling in the past. This year, they moved it online, and I was able to participate about 50% of the time. And one of the speakers was Anna Carter Florence preaching on Ezekiel 37:1-14 (dry bones). And she said that in a time of crisis, "When the people's lament is framed as a question, it is not our job [as preachers] to answer." Preachers don't need to have all the answers because we are struggling too. We don't know everything. We don't know what the world will look like when the pandemic is over. We don't know when it will be over. We simply don't know. And that's ok. What we do know is that God is still faithful. God has not abandoned us. And God is using this opportunity to breathe new life into us as People of God.
I didn't know the answer to the bug question any more than I know the answers we have deep inside of ourselves. But I do know that God is still here and will be here. And I'm here to journey and reflect with you. We are community.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! Please have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
Pentecost is next Sunday, May 31. Please wear red!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 5.2 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.4% (down a bit). In the US: approx. 1.6 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.9% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 44K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.7% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. Vaccine update: it is moving faster than expected due to two things: Science and Economics. Science: Until 2003 we didn't think we needed a vaccine for the category of illnesses called corona viruses because they didn't seem as virulent. But in 2003, SARS came about. Then in 2013 MERS developed. We realized these types of viruses can be very dangerous. As a result, there has been a lot of research into the vaccines that would be most effective against these types of viruses. So we are not starting from scratch on creating a Covid-19 vaccine and are having an expedited conversation and research into this vaccine. Economics: You need lots of money to create a vaccine--for both employment and equipment. Vaccines are developed in 3 phases, and normally, after each phase, you have to stop work to seek additional funding sources, causing delays. However, there is a lot of funding available right now for a Covid-19 vaccine. Funding has been provided for all 3 phases of vaccine trials up front (unheard of) so that they trials can continue to progress as fast as possible. There are over 20 different trials of vaccines happening right now. However, several questions remain, including how long will the vaccine last? 6 months? 1 year? (Will you have to get it every year along with your flu shot?) Will it be permanent? We may not have the answer to that until the vaccine is released to the general population. Additionally, we must consider how to protect our older, most vulnerable in the population. Vaccines don't work as well for older folx, because they have a diminished immune system compared to younger persons. So finding something effective for the population most effected by the virus is key.
We are constantly learning more about the virus. First, while wiping surfaces is important, the virus is not transmitted via touch as much as we thought even a few weeks ago. Still wash your hands. But the most important thing you can do is wear a mask in public. If everyone is masked properly, then the rate of transmission, even with a positive case, is 1.6% or less. Masks will be the most critical way we fight this virus right now. Second, Covid-19 can cause neurological complications, especially in persons with a history of stroke or other neurological impairments. If you have new headache, dizziness, etc, get it checked out ASAP--it could be an early sign of Covid-19. These are different than a stroke (where you might have weakness on one side of the body or in one localized area like a limb, speech, etc). In a Covid-19 neurological issue, there is global weakness--meaning, weakness all over your body, among other symptoms. As always, if you have a concern about heart attack, stroke, etc. please call 911 and go to the ER. Many people have been delaying treatment for other conditions because they are afraid of going to the ER--they don't want to be contaminated. However, our safety protocols have increased and medical personnel have a much better way of containing any illness now than we did at the beginning of the pandemic. You can be safe in the ER. Do not delay life-saving treatment because of fear of Covid-19. Your life literally depends on it.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-24-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and a storyboard video that will be posted by Sunday! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who has procured cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We have a little more work to do to prep for opening, but are on-track for where we need to be.
Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
*** If you have not completed the survey, please take it now. If you are among the 19+ households who have already participated, thank you. As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL
This week, as my son and I took a morning hike, he looked at some type of bug and asked me, "Mommy, what is that?" I replied, "a bug," and was prepared to move on. But he was not. He wanted to watch it. To examine it. To speculate about it. And he wanted to know exactly what it was. Mommy's "it's a bug" was not enough to satisfy his curiosity. He wanted an answer I didn't have.
Later that day, I was live-streaming the Festival of Homiletics, a preaching conference that I've always wanted to attend but couldn't because of scheduling in the past. This year, they moved it online, and I was able to participate about 50% of the time. And one of the speakers was Anna Carter Florence preaching on Ezekiel 37:1-14 (dry bones). And she said that in a time of crisis, "When the people's lament is framed as a question, it is not our job [as preachers] to answer." Preachers don't need to have all the answers because we are struggling too. We don't know everything. We don't know what the world will look like when the pandemic is over. We don't know when it will be over. We simply don't know. And that's ok. What we do know is that God is still faithful. God has not abandoned us. And God is using this opportunity to breathe new life into us as People of God.
I didn't know the answer to the bug question any more than I know the answers we have deep inside of ourselves. But I do know that God is still here and will be here. And I'm here to journey and reflect with you. We are community.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! Please have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
Pentecost is next Sunday, May 31. Please wear red!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 5.2 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.4% (down a bit). In the US: approx. 1.6 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.9% (down slightly). In MD there are approximately 44K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.7% (down slightly). The slight decrease in mortality is most likely a factor of more people being tested--not just the most severe. However, it is concerning that the rate isn't dropping more. With all of the protective measures in place, it should be dropping more. Vaccine update: it is moving faster than expected due to two things: Science and Economics. Science: Until 2003 we didn't think we needed a vaccine for the category of illnesses called corona viruses because they didn't seem as virulent. But in 2003, SARS came about. Then in 2013 MERS developed. We realized these types of viruses can be very dangerous. As a result, there has been a lot of research into the vaccines that would be most effective against these types of viruses. So we are not starting from scratch on creating a Covid-19 vaccine and are having an expedited conversation and research into this vaccine. Economics: You need lots of money to create a vaccine--for both employment and equipment. Vaccines are developed in 3 phases, and normally, after each phase, you have to stop work to seek additional funding sources, causing delays. However, there is a lot of funding available right now for a Covid-19 vaccine. Funding has been provided for all 3 phases of vaccine trials up front (unheard of) so that they trials can continue to progress as fast as possible. There are over 20 different trials of vaccines happening right now. However, several questions remain, including how long will the vaccine last? 6 months? 1 year? (Will you have to get it every year along with your flu shot?) Will it be permanent? We may not have the answer to that until the vaccine is released to the general population. Additionally, we must consider how to protect our older, most vulnerable in the population. Vaccines don't work as well for older folx, because they have a diminished immune system compared to younger persons. So finding something effective for the population most effected by the virus is key.
We are constantly learning more about the virus. First, while wiping surfaces is important, the virus is not transmitted via touch as much as we thought even a few weeks ago. Still wash your hands. But the most important thing you can do is wear a mask in public. If everyone is masked properly, then the rate of transmission, even with a positive case, is 1.6% or less. Masks will be the most critical way we fight this virus right now. Second, Covid-19 can cause neurological complications, especially in persons with a history of stroke or other neurological impairments. If you have new headache, dizziness, etc, get it checked out ASAP--it could be an early sign of Covid-19. These are different than a stroke (where you might have weakness on one side of the body or in one localized area like a limb, speech, etc). In a Covid-19 neurological issue, there is global weakness--meaning, weakness all over your body, among other symptoms. As always, if you have a concern about heart attack, stroke, etc. please call 911 and go to the ER. Many people have been delaying treatment for other conditions because they are afraid of going to the ER--they don't want to be contaminated. However, our safety protocols have increased and medical personnel have a much better way of containing any illness now than we did at the beginning of the pandemic. You can be safe in the ER. Do not delay life-saving treatment because of fear of Covid-19. Your life literally depends on it.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-24-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and a storyboard video that will be posted by Sunday! Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-15 May 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who is working to procure enough cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We do not have a timeline for this currently. Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
***As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL
For the past few years at Christmas, I have created custom calendars for our family. I put in everyone's birthday, anniversary, and so much more. But the highlight of the calendar are the pictures. I select 2-5 pictures from each month of the year and put them on the calendar page for the following year--so January 2019 pictures were featured on January 2020's calendar page. It's fun to remember what we did a year earlier, and to see how kids grow and change. For this month's calendar picture there is one of my mom sitting at our communion rail with my son on the 3rd Sunday of May--the day we became a Reconciling Congregation. They are engaged in conversation and oblivious to everything else around them. It's precious. My son points to the picture every morning at breakfast and tells a story about it. And every time I look at it, I smile, because I remember that day that we chose radical love and inclusion with a 100% pass rate. Wow! What an accomplishment. This Sunday is our 1 year anniversary. We will be celebrating (See the details below for clothing, posters, and more). Please come prepared to celebrate and to invite a friend!
A few updates for you: On Wednesday, Governor Hogan moved us to Phase 1 in the state of Maryland. The guidelines for religious gatherings was changed from what was put out 3 weeks ago and caught the faith community by surprise. We sprang into action to figure out what to do, and then, on Thursday, Mayor Jack Young said that he was extending the Stay-at-Home order for Baltimore City, making in-person religious gatherings illegal for the time being. This week, our church established our Re-Open or Re-Launch Team to begin the process of procuring supplies, signage, and developing procedures and practices that are applicable to our worshiping community. We are placing orders for hand sanitizer, gloves, cleaning supplies, bandannas, plexiglass and more so when it is prudent to re-open, we can. There will be new procedures that will be announced in advance to enable us to worship safely. RSVPs will be critical. Please be prepared so we do not have to turn you away.
Your team is working to ensure that the sacraments (baptism and communion) are available as things begin to open up. We are hoping to have a "drive-in" communion service in the parking lot. Exact details will be determined as more information becomes available.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, May 24, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! One way to participate is to send a picture of yourself/household all wearing masks to HampdenPastor@gmail.com No later than Wednesday, May 20 at 12 noon. We will incorporate it into our service. You can also have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
1st Anniversary of Reconciling Congregation Status: This Sunday, May 17, marks 1 year since our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation (officially welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, including in leadership). This is very exciting! For worship on May 17, please wear something rainbow (or bright colored), and make a sign with a welcoming phrase, using rainbow colors if possible. It can simply be written on a piece of paper. Examples of a welcoming phrase include "All means all," "Do no harm," "God loves everyone," or other similar sentiments. During worship, we will have a celebration and all hold up our signs so we can grab pictures of this as a sign of togetherness and inclusion when the world is torn apart.
Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!
Church Council meets after worship this week.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 4.5 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.7% (down a bit). In the US: approx. 1.5 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 6%. In MD there are approximately 37K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.8%. Mortality rates have doubled or even tripled in the past 6 weeks. Convalescent plasma (this process goes back to the 1890s--identify those who had the infection and survived--take their blood, filter it into the plasma only and the proteins have antibodies that have a memory of the disease to help you fight it in the future): Yesterday it was given to a young Hopkins patient and they are improving today. If you are interested in donating plasma or know others who have survived Covid-19 who could donate, please contact Johns Hopkins.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-17-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Lem leading a children's time talking about God loving us like a mother. Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity. If you ordered a care package last week, it has been delivered. If you believed you requested one and did not receive it, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
We are still closed until further notice. Even though Governor Hogan has moved Maryland into Phase 1, Baltimore City remains under a stay-at-home order by order of Mayor Jack Young. There was no end date given. Until the stay-at-home order is lifted, all religious in-person gatherings are banned. Even once it is lifted, we are not rushing into meeting. We have established a "re-launch team" who is working to procure enough cleaning supplies and PPE so that when it is allowed and prudent to open, we can. We do not have a timeline for this currently. Our tentative plan is to keep worship online (see below for log-in information) until Baltimore City enters at least Phase 2. However, during Phase 1, we hope to be able to provide the sacraments through alternative means (like a drive in short communion service), while keeping worship online. There will be new processes and procedures for all gatherings that will be released in a timely fashion when needed. Please be sure to read and follow all the directions so that we are not forced to turn you away.
***As we discern how to move forward, we would like your input. Please complete the following survey ASAP. Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9282HFL
For the past few years at Christmas, I have created custom calendars for our family. I put in everyone's birthday, anniversary, and so much more. But the highlight of the calendar are the pictures. I select 2-5 pictures from each month of the year and put them on the calendar page for the following year--so January 2019 pictures were featured on January 2020's calendar page. It's fun to remember what we did a year earlier, and to see how kids grow and change. For this month's calendar picture there is one of my mom sitting at our communion rail with my son on the 3rd Sunday of May--the day we became a Reconciling Congregation. They are engaged in conversation and oblivious to everything else around them. It's precious. My son points to the picture every morning at breakfast and tells a story about it. And every time I look at it, I smile, because I remember that day that we chose radical love and inclusion with a 100% pass rate. Wow! What an accomplishment. This Sunday is our 1 year anniversary. We will be celebrating (See the details below for clothing, posters, and more). Please come prepared to celebrate and to invite a friend!
A few updates for you: On Wednesday, Governor Hogan moved us to Phase 1 in the state of Maryland. The guidelines for religious gatherings was changed from what was put out 3 weeks ago and caught the faith community by surprise. We sprang into action to figure out what to do, and then, on Thursday, Mayor Jack Young said that he was extending the Stay-at-Home order for Baltimore City, making in-person religious gatherings illegal for the time being. This week, our church established our Re-Open or Re-Launch Team to begin the process of procuring supplies, signage, and developing procedures and practices that are applicable to our worshiping community. We are placing orders for hand sanitizer, gloves, cleaning supplies, bandannas, plexiglass and more so when it is prudent to re-open, we can. There will be new procedures that will be announced in advance to enable us to worship safely. RSVPs will be critical. Please be prepared so we do not have to turn you away.
Your team is working to ensure that the sacraments (baptism and communion) are available as things begin to open up. We are hoping to have a "drive-in" communion service in the parking lot. Exact details will be determined as more information becomes available.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, May 24, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! One way to participate is to send a picture of yourself/household all wearing masks to HampdenPastor@gmail.com No later than Wednesday, May 20 at 12 noon. We will incorporate it into our service. You can also have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
1st Anniversary of Reconciling Congregation Status: This Sunday, May 17, marks 1 year since our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation (officially welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, including in leadership). This is very exciting! For worship on May 17, please wear something rainbow (or bright colored), and make a sign with a welcoming phrase, using rainbow colors if possible. It can simply be written on a piece of paper. Examples of a welcoming phrase include "All means all," "Do no harm," "God loves everyone," or other similar sentiments. During worship, we will have a celebration and all hold up our signs so we can grab pictures of this as a sign of togetherness and inclusion when the world is torn apart.
Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!
Church Council meets after worship this week.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are more than 4.5 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.7% (down a bit). In the US: approx. 1.5 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 6%. In MD there are approximately 37K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.8%. Mortality rates have doubled or even tripled in the past 6 weeks. Convalescent plasma (this process goes back to the 1890s--identify those who had the infection and survived--take their blood, filter it into the plasma only and the proteins have antibodies that have a memory of the disease to help you fight it in the future): Yesterday it was given to a young Hopkins patient and they are improving today. If you are interested in donating plasma or know others who have survived Covid-19 who could donate, please contact Johns Hopkins.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-17-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Lem leading a children's time talking about God loving us like a mother. Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity. If you ordered a care package last week, it has been delivered. If you believed you requested one and did not receive it, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-8 May 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
This morning, my son woke up laughing! He had a severe case of "the sillies" and everything was hysterical. I found myself hard-core belly laughing for the first time in a long time. And that joy spread and was infectious to our family. We called family members and shared the laughter and love. And once again, I learned a good lesson from my son--laughter is important. In a time when there is so much seriousness, so much pain, so much death, so much unknown, it's easy to get trapped in a cycle of fear, uncertainty, pain, grief of what has been lost, and so much more. But, even in the dismal times, we must find something that makes us laugh--a joke, a favorite comedy show or movie, a friend, a family member, something on social media. We must remember to laugh, because laughter makes us human. Mark Twain famously said, "Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." So I encourage you to find something that makes you laugh today--no matter how small--and share that laughter with someone else--via text, email, phone call, video chat.
A few updates for you: On Thursday night, Bishop Easterling and the Baltimore-Washington Conference hosted a webinar about the steps we need to take to re-open at some point down the road (based on local guidelines). One of the steps is establishing a "Reopen Team" to begin the process of procuring supplies, signage, and developing procedures and practices that are applicable to our worshiping community. This team consists of Pastor Bonnie, Pastor Randy (staff, cleaning, after school, Sunday School), Shirley Milledge (representing SPRC and choir), and Heather Olzsewski (Lay Leader and a scientist). We will be meeting regularly over the coming weeks as we discern the best path forward for our congregation. We will share information as it becomes available--but a few things are clear--when we do gather together initially, we will not be able to use our pew hymnals, Bibles, etc. and we will not be able to sing together--all have a high risk of spreading Covid-19. As a result, we will be continuing with online worship for a while. The exact timeline is not clear--but at this time, at least until daycares and schools open, and possibly longer.
Your team is working to ensure that the sacraments (baptism and communion) are available as things begin to open up. We are hoping to have a "drive-in" communion service in the parking lot. Exact details will be determined based on Governor Hogan's information--set to be released this coming week. Know that RSVPs will be required, masks will be required, social distancing will be required. As we get date(s) and information, we will share that with you.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, May 24, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! One way to participate is to send a picture of yourself/household all wearing masks to HampdenPastor@gmail.com No later than Wednesday, May 20 at 12 noon. We will incorporate it into our service. You can also have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
1st Anniversary of Reconciling Congregation Status: Next Sunday, May 17, marks 1 year since our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation (officially welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, including in leadership). This is very exciting! For worship on May 17, please wear something rainbow (or bright colored), and make a sign with a welcoming phrase, using rainbow colors if possible. It can simply be written on a piece of paper. Examples of a welcoming phrase include "All means all," "Do no harm," "God loves everyone," or other similar sentiments. During worship, we will have a celebration and all hold up our signs so we can grab pictures of this as a sign of togetherness and inclusion when the world is torn apart.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are just shy of 4 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.9% and rising (but not as rapidly). In the US: Nearly 1.3 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 6% and rising. In MD there are approximately 30,485 cases. The mortality rate is: 4.8% (a slight increase). Covid-19 in nursing homes: Hopkins geriatrician: These are the most vulnerable people. Constant need for changing appropriate PPE levels. Before we said "no masks," now we say "wear them." But as the information changed, practice had to change. This contributed to the spread of Covid-19 in nursing homes from asymptomatic persons to vulnerable persons. Staff are the likely carriers into facilities. Maryland is protecting persons through a variety of means, including regular testing of all nursing home residents, having appropriate PPE for staff to provide care for residents, separating those with a positive diagnosis from those with negative results, statewide "Strike" teams to come in and provide consultation, expertise, infection control, monitoring residents, and testing. It is a collaborative healthcare team coming in to provide support--not judgment. New research and studies are happening all the time. Hopkins is particularly seeking Hispanic participants because they are frequently under-represented in studies.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-10-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Lem leading a children's time talking about God loving us like a mother. Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity. If you ordered a care package last week, it has been delivered. If you believed you requested one and did not receive it, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
This morning, my son woke up laughing! He had a severe case of "the sillies" and everything was hysterical. I found myself hard-core belly laughing for the first time in a long time. And that joy spread and was infectious to our family. We called family members and shared the laughter and love. And once again, I learned a good lesson from my son--laughter is important. In a time when there is so much seriousness, so much pain, so much death, so much unknown, it's easy to get trapped in a cycle of fear, uncertainty, pain, grief of what has been lost, and so much more. But, even in the dismal times, we must find something that makes us laugh--a joke, a favorite comedy show or movie, a friend, a family member, something on social media. We must remember to laugh, because laughter makes us human. Mark Twain famously said, "Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." So I encourage you to find something that makes you laugh today--no matter how small--and share that laughter with someone else--via text, email, phone call, video chat.
A few updates for you: On Thursday night, Bishop Easterling and the Baltimore-Washington Conference hosted a webinar about the steps we need to take to re-open at some point down the road (based on local guidelines). One of the steps is establishing a "Reopen Team" to begin the process of procuring supplies, signage, and developing procedures and practices that are applicable to our worshiping community. This team consists of Pastor Bonnie, Pastor Randy (staff, cleaning, after school, Sunday School), Shirley Milledge (representing SPRC and choir), and Heather Olzsewski (Lay Leader and a scientist). We will be meeting regularly over the coming weeks as we discern the best path forward for our congregation. We will share information as it becomes available--but a few things are clear--when we do gather together initially, we will not be able to use our pew hymnals, Bibles, etc. and we will not be able to sing together--all have a high risk of spreading Covid-19. As a result, we will be continuing with online worship for a while. The exact timeline is not clear--but at this time, at least until daycares and schools open, and possibly longer.
Your team is working to ensure that the sacraments (baptism and communion) are available as things begin to open up. We are hoping to have a "drive-in" communion service in the parking lot. Exact details will be determined based on Governor Hogan's information--set to be released this coming week. Know that RSVPs will be required, masks will be required, social distancing will be required. As we get date(s) and information, we will share that with you.
Since we are worshiping online for a while, please don't forget to reach out to those who have not been on our calls or Zoom meetings recently. If you call/text/email them and find a need that we can meet, please reach out to me. It takes a village and I'm proud to be part of this one. Also, don't forget to invite family, friends, neighbors to join us! It doesn't matter if they live locally--that's the beauty of technology! All are welcome. Please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!).
Blessings of the Masks: On Sunday, May 24, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! One way to participate is to send a picture of yourself/household all wearing masks to HampdenPastor@gmail.com No later than Wednesday, May 20 at 12 noon. We will incorporate it into our service. You can also have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.
1st Anniversary of Reconciling Congregation Status: Next Sunday, May 17, marks 1 year since our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation (officially welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, including in leadership). This is very exciting! For worship on May 17, please wear something rainbow (or bright colored), and make a sign with a welcoming phrase, using rainbow colors if possible. It can simply be written on a piece of paper. Examples of a welcoming phrase include "All means all," "Do no harm," "God loves everyone," or other similar sentiments. During worship, we will have a celebration and all hold up our signs so we can grab pictures of this as a sign of togetherness and inclusion when the world is torn apart.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are just shy of 4 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 6.9% and rising (but not as rapidly). In the US: Nearly 1.3 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 6% and rising. In MD there are approximately 30,485 cases. The mortality rate is: 4.8% (a slight increase). Covid-19 in nursing homes: Hopkins geriatrician: These are the most vulnerable people. Constant need for changing appropriate PPE levels. Before we said "no masks," now we say "wear them." But as the information changed, practice had to change. This contributed to the spread of Covid-19 in nursing homes from asymptomatic persons to vulnerable persons. Staff are the likely carriers into facilities. Maryland is protecting persons through a variety of means, including regular testing of all nursing home residents, having appropriate PPE for staff to provide care for residents, separating those with a positive diagnosis from those with negative results, statewide "Strike" teams to come in and provide consultation, expertise, infection control, monitoring residents, and testing. It is a collaborative healthcare team coming in to provide support--not judgment. New research and studies are happening all the time. Hopkins is particularly seeking Hispanic participants because they are frequently under-represented in studies.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related in-person ministries, are cancelled until further notice, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-10-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Lem leading a children's time talking about God loving us like a mother. Please be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any updates! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity. If you ordered a care package last week, it has been delivered. If you believed you requested one and did not receive it, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Weekly Update-1 May 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
Yesterday was a rough day in our house. I don't know if we woke up on the wrong side of the bed, if the rain was a contributing factor, or we are just tired of one another after 7 weeks. My guess is a little bit of everything. After a major meltdown, I took my son into my arms, and rocked him like a baby, singing "Kumbayah," and "Peace Like a River," to calm him down. The songs of our faith are a comfort to him, and I hope to you in times of distress. We then baked brownies because it got us out of the heat of the moment. My son was standing on his step stool and dumping the ingredients into the bowl that I measured. He was stirring the mix, and I was greasing the pan, when he looked up and said, "Mom, where is the egg? You forgot the egg!" And indeed, I had. I was distracted. I was stressed. My mind wasn't fully present. And I needed someone--even my 2 year old--to help me.
Friends, we are socially distancing, and this is hard for us mentally. If we are living alone, the lack of physical touch and human contact is so hard. If we are living with others, the interpersonal relationships and personality dynamics can be tough. Neither one is "easier" than the other. For those with loved ones in nursing homes, hospitals, or otherwise in places we can't visit right now, we are concerned. It's normal to have challenges. It's normal to be grieving the loss of "normal" life. You are not alone. And yet, I'm reminded that in the Body of Christ, it takes all kinds of people to make it work. We need the "brains" (the medical staff and scientists), we need the heart (the people), we need the hands and feet (the teachers, nurses, restaurant, grocery store and pharmacy employees), and so many more. We need every part. Just like my brownies would have been incomplete without eggs, we will be incomplete without one another. Each person has a role and a reason for living. Never forget that. You matter. You are loved. You are needed.
We have a new way of gathering together on Sunday mornings--via Zoom video conferencing. It was a wonderful opportunity to "see" one another on Sunday! If you did not use the new call-in information, please be sure to do so this week. The old information will not be active this week. Please see the worship information below (also posted on our website and Facebook page weekly). Also, please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!). And, please invite family, friends, neighbors to join us for worship!
For those who read and responded last week, your gift is forthcoming (time moves so fast and so slow right now...)
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are 3.3 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 7.1% and rising (but not as rapidly). In the US: Over 1 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.8% and rising (but not as rapidly). In MD there are approximately 23.4k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.7% (a slight increase). Our efforts are making a difference. We are preventing this from being a worse case scenario. In the media, there has been news regarding a vaccine--this is way ahead of schedule--trials for July/August, and, if successful, will debut as early as January 2021. Medication: One that has demonstrated some promising news is Remdecivir. It's an IV medication and reduces the length of illness by 4 days, but no improvement in the death rate. There are 3 large studies working to see if it works in broader settings. It was developed in 2015 for Ebola, but may have applications here. Reducing illness by 4 days means they get off oxygen, ventilators, out of the hospital faster (less resources). However, it is not a miracle drug. There is no improvement in the death rate. It is only given to those in the hospital.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through May 15, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing). ***Please see the attached guide for more information***
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-3-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time talking about what it means to make your body a temple for God (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Yesterday was a rough day in our house. I don't know if we woke up on the wrong side of the bed, if the rain was a contributing factor, or we are just tired of one another after 7 weeks. My guess is a little bit of everything. After a major meltdown, I took my son into my arms, and rocked him like a baby, singing "Kumbayah," and "Peace Like a River," to calm him down. The songs of our faith are a comfort to him, and I hope to you in times of distress. We then baked brownies because it got us out of the heat of the moment. My son was standing on his step stool and dumping the ingredients into the bowl that I measured. He was stirring the mix, and I was greasing the pan, when he looked up and said, "Mom, where is the egg? You forgot the egg!" And indeed, I had. I was distracted. I was stressed. My mind wasn't fully present. And I needed someone--even my 2 year old--to help me.
Friends, we are socially distancing, and this is hard for us mentally. If we are living alone, the lack of physical touch and human contact is so hard. If we are living with others, the interpersonal relationships and personality dynamics can be tough. Neither one is "easier" than the other. For those with loved ones in nursing homes, hospitals, or otherwise in places we can't visit right now, we are concerned. It's normal to have challenges. It's normal to be grieving the loss of "normal" life. You are not alone. And yet, I'm reminded that in the Body of Christ, it takes all kinds of people to make it work. We need the "brains" (the medical staff and scientists), we need the heart (the people), we need the hands and feet (the teachers, nurses, restaurant, grocery store and pharmacy employees), and so many more. We need every part. Just like my brownies would have been incomplete without eggs, we will be incomplete without one another. Each person has a role and a reason for living. Never forget that. You matter. You are loved. You are needed.
We have a new way of gathering together on Sunday mornings--via Zoom video conferencing. It was a wonderful opportunity to "see" one another on Sunday! If you did not use the new call-in information, please be sure to do so this week. The old information will not be active this week. Please see the worship information below (also posted on our website and Facebook page weekly). Also, please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information. If you do not have a computer, internet, cell phone, free calling at home, or a long distance plan that allows you to make these calls, please let me know. We have calling cards available for delivery so that all can participate (spread the word to your church friends!). And, please invite family, friends, neighbors to join us for worship!
For those who read and responded last week, your gift is forthcoming (time moves so fast and so slow right now...)
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). There are 3.3 million cases globally. Mortality rate is 7.1% and rising (but not as rapidly). In the US: Over 1 million cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.8% and rising (but not as rapidly). In MD there are approximately 23.4k cases. The mortality rate is: 4.7% (a slight increase). Our efforts are making a difference. We are preventing this from being a worse case scenario. In the media, there has been news regarding a vaccine--this is way ahead of schedule--trials for July/August, and, if successful, will debut as early as January 2021. Medication: One that has demonstrated some promising news is Remdecivir. It's an IV medication and reduces the length of illness by 4 days, but no improvement in the death rate. There are 3 large studies working to see if it works in broader settings. It was developed in 2015 for Ebola, but may have applications here. Reducing illness by 4 days means they get off oxygen, ventilators, out of the hospital faster (less resources). However, it is not a miracle drug. There is no improvement in the death rate. It is only given to those in the hospital.
If you need food and can't get out to get it safely, please let me know, so that I can connect you with resources available to you.
A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through May 15, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering the 3rd month of shelter in place, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
We have moved to Zoom for worship. Most persons have made that transition, but for those few who used the old conference call information this past week, it will not be available this Sunday. Please update your information.
Zoom Information: If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing). ***Please see the attached guide for more information***
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-3-may-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time talking about what it means to make your body a temple for God (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
| zoom_tutorial_-_pc___laptop.docx |
Weekly Update-24 April 2020
Good Shepherd UMC Family,
This week, my son has been learning about flowers, gardens, and planting, thanks to my husband (I have a brown thumb!). You can see a picture of one of the plants at the top of the home worship page on our website (under the "blog" section). And as I watch the guys care for these plants; diligently watering them each day, rotating them in our sunroom so they get equal light, and the joy sparked as a new bloom emerges, I am reminded that we are a lot like these flowers. We need sun and water to grow and thrive, yes; but moreso, we need a careful gardener to care for us. And that is God. God cares for us, even when we don't realize it. It's easy to get depressed and down right now. It's easy to feel hopeless that things will never go back to normal. I feel these things too. And then I'm reminded that people have endured hard things before--the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years! I will survive. You will survive. It's hard to thrive in a condition like this, but we are a resilient people. And, even while apart from one another, we can grow and blossom, just like those flowers. It's hard when we aren't in community together. And yet, I see hope. This week, one of our members needed extra care--so someone else in the congregation took them in. Another person washed their clothes. Another person delivered them a mask. I watched our congregation BE the church this week. And this is a gift.
We have a new way of gathering together on Sunday mornings--via Zoom video conferencing. 100% of the people who tried it out on Thursday's practice session enjoyed it! (We did a poll). Please see the worship information below, or refer to the email that came out earlier in the week. Also, please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information.
And, bonus...I'll have a surprise gift mailed to you if you read and respond to this email! A few people respond, but most people don't open it...so if you are, please let me know!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). Mortality rate globally is 7% and rising. In the US: Approximately 900k cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.7% and rising. In MD there are approximately 16.6K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.4%, with approximately 22% of those diagnosed needing hospitalization. All are trending upwards. MD mortality rate has doubled in 8 weeks. People who were asymptomatic, their immune response may make them still vulnerable in the future. Sometime between May and July, we will have a better grasp on this and the numbers. As you have probably seen in the news, minorities are dying at a greater rate. The reason for this is that many minorities, through history, language, communication are discriminated against even to this day. Lack of preventative care, minimizing of symptoms, etc. all contribute to this issue. Social conditions and policies also contribute to this--things like redlining and segregation. Entire neighborhoods have no care. Lack of access to high quality jobs with benefits also contribute. Jobs that minorities currently work and are over-represented in, but are low paying and essential, they are exposed. Increased exposure through public transit which minorities rely on. As a result of lack of care and adequate care, many minorities have more pre-existing conditions that make them more likely to die. If everyone is sharing a small space or bedroom that is impossible to quarantine. This effects homeless and other vulnerable populations who are sharing housing in crowded conditions. Hotels and other places should be considered in these situations to reduce mortality. To combat this, medical providers must collect accurate race, ethnicity, and language data so we know what is going on. We must let people self-identify race and ethnicity. Without this data, we can't track or know what is happening so we can avoid biased data. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through May 15, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. The governor is giving a press conference at 3pm today, with plans for how we could re-open the state. It is possible that even after some businesses open, we may need to take additional precautions or stay home longer to keep people safe. Your leadership team is already planning the best way(s) we can return safely. However, safety is our first priority. This week, several Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in 21211, including within 1-2 blocks of our church. We must remain vigilant.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering week 7, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
Starting on Sunday (April 26) please use the following information to access worship. If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/april-26-2020-home-worship
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time using household objects to talk about what it means to be "holy" (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
This week, my son has been learning about flowers, gardens, and planting, thanks to my husband (I have a brown thumb!). You can see a picture of one of the plants at the top of the home worship page on our website (under the "blog" section). And as I watch the guys care for these plants; diligently watering them each day, rotating them in our sunroom so they get equal light, and the joy sparked as a new bloom emerges, I am reminded that we are a lot like these flowers. We need sun and water to grow and thrive, yes; but moreso, we need a careful gardener to care for us. And that is God. God cares for us, even when we don't realize it. It's easy to get depressed and down right now. It's easy to feel hopeless that things will never go back to normal. I feel these things too. And then I'm reminded that people have endured hard things before--the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years! I will survive. You will survive. It's hard to thrive in a condition like this, but we are a resilient people. And, even while apart from one another, we can grow and blossom, just like those flowers. It's hard when we aren't in community together. And yet, I see hope. This week, one of our members needed extra care--so someone else in the congregation took them in. Another person washed their clothes. Another person delivered them a mask. I watched our congregation BE the church this week. And this is a gift.
We have a new way of gathering together on Sunday mornings--via Zoom video conferencing. 100% of the people who tried it out on Thursday's practice session enjoyed it! (We did a poll). Please see the worship information below, or refer to the email that came out earlier in the week. Also, please call those who do not have email and may not have received the new information.
And, bonus...I'll have a surprise gift mailed to you if you read and respond to this email! A few people respond, but most people don't open it...so if you are, please let me know!
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that Globally there are 2.7 million reported cases (the actual total is most likely higher). Mortality rate globally is 7% and rising. In the US: Approximately 900k cases. Mortality rate in the US is 5.7% and rising. In MD there are approximately 16.6K cases. The mortality rate is: 4.4%, with approximately 22% of those diagnosed needing hospitalization. All are trending upwards. MD mortality rate has doubled in 8 weeks. People who were asymptomatic, their immune response may make them still vulnerable in the future. Sometime between May and July, we will have a better grasp on this and the numbers. As you have probably seen in the news, minorities are dying at a greater rate. The reason for this is that many minorities, through history, language, communication are discriminated against even to this day. Lack of preventative care, minimizing of symptoms, etc. all contribute to this issue. Social conditions and policies also contribute to this--things like redlining and segregation. Entire neighborhoods have no care. Lack of access to high quality jobs with benefits also contribute. Jobs that minorities currently work and are over-represented in, but are low paying and essential, they are exposed. Increased exposure through public transit which minorities rely on. As a result of lack of care and adequate care, many minorities have more pre-existing conditions that make them more likely to die. If everyone is sharing a small space or bedroom that is impossible to quarantine. This effects homeless and other vulnerable populations who are sharing housing in crowded conditions. Hotels and other places should be considered in these situations to reduce mortality. To combat this, medical providers must collect accurate race, ethnicity, and language data so we know what is going on. We must let people self-identify race and ethnicity. Without this data, we can't track or know what is happening so we can avoid biased data. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through May 15, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. The governor is giving a press conference at 3pm today, with plans for how we could re-open the state. It is possible that even after some businesses open, we may need to take additional precautions or stay home longer to keep people safe. Your leadership team is already planning the best way(s) we can return safely. However, safety is our first priority. This week, several Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in 21211, including within 1-2 blocks of our church. We must remain vigilant.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care strategy is changing. As this crisis began, I thought it was a good move to check in with folx regularly to see how they are doing, equip them with information, supplies, and more. Now that we are entering week 7, the immediate crisis is over. We are settling into a pattern and rhythm. I will not be calling everyone every week. I am still available to you. Please email, text, or call me so that I can care for you. I will still check in, but less frequently. Our leadership team should still be calling you. If you do not receive a call, please let me know. If you have not received calls, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
Starting on Sunday (April 26) please use the following information to access worship. If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or smart phone with data plan
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
Fellowship Time happens in the 15 minutes prior to the start of worship.
Home Worship:
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/april-26-2020-home-worship
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time using household objects to talk about what it means to be "holy" (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Worship Service Update-21 April 2020
Hi Friends,
Over the weekend, our church received the news that we were selected as a recipient of a national grant program though United Methodist Communications to provide us with top-tier level video conferencing services for the next year! This program was only available to small churches like ours, and we were chosen as one of the recipients out of over 900 applications.
After speaking with Church Council, we have decided to move our worship experience to this platform so that we can see one another, share a screen so all can participate more fully in worship, and do things we can't do with our current platform.
What that means is this. Starting on Sunday (April 26) please use the following information to access worship. If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
If you would like to practice this before Sunday, Pastor Bonnie will host a Fellowship Time from 1:15-1:45pm on Thursday so we can all work out some kinks, and figure out what we are doing before Sunday. Please follow the information above.
Please share this information with those who do not have email or technology; and you are welcome to share our service with friends, family, or neighbors too! We look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday!
Over the weekend, our church received the news that we were selected as a recipient of a national grant program though United Methodist Communications to provide us with top-tier level video conferencing services for the next year! This program was only available to small churches like ours, and we were chosen as one of the recipients out of over 900 applications.
After speaking with Church Council, we have decided to move our worship experience to this platform so that we can see one another, share a screen so all can participate more fully in worship, and do things we can't do with our current platform.
What that means is this. Starting on Sunday (April 26) please use the following information to access worship. If this is the first time you are using the Zoom platform, please allow a few extra minutes to download and run it. You can access the video call through either a computer with a camera (most laptops in the past 10 years have this feature), any smart phone cell phone, or most tablets (IPad or Android). If you do not have any of these items, you can still call in and participate, although you won't be able to see what others are seeing (it will be a lot like what we are already doing).
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP and I'm happy to arrange training for you.
When it's time for worship, please click the link below from a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Follow the prompts and instructions to download the program if you have not used Zoom before (you only have to do this the first time)
Or, use the phone number below and the meeting ID to call into the worship service.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
One tap mobile (to click the number below from a smart phone and be directly connected to the meeting)
+19292056099,,97309102821# US (New York)
Dial In
1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 973 0910 2821
If you would like to practice this before Sunday, Pastor Bonnie will host a Fellowship Time from 1:15-1:45pm on Thursday so we can all work out some kinks, and figure out what we are doing before Sunday. Please follow the information above.
Please share this information with those who do not have email or technology; and you are welcome to share our service with friends, family, or neighbors too! We look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday!
Letter to the Congregation-17 April 2020
Hey there, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
Here we are, almost a week after Easter, and I find myself more like the disciples this year--locked away in fear and uncertainty about my future, the future of our congregation, and our world. Life is changing rapidly, and yet, time seems to be moving so slowly. If you find yourself feeling similarly, please join us for worship this Sunday, because this is exactly where we are in Scripture and in life. You are not alone.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that globally there are over 2 million cases with a death rate of 6.7%. In the US, we have nearly 700,000 confirmed cases. Johns Hopkins is predicting close to 1 million confirmed cases in the US by next week. In the US, the death rate is approximately 4.5%. In Maryland, we have over 11,000 deaths with a death rate of about 3.7%. In Maryland, approximately 22% of those diagnosed will need hospitalization. Our scientists and medical professionals are working around the clock to develop a vaccine, but it is slow going due to lots of scientific reasons. Plasma donations and transfers (which has been around since the 1890s) may be the first or intermediary step to bridge the gap. There are over 150 medical trials happening right now. Some have already been stopped due to bad side effects, including one in Brazil with hydroxychloroquine due to heart problems. Ethical framework for tough decisions has been created by Hopkins ethicists and others, and is now on the Governor's desk waiting to be signed into an executive order in case things get bad. Reports came out from Harvard this week that we might need to be at home until 2022. Hopkins is reassuring us that this is the worst case scenario, and is only if we can't get things under control, can't develop a vaccine, etc. Folx are working around the clock but can't rush the process, because that could do more harm. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. The governor is giving a press conference at 2:30pm today, and I fully expect this time of closure to be extended.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie. If you call in early, we have fellowship time too so we can catch up with one another. Please be sure to mute your phone during the call ("Mute" button on a smart phone cell phone, or *6 for everyone else. If you can't figure out how to mute your line, please do not say anything--you end up with a solo!
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/april-19-2020-home-worship
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time complete with a blanket fort! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Here we are, almost a week after Easter, and I find myself more like the disciples this year--locked away in fear and uncertainty about my future, the future of our congregation, and our world. Life is changing rapidly, and yet, time seems to be moving so slowly. If you find yourself feeling similarly, please join us for worship this Sunday, because this is exactly where we are in Scripture and in life. You are not alone.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that globally there are over 2 million cases with a death rate of 6.7%. In the US, we have nearly 700,000 confirmed cases. Johns Hopkins is predicting close to 1 million confirmed cases in the US by next week. In the US, the death rate is approximately 4.5%. In Maryland, we have over 11,000 deaths with a death rate of about 3.7%. In Maryland, approximately 22% of those diagnosed will need hospitalization. Our scientists and medical professionals are working around the clock to develop a vaccine, but it is slow going due to lots of scientific reasons. Plasma donations and transfers (which has been around since the 1890s) may be the first or intermediary step to bridge the gap. There are over 150 medical trials happening right now. Some have already been stopped due to bad side effects, including one in Brazil with hydroxychloroquine due to heart problems. Ethical framework for tough decisions has been created by Hopkins ethicists and others, and is now on the Governor's desk waiting to be signed into an executive order in case things get bad. Reports came out from Harvard this week that we might need to be at home until 2022. Hopkins is reassuring us that this is the worst case scenario, and is only if we can't get things under control, can't develop a vaccine, etc. Folx are working around the clock but can't rush the process, because that could do more harm. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. The governor is giving a press conference at 2:30pm today, and I fully expect this time of closure to be extended.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie. If you call in early, we have fellowship time too so we can catch up with one another. Please be sure to mute your phone during the call ("Mute" button on a smart phone cell phone, or *6 for everyone else. If you can't figure out how to mute your line, please do not say anything--you end up with a solo!
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/april-19-2020-home-worship
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time complete with a blanket fort! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
If you requested face masks, they have been delivered. Please be sure to pay Pastor Bonnie for those masks, as she fronted the costs for them. Additional masks may be available from Heather Olzsewski, who is making them. You can contact her directly, or reach out to Pastor Bonnie at HampdenPastor@gmail.com to get connected.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Letter to the Congregation-10 April 2020
Good Friday, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
This has been an odd Holy Week in our family, to say the least. Pastor Lem and I normally have 10-15 services between us this week, and are juggling childcare and finding care for our toddler. This year, we collaborated on 2 Home Worship Experiences that we hope you were able to watch via YouTube (links sent out on Wednesday, posted on our website, Facebook page, and on our YouTube channel--if you missed them, please check out these resources). We also put together a devotional that we pray was edifying to you and your family. As Holy Week wraps up, it doesn't feel like Easter is about to come...yet it is. I pray that you will journey with us, even if you don't feel like doing it this year.
And...may your Easter dinner, egg hunts, and other events be holy time, even if they are different than previous years or how you imagined them.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we are at the beginning of the peak of the crisis in our area. Current data is showing that the highest peak day in Maryland will be one week from today (Friday, April 17). Globally, the death rate is approximately 6% as of this morning, In Maryland our death rate is 2.5%, but 1 out of 6 people will need hospitalization In Maryland, nearly 45% of the deaths are African Americans--a very disproportional number. Scientists are actively working on ways to combat this virus, but this is not a cure. They are looking for plasma donors to help with this cause. More information will be provided as we receive it. Also, don't forget to turn off the TV. Check the news once a day, but otherwise, find something else to do, so that you aren't so caught up in the horrible, creating greater anxiety and fear. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie. This week only, please call in early--up to 15 minutes early--because there is anticipated overload on the network and systems due to Easter. We will have fellowship time before service. Please be sure to mute your phone during the call ("Mute" button on a smart phone cell phone, or *6 for everyone else. If you can't figure out how to mute your line, please do not say anything--you end up with a solo!
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/easter-sunday-home-worship-12-april-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time with help from the resident toddler that's pretty funny! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 12 (Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us at 11am, with the Bishop preaching. You can find more information on this here: bwcumc.org/Easter We will still be having our Conference Call Worship Service at 10am.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
If you requested face masks, they are $10 each. Please contact Pastor Bonnie to arrange payment and delivery.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
This has been an odd Holy Week in our family, to say the least. Pastor Lem and I normally have 10-15 services between us this week, and are juggling childcare and finding care for our toddler. This year, we collaborated on 2 Home Worship Experiences that we hope you were able to watch via YouTube (links sent out on Wednesday, posted on our website, Facebook page, and on our YouTube channel--if you missed them, please check out these resources). We also put together a devotional that we pray was edifying to you and your family. As Holy Week wraps up, it doesn't feel like Easter is about to come...yet it is. I pray that you will journey with us, even if you don't feel like doing it this year.
And...may your Easter dinner, egg hunts, and other events be holy time, even if they are different than previous years or how you imagined them.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we are at the beginning of the peak of the crisis in our area. Current data is showing that the highest peak day in Maryland will be one week from today (Friday, April 17). Globally, the death rate is approximately 6% as of this morning, In Maryland our death rate is 2.5%, but 1 out of 6 people will need hospitalization In Maryland, nearly 45% of the deaths are African Americans--a very disproportional number. Scientists are actively working on ways to combat this virus, but this is not a cure. They are looking for plasma donors to help with this cause. More information will be provided as we receive it. Also, don't forget to turn off the TV. Check the news once a day, but otherwise, find something else to do, so that you aren't so caught up in the horrible, creating greater anxiety and fear. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie. This week only, please call in early--up to 15 minutes early--because there is anticipated overload on the network and systems due to Easter. We will have fellowship time before service. Please be sure to mute your phone during the call ("Mute" button on a smart phone cell phone, or *6 for everyone else. If you can't figure out how to mute your line, please do not say anything--you end up with a solo!
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/easter-sunday-home-worship-12-april-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie leading a children's time with help from the resident toddler that's pretty funny! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 12 (Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us at 11am, with the Bishop preaching. You can find more information on this here: bwcumc.org/Easter We will still be having our Conference Call Worship Service at 10am.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
If you requested face masks, they are $10 each. Please contact Pastor Bonnie to arrange payment and delivery.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Letter to the Congregation-8 April 2020
The following email was sent out to the congregation with updates, information, and worship access. If you did not receive it, please check your spam. If you still did not receive it please contact the church office to be added onto the email list so you get information being sent out in the future. Thank you.
Good Day, Fellow Laborers in the Vineyard!
I pray this week you are settling into a routine--even if it is not the one you want. As we journey though this Holy Week, I remind you of the Family Devotional that has been provided for you previously, and is again attached to this email for your convenience. I encourage you to read through it each day--perhaps as you sit down for breakfast or dinner. Try your hand at one or more of the activities. Offer a prayer to God.
This year, since we can't gather in person, we are offering Holy Thursday and Good Friday Worship Experiences via YouTube Videos. The links are below. Holy Thursday is approximately 30 minutes in duration (and you'll want to gather lotion and a "comfort food" before starting). Good Friday is approximately 20 minutes in length and is a traditional Tenebrae service. Pastor Lem and I collaborated to bring these experiences to you. You are able to click the links below, follow links on Social Media (will be posted on their respective days), or find them through the website soon. You can also navigate directly to our YouTube channel and there are a variety of videos (old and new!) uploaded there.
Holy Thursday: https://youtu.be/OCnaPWC-ocU
Good Friday: https://youtu.be/HNft4Yiv0pE
Giving: For those of you who have been giving online or through the mail, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support and generosity in this difficult time is part of what makes Good Shepherd UMC the best place to worship in Baltimore! If you have not yet been able to give, please consider using the green "Give" buttons on our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com, mailing your offering, or, letting us know that you'll be "making it up" when we return. We are still committed to paying our staff, and still have basic bills like water and BGE, even though the building is unoccupied.
Easter: Please join us for Easter worship! On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Our Home Worship Blog will be uploaded to our website on Friday for those of you joining us that way (this is also the "bulletin" for the service if you want to follow along while on the conference call)
Thank you for the ways you continue to love and serve your neighbor by staying home. If you have pastoral needs, prayers, or concerns, please reach out to me. I am here.
Many Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Good Day, Fellow Laborers in the Vineyard!
I pray this week you are settling into a routine--even if it is not the one you want. As we journey though this Holy Week, I remind you of the Family Devotional that has been provided for you previously, and is again attached to this email for your convenience. I encourage you to read through it each day--perhaps as you sit down for breakfast or dinner. Try your hand at one or more of the activities. Offer a prayer to God.
This year, since we can't gather in person, we are offering Holy Thursday and Good Friday Worship Experiences via YouTube Videos. The links are below. Holy Thursday is approximately 30 minutes in duration (and you'll want to gather lotion and a "comfort food" before starting). Good Friday is approximately 20 minutes in length and is a traditional Tenebrae service. Pastor Lem and I collaborated to bring these experiences to you. You are able to click the links below, follow links on Social Media (will be posted on their respective days), or find them through the website soon. You can also navigate directly to our YouTube channel and there are a variety of videos (old and new!) uploaded there.
Holy Thursday: https://youtu.be/OCnaPWC-ocU
Good Friday: https://youtu.be/HNft4Yiv0pE
Giving: For those of you who have been giving online or through the mail, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support and generosity in this difficult time is part of what makes Good Shepherd UMC the best place to worship in Baltimore! If you have not yet been able to give, please consider using the green "Give" buttons on our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com, mailing your offering, or, letting us know that you'll be "making it up" when we return. We are still committed to paying our staff, and still have basic bills like water and BGE, even though the building is unoccupied.
Easter: Please join us for Easter worship! On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Our Home Worship Blog will be uploaded to our website on Friday for those of you joining us that way (this is also the "bulletin" for the service if you want to follow along while on the conference call)
Thank you for the ways you continue to love and serve your neighbor by staying home. If you have pastoral needs, prayers, or concerns, please reach out to me. I am here.
Many Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Letter to the Congregation-3 April 2020
The following email was sent out to the congregation with updates, information, and worship access. If you did not receive it, please check your spam. If you still did not receive it please contact the church office to be added onto the email list so you get information being sent out in the future. Thank you.
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
This week, the classic hymn "I am the Church" has been running through my head. "I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes we're the church together! The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is a people!" (UMH 558). No matter whether we are in the building, in our homes, or working a job that puts us on the front line as a "critical care" worker, we are the church. Howe we represent ourselves online, on the phone, in the community, in our family, and in our jobs is the important thing. We are the church! Let's act like it.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area before Easter. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-april-5-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 5, and Sunday, April 12 (Palm Sunday and Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us at 11am, with the District Superintendents and Bishop leading/preaching. You can find more information on this here: https://www.bwcumc.org/event/2020-04-05-palm-sunday/ We will still be having our Conference Call Worship Service at 10am. We could not get palms this year (all the wholesalers are closed). However, palm templates are available on our website under the "blog" section (look for the children's message) if you'd like to print and color your own.
All in-person Holy Week worship services have been cancelled. Pastor Bonnie and Pastor Lem have collaborated to create a Holy Week Devotional for Adults and Families. It is available as a PDF download attached to this email. Additionally, by Thursday, we will have uploaded to our YouTube Channel (see above for the link) Holy Thursday and Good Friday videos you can watch. You will need lotion and a "comfort food" that you enjoy for Thursday's service. On Friday, it will be a classic Tennebrae service. We will send out another email with direct links once we have them uploaded.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
This week, the classic hymn "I am the Church" has been running through my head. "I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes we're the church together! The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is a people!" (UMH 558). No matter whether we are in the building, in our homes, or working a job that puts us on the front line as a "critical care" worker, we are the church. Howe we represent ourselves online, on the phone, in the community, in our family, and in our jobs is the important thing. We are the church! Let's act like it.
I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. If you or a family member has fallen ill with Covid-19, please notify Pastor Bonnie by replying to this email so that we can be supportive of you in this difficult time. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area before Easter. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/home-worship-april-5-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 5, and Sunday, April 12 (Palm Sunday and Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us at 11am, with the District Superintendents and Bishop leading/preaching. You can find more information on this here: https://www.bwcumc.org/event/2020-04-05-palm-sunday/ We will still be having our Conference Call Worship Service at 10am. We could not get palms this year (all the wholesalers are closed). However, palm templates are available on our website under the "blog" section (look for the children's message) if you'd like to print and color your own.
All in-person Holy Week worship services have been cancelled. Pastor Bonnie and Pastor Lem have collaborated to create a Holy Week Devotional for Adults and Families. It is available as a PDF download attached to this email. Additionally, by Thursday, we will have uploaded to our YouTube Channel (see above for the link) Holy Thursday and Good Friday videos you can watch. You will need lotion and a "comfort food" that you enjoy for Thursday's service. On Friday, it will be a classic Tennebrae service. We will send out another email with direct links once we have them uploaded.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Church Council will be meeting after worship on Sunday, April 19. All council members are being asked to call in to worship that morning, and then stay on the line afterwards for a 30 minute check-in meeting.
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Letter to the Congregation-27 March 2020
The following email was sent out to the congregation on Friday, March 20, 2020 with updates, information, and worship access. If you did not receive it, please check your spam. If you still did not receive it please contact the church office to be added onto the email list so you get information being sent out in the future. Thank you.
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
Once again, I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area in the next week or so. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/march-27th-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 5, and Sunday, April 12 (Palm Sunday and Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us, with the District Superintendents and Bishop leading/preaching. When we have links to that information, we will send it out. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook page, and emails. Our conference call times may need to be adjusted accordingly.
All in-person Holy Week worship services have been cancelled. Stay tuned for more information about online and home worship opportunities that will be out next week.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
Once again, I pray you are doing well, staying home, washing your hands, and following all other precautions and guidelines set forth by those with more knowledge of this disease. I wanted to provide you with a few updates and information. New information is highlighted in purple.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I am on a conference call this twice a week with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area in the next week or so. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now. Hospitals are the last line of defense. Staying home (and not going to the grocery store every day) is our best tool to prevent the spread and resulting deaths from this pandemic. The longer people keep going out--even to the grocery store more than necessary--the longer we will need to isolate ourselves.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through the end of April, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC.
Pastoral Care
This week, we continued our outreach to the entire congregation. You should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. Sometimes I am unable to answer my phone as I am on a conference call with it. Please be patient, and email if possible so that I can respond faster.
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:50-9:55am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741# Some people have had difficulty getting connected. This is because the system is often overloaded with so many people trying to use the same platforms at the same time. Try calling in earlier. If you get a busy signal, keep trying. If you are using a smart phone, download the "Free Conference Call" app, and use that to call in--it automatically reroutes your call to a network that is less busy. If you still can't get through, text the phone number provided, and you will be sent an alternative number to call and get connected. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie.
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog/march-27th-2020
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
On Sunday, April 5, and Sunday, April 12 (Palm Sunday and Easter), the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be providing a service for us, with the District Superintendents and Bishop leading/preaching. When we have links to that information, we will send it out. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook page, and emails. Our conference call times may need to be adjusted accordingly.
All in-person Holy Week worship services have been cancelled. Stay tuned for more information about online and home worship opportunities that will be out next week.
The first Sunday back will be the day we celebrate Easter in person! We have already talked with our musicians, florist, and leaders, who are all on board for this change. If you ordered Easter flowers, we will do our best to honor the flowers requested. However, depending on how long we are out of the building, those flowers may be out of season and unavailable. You will receive flowers of a comparable value and size on our "Easter" Sunday.
If you have ordered Sunday flower arrangements, your order will be transferred to a date in the future that is open, once we know when we are returning.
Giving
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Miscellaneous
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Letter to the Congregation-20 March 2020
The following email was sent out to the congregation on Friday, March 20, 2020 with updates, information, and worship access. If you did not receive it, please check your spam. If you still did not receive it please contact the church office to be added onto the email list so you get information being sent out in the future. Thank you.
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
I pray that you are doing well, staying home, and following all precautions put forth by our government officials, the CDC, and other persons in authority. I wanted to provide you with a few updates.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I was on a conference call this morning with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area in the next 1-2 weeks. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through at least the end of the month, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. My guess is that we will be closed longer, but how long is anyone's guess at this point. If everyone follows social distancing, we may be wrapping up this wave in the next month or so. However, the longer people go out and about, the longer we will be in this phase.
Pastoral Care
This week, you should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. I am working from home, although I am juggling parenting an active toddler with no child care, conference calls and video meetings, and my regular work load. Please be patient with me as we all live into this "new normal."
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:55-10am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741#
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog (Last week's service was accidentally copied over if you are looking for that). We are working on re-creating it, but it might take another day or two to get it back.
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
Giving
Our Trustees and staff are checking our building regularly. We have fixed costs of staff, utilities, and other missions to support during this time, even though we are closed. Our Church Council has elected to continue paying our staff their full salaries during this pandemic as a justice issue. So, please consider mailing your offerings to the church, bringing them to worship to “make up” the lost weeks when we do return, or, preferably, utilizing our online giving platform, tithe.ly. You can find a link to this platform for one-time or recurring donations from our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com.
Miscellaneous
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Good Day, Good Shepherd UMC Family!
I pray that you are doing well, staying home, and following all precautions put forth by our government officials, the CDC, and other persons in authority. I wanted to provide you with a few updates.
General Information
First, it pains and grieves me that we are not gathered together. I want to be with you, but know that this is only temporary. I was on a conference call this morning with Johns Hopkins Religious and Community Health Partners, and the experts there were saying that we should expect the peak of cases to hit our area in the next 1-2 weeks. A lot of information was shared, and I'm happy to share more with you one-on-one. Social distancing is the only tool we have right now.
At this time, our building, and all related ministries, are cancelled through at least the end of the month, per the direction of our Bishop, Governor, Mayor, and the CDC. My guess is that we will be closed longer, but how long is anyone's guess at this point. If everyone follows social distancing, we may be wrapping up this wave in the next month or so. However, the longer people go out and about, the longer we will be in this phase.
Pastoral Care
This week, you should have received either a phone call, email, or text message from a member of our Leadership Team, as well as Pastor Bonnie. If you did not receive them, please respond to this email so that we can update your contact information. Several numbers were disconnected; and many people did not answer their phones.
If you have a pastoral need, please email me at this email address and I will reply as quickly as possible. I am working from home, although I am juggling parenting an active toddler with no child care, conference calls and video meetings, and my regular work load. Please be patient with me as we all live into this "new normal."
Worship Opportunities
While we are apart, we do have spaces for us to connect to one another. On Sunday mornings at 10am, we have a conference call worship service. To access this, At 9:55-10am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741#
Additionally, we offer a home worship service on our blog on the church website. You can access the service directly here: http://www.goodshepherdhampden.com/blog (Last week's service was accidentally copied over if you are looking for that). We are working on re-creating it, but it might take another day or two to get it back.
On the home worship service, there are links to a sermon, Scripture, and even a bunch of kids' activities--some are available as a digital download (worksheets, coloring, etc), and there is a video of Pastor Bonnie reading a story book too! (If you are curious, there are few more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBcbD3vXUK8dL6Hyi4fO2g?view_as=subscriber and more will be added in the coming week(s).)
Giving
Our Trustees and staff are checking our building regularly. We have fixed costs of staff, utilities, and other missions to support during this time, even though we are closed. Our Church Council has elected to continue paying our staff their full salaries during this pandemic as a justice issue. So, please consider mailing your offerings to the church, bringing them to worship to “make up” the lost weeks when we do return, or, preferably, utilizing our online giving platform, tithe.ly. You can find a link to this platform for one-time or recurring donations from our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com.
Miscellaneous
Please stay home, wash your hands, and help to flatten the curve. Lives depend on it. If you have questions, faith concerns, or aren't sure where to find accurate information, please reach out to me directly. I am here for you. Our Facebook page and website are being updated with information (although there is a ton out there, we are trying to give you the most pertinent information possible). You are loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie
Sunday, March 15, 2020 Alternative Worship
While we will not be gathering in person on Sunday, March 15, we offer you a home worship experience. Please head over to our blog to access this resource.
We will also be hosting a prayer call. At 9:55-10am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741#
We will also be hosting a prayer call. At 9:55-10am, please call 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741#
Letter to the Congregation-12 March 2020
The following email was distributed to our email list on Thursday, March 20, 2020. If you did not receive it, please check your spam. If you still did not receive it please contact the church office to be added onto the email list so you get information being sent out in the future. Thank you.
Dear Good Shepherd UMC Family,
A classic and powerful hymn has the refrain, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand” (My Hope is Built, UMH 368). This week, as Covid-19 cases around the country and in our own state have risen, it is easy to panic and fear. And yet, this hymn reminds us that Christ is in control, and we can place our trust in our Savior.
Today has been a busy day for your pastor and leadership. We have been reading, researching, and staying up to date on all of the area press conferences. We have also been in communication with the District Office and our annual conference. After much prayerful discernment, and following the guide of Governor Hogan and Maryland Public Schools, we have come to the conclusion that in order to protect the most vulnerable persons in our midst, we must close our doors for at least 2 weeks, starting immediately, and as recommended by our Bishop. This means, at least for Sundays March 15 and 22, we will not worship together in person. All church activities and programs are cancelled during this timeframe, including, but not limited to Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programing. We will re-evaluate continuously. During this time, our cleaning team will be ensuring that our building gets a good scrub, including all doorknobs, light switches and surfaces.
There will be an opportunity to worship on Sunday morning, and more details will be sent out by Saturday night for either a video worship experience, a conference call, and/or home worship packets. If you have ordered flowers for these weeks, we will be working with you to switch your dates to an available open date in the future. Pastor Bonnie will be working with church leadership to ensure our members and attendees are called and cared for during this time. However, if you have pastoral needs, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie via email. While messages at church will be checked, they will not be checked regularly. Pastor Randy will be reaching out to our After School families to provide any needed pastoral care to them.
If you find yourself unable to get out, there are community resources available. Mary Pat Clarke has been disseminating information about neighbors willing to help neighbors. 211 is always a resource. Please practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water multiple times per day. Remember, The Lord’s Prayer, 1 verse of Jesus Loves Me, This Little Light of Mine, or I’ve Got Peace Like a River are all about 20 seconds long. We also encourage you to practice “social distancing” and staying away from other people by at least 3-6 feet. So even though you aren’t coming to worship, please stay home and check on neighbors and others you know might need some extra care.
Our Trustees and staff will be checking our building regularly. And we do have fixed costs of staff, utilities, and other missions to support during this time, even though we are closed. So, please consider mailing your offerings to the church, bringing them to worship to “make up” the lost weeks when we do return, or utilizing our online giving platform, tithe.ly. You can find a link to this platform for one-time or recurring donations from our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. Our website and social media presence will be updated shortly, however, we wanted to get this information out to you as soon as possible. If there are those you know in our church who do not have email capabilities, please call them directly to let them know what is going on.
If you have ways that I, as your pastor, or your church leadership could support you, please let us know. Bible Study participants will be emailed on Tuesday with links to the study so they can watch the video from home and participate that way. We may also set up a conference call. Worship information will be sent on Saturday.
As situations are constantly changing, please stay tuned to local media, the CDC, and other authoritative sources for reliable information. In the event we are closed longer than 2 weeks, we will communicate that clearly to you. Please keep us all in your prayers. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we rest assured that it is on Christ the solid rock we stand.
Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Bonnie McCubbin
Good Shepherd UMC, Pastor
A classic and powerful hymn has the refrain, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand” (My Hope is Built, UMH 368). This week, as Covid-19 cases around the country and in our own state have risen, it is easy to panic and fear. And yet, this hymn reminds us that Christ is in control, and we can place our trust in our Savior.
Today has been a busy day for your pastor and leadership. We have been reading, researching, and staying up to date on all of the area press conferences. We have also been in communication with the District Office and our annual conference. After much prayerful discernment, and following the guide of Governor Hogan and Maryland Public Schools, we have come to the conclusion that in order to protect the most vulnerable persons in our midst, we must close our doors for at least 2 weeks, starting immediately, and as recommended by our Bishop. This means, at least for Sundays March 15 and 22, we will not worship together in person. All church activities and programs are cancelled during this timeframe, including, but not limited to Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programing. We will re-evaluate continuously. During this time, our cleaning team will be ensuring that our building gets a good scrub, including all doorknobs, light switches and surfaces.
There will be an opportunity to worship on Sunday morning, and more details will be sent out by Saturday night for either a video worship experience, a conference call, and/or home worship packets. If you have ordered flowers for these weeks, we will be working with you to switch your dates to an available open date in the future. Pastor Bonnie will be working with church leadership to ensure our members and attendees are called and cared for during this time. However, if you have pastoral needs, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie via email. While messages at church will be checked, they will not be checked regularly. Pastor Randy will be reaching out to our After School families to provide any needed pastoral care to them.
If you find yourself unable to get out, there are community resources available. Mary Pat Clarke has been disseminating information about neighbors willing to help neighbors. 211 is always a resource. Please practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water multiple times per day. Remember, The Lord’s Prayer, 1 verse of Jesus Loves Me, This Little Light of Mine, or I’ve Got Peace Like a River are all about 20 seconds long. We also encourage you to practice “social distancing” and staying away from other people by at least 3-6 feet. So even though you aren’t coming to worship, please stay home and check on neighbors and others you know might need some extra care.
Our Trustees and staff will be checking our building regularly. And we do have fixed costs of staff, utilities, and other missions to support during this time, even though we are closed. So, please consider mailing your offerings to the church, bringing them to worship to “make up” the lost weeks when we do return, or utilizing our online giving platform, tithe.ly. You can find a link to this platform for one-time or recurring donations from our website, www.goodshepherdhampden.com. Our website and social media presence will be updated shortly, however, we wanted to get this information out to you as soon as possible. If there are those you know in our church who do not have email capabilities, please call them directly to let them know what is going on.
If you have ways that I, as your pastor, or your church leadership could support you, please let us know. Bible Study participants will be emailed on Tuesday with links to the study so they can watch the video from home and participate that way. We may also set up a conference call. Worship information will be sent on Saturday.
As situations are constantly changing, please stay tuned to local media, the CDC, and other authoritative sources for reliable information. In the event we are closed longer than 2 weeks, we will communicate that clearly to you. Please keep us all in your prayers. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we rest assured that it is on Christ the solid rock we stand.
Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Bonnie McCubbin
Good Shepherd UMC, Pastor