COVID-19

WHEN WILL WE RETURN TO OUR CHURCH BUILDING? - May 1, 2020

While Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has removed restrictions on religious gatherings and services statewide, COVID 19 cases continue to increase in Iowa. Bishop Laurie Haller, with the health and safety of our congregations and communities in her heart and mind, has called for United Methodist churches in Iowa to continue online worship until June 1. At that time she will reevaluate whether it is safe to begin to return to in-person gatherings. You can read her statement here

An interfaith statement calling for the same restraint has been signed by Bishop Laurie as well as representatives of the Catholic, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian, ELCA (Lutheran), American Baptist, Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Mennonite, and Church of the Brethren communities. You can read that statement here

Ultimately, the leadership of Coralville United Methodist Church will make the decision on when we will begin to return to our church building. We will not do so without the support of our Bishop. When we do return, there will be a staged reintroduction of worship and programs. Also, please know that we will continue to livestream our worship service on Facebook even after we return to in-person worship in our sanctuary. 

I encourage you to keep practicing physical distancing, keep connected with one another, and continue to find ways to make a difference. We will get back into our church building I promise, but remember… we, the people, are the church!

Blessings,

Rev. Leigh

CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE – March 20, 2020

Dear Coralville UMC Family,

At Coralville UMC we value the health and safety of our church family and our community. Like you, I have been closely following the news regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in our area. I have also received communications from our Annual Conference, monitored online clergy forums and spoken with a number of other pastors in our area to gain perspective on how to best move forward.

In an abundance of caution, and with the recommendation of state and local officials, health professionals, and Bishop Laurie, we will worship online until further notice. The church office is closed, and the staff are staggering their work hours. I am here anytime if needed, please don't hesitate to call. I hold you all in prayer. We have established ways to stay connected with one another and will continue to be in touch. Please pray for each other and for our community. Speak words of peace and kindness. Help each other as you can, and call your loved ones. Remember that you are bold, beautiful and amazing.

If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help and can pray for everyone involved.

We will practice social distance for now, but we remain a family of faith, a church community. With God's grace we will stay strong together.

Blessings,

Rev. Leigh 

Dear Coralville UMC Family,

Together with the Iowa City metro area churches, we are encouraged to be able to offer COVID-19 Quarantine care packages for those in Johnson country who find themselves facing quarantine.

Our aim with the care packages is to help brighten their days through this difficult time. If you’d like to help out, here’s what you can do:

1.     Items can be brought to North Liberty First UMC or to Coralville UMC, or if you choose to order on Amazon you can have them shipped directly to North Liberty First UMC (85 N Jones Blvd, North Liberty, IA 52317). Here’s a list of suggested items:

-       New, unopened playing cards/jigsaw puzzles/puzzle books (word searches, crosswords, sudoku, etc.)

-       Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, canned drinks, etc.)

-       Hand lotion and hand soap

-       Fuzzy socks

-       Magazines

-       DVDs/Blu-rays

-       Children’s activity books & games

-       Premium facial tissues (the kind with lotion to soothe irritated noses)

-       Please DO NOT bring any homemade food, items with nuts, or used items that could carry germs or allergens.

2.     If you are unable to shop for or drop off these items, you can donate through Coralville UMC (please note your intention on your online gift or check)

3.    At this time, we do not need items for care packages to aid the sick/ill. Our care packages will have a form for those quarantined to fill out indicating their highest and most specific needs, which we will work through our community pantry partners to supply as many of those needs that we are able to fulfill to those in quarantine.

It’s part of our DNA as a church to be together for our neighbors, the next generation and those in need, so that we all can flourish. We believe God calls us to be agents of love and care for those who are hurting, especially in times like this. Thanks for being part of helping those at risk, however you can.