CORONA VIRUS & IMPACT ON MUMC

COVID UPDATE 2/8/22


With hope and relief, we are feeling ready to REOPEN the church.  

We will continue to require all people to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, when you're in the building.  

We will continue to offer the option of meeting by Zoom as well as our Live Stream Worship services at 9am and 11am.  

So what changes?  Does that mean I have permission to attend in person?:

Worship! --> YES!

Small groups meetings --> YES!

Special events --> YES!


We will also allow groups of 25 or less to eat and drink in a socially distant manner.  Our Community Meals and Mission Dinners will be served drive thru only for February and March.  Our Coffee House will remain closed, as will the nursery.  Youth group also remains on pause until March 1.  

Please know that our Covid Team takes our role very seriously, and that your health and safety remains our top priority.  You always have the agency to make your own choices and should return to "normal" at your own comfort level that meets your unique family needs.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Erin or Mike Ancil.  Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding. 

Peace and love to you,


Pastor Erin

_________________________________


Covid Update January 27, 2022


Thank you for your cooperation and compliance with our Covid protocols.   


Several staff members have been affected by Covid over the last three weeks.  We are at different stages of quarantine and sickness, but working really hard to curate some digital content to keep you connected and engaged here at MUMC!  Please watch the mid-week for updates and thank you, again, for your ongoing grace, prayers, and patience.


We continue to offer Live Stream worship services at 9am (traditional) and 11am (modern).  Thank you for joining us virtually, this helps keep our staff and volunteers safe from exposures.  You are welcome to join us in person if you are vaccinated and boosted, willing to wear a mask, and practice social distancing.  We have N-95 masks available at the door if you need one.  


In person activities remain on "pause" until further notice.  We hope to (slowly) re-open the church for small group meetings in two weeks after the Omicron surge tapers off.  


Please do not hesitate to contact me or Mike Ancil with any questions or concerns.


Thank you!


Pastor Erin

_________________________________


Covid Update January 7, 2022


Dear church,


On Thursday, January 6th, our Bishop, Rev. David Bard, sent out a new advisory to all United Methodist Churches in the state of Michigan.  The Covid Team and I met again this morning to clarify our plans in light of the rapidly changing Covid landscape in our local community.  Here is our update: 


On Sunday, January 9th - please join us for worship online.  We will LiveStream our normally scheduled worship service at 9 am and 11 am on Facebook.

 

You are welcome to attend worship in person IF: 

  • You are vaccinated and boosted.
  • You are willing to mask for the duration of the service (KN-95 masks are best).
  • You are willing to practice 6’ social distance.

Think carefully about what risks are absolutely necessary in your weekly routine.  Please, do your part to help keep our church doors open and to stay healthy and safe.  Note that over the next few weeks, we may need to close and take worship online only to help our local hospitals keep their census low.  


You are so beloved and important to me.  


God bless you,

Pastor Erin

________________________________________________


Covid Update January 4, 2022

 

Dear MUMC,

 

Happy New Year!  I pray that you had a blessed holiday and that the Light of Christ is shining bright in the midst of this Epiphany season. 

 

As I come back to work after a restful family vacation, the first thing on my mind is how to keep you all safe during this Covid-Delta-Omicron surge.  I feel a tremendous amount of responsibility for my beloved church members, community, and staff.  So, let me start by saying that I am diligently working on how to keep the church open and mitigate the risk because I know that church is such an essential piece of your health and wellbeing. 

 

With that in mind, here are some updates:

 

  • à      We will continue to offer in person worship at 9am and 11am. Masks are REQUIRED regardless of your vaccination status.  You may notice some changes in the order of worship and the number of staff and volunteers who are helping to lead the service.  Virtual worship remains a great option for those who feel vulnerable.  For the time being, we will not be offering nursery care, or serving coffee or refreshments. 

 

  • à      The building will remain open for Head Start and Heritage Commons, as well as small group meetings. If your group is able to meet on Zoom, we encourage you to do so.  (We have updated our Zoom account and can accommodate every group.)  If you feel it is imperative that you meet in person, please practice social distancing and wear your mask.  Though it feels inconvenient, it is absolutely necessary.

  • à      The Community Meal is scheduled for Monday, January 10th.  We will offer take-out meals ONLY from 5-6:30pm.  You can drive up to the north doors and pick up fresh, hot food made by Chef Jesse Beatson. 

 

The Covid Team and I will continue to monitor the case numbers in Calhoun County, stay abreast of the CDC guidelines as well as the advisories from our Bishop and the Michigan Area Conference.  You are welcome to contact me or Mike Ancil or Art Hill with any questions. 

 

 

Thank you, and God bless you in 2022.

 

 

Rev. Erin Fitzgerald

Senior Pastor

______________________________



COVID Update 9/29/2021

Thank you for your consistent compliance with our Covid-19 policies and procedures as we take incremental steps to safely re-launch our ministries and programs this Fall.  We are continuing to follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and MIOSCA.  


We are asking all people (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to mask up while indoors at MUMC.  This is especially important during Sunday morning worship, which is considered an "indoor event with high transmission" due to the duration of the indoor event and corporate singing.  We will continue to ask our partners (Community Action Head Start, Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center), staff, and volunteers who are in the building on weekdays to maintain compliance.  


A gentle reminder about the top 3 reasons we mask indoors:  


  1. We, as Christians, want to uphold a communal ethic of care for our neighbor.  We value the life and livelihood of others and want to protect them as much as possible from the unknown transmission of germs and a virulent strain of the virus.    
  2. We want to protect children under age 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination.  
  3. We want to welcome the most vulnerable members of our congregation and community who live with chronic health conditions and are undergoing treatment for cancer.  


WHAT CHANGES CAN I EXPECT?:


  1. You may notice that staff are choosing to work with their office doors closed; please knock before you enter so that we have time to mask up for your safety.  
  2. During Wednesday evening Community Meals, we will be offering a to-go option and serving "cafeteria style" for those who wish to stay on site for the evening.  We will encourage eating with your family unit and social distancing. 
  3. Weather permitting, we will have opportunities for fellowship in the Memorial Garden and Outdoor chapel.  Please join us for Blessing of the Animals and the Full Moon Pickin' Party!  



___________________________________


COVID Update from the Covid Team 8/6/2021



Due to the surge in the Delta variant and caseloads in Calhoun County, we will be asking everyone of all ages (vaccinated AND unvaccinated) to please wear a mask while inside at MUMC, effective immediately.



Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and care for each other as we follow CDC guidelines.


______________________________________


COVID Update from the Covid Team 7/21/2021

We will continue to comply with CDC guidelines and MIOSHA standards. 
 
Each ministry area and leaders are encouraged to make a plan for a safe reopening on or before September 19.  This plan needs to be put in writing and turned in to Mike Ancil (mike.ancil@comcast.net) by September 1. 

Unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to please wear their masks when indoors.

We encourage everyone to consult with their medical provider about the Covid vaccine and follow their guidance. 
 
If you are feeling sick or test positive for Covid, please stay home.

Front desk:

  • Contact tracing is no longer required.  Should you test positive for Covid, and you’ve recently been on site for any reason, please contact the church office immediately.  
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.  
  • “I’m vaccinated” stickers will be available.

Nursery:

  • Nursery will be open and staffed beginning September 19th.  
  • Child care workers/volunteers will be masked for the health and safety of our children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. 

Worship:

  • Our most vulnerable are encouraged to join us virtually.  Should you chose to worship in person, we encourage you to continue to practice social distancing while in the building. 
  • Bibles and hymnals will return to pew racks. 
  • The offering will be collected with a single basket in the rear of the sanctuary and the mailbox at the north entrance. 
  • The sacrament of Holy Communion will be served once a month, with single serve cups.  We will place scissors in pews and on tables for those who need assistance.
  • Refreshments can be served in the Great Room and Café.  Volunteers will be asked to carefully plan for individual portions for all food and beverages that are served.

Café/Kitchen:

  • Food and beverages can be served. 
  • We will continue to follow Calhoun County Health Department and Safe Serv standards.
  • We will ask each event host to make a plan for serving food and socially distanced seating.

_____________________________

Update from MUMC's Covid Team 5/20/2021


An Update from Bishop Bard
Read our United Methodist spiritual leader's update on the COVID-19 situation and its effect on our churches here.

MUMC's Phase 4 Re-Opening Plan
The COVID Team will be meeting again next week for further updates. 

Physical Changes to the building:

  • Socially distanced seating
    • Sanctuary capacity ~ 96
    • Great Room Capacity ~ 130
  • Touch-Free Hand Sanitizers
  • Family Seating Areas Adapted
    • Individual Worship Bags available for each child present
    • Nursery is open for nurturing and fidgety kiddos, but not staffed
    • Outdoor Playground is closed at this time

Cultural Changes for our Community:

  • Each person/family will be asked to check-in/sign-in at the entrance
  • Offer a friendly head nod - No handshakes or hugs
  • BYOCoffee - No Coffee Hour or Coffee House
  • No nursery staff or onsite kidz programs
  • Youth group and adult small groups able to meet onsite with proper safety protocols
  • Worship Music Teams are meeting on site to rehearse, with safety protocols in place
  • Onsite Offering by drop box outdoors or plate/basket in rear of worship spaces. No passing the “plate.”
  • Single-serving communion available
  • Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated must wear masks until seated
    • If singing, please place mask back on until you are no longer singing again
  • Anyone fully vaccinated does not need to wear a mask
  • No handing out bulletins or Connection Cards, no hymnals or Bibles provided at this time. 
    • Prayer Request slips and offering envelopes available in Narthex (lobby) and Great Hall.

Increased, and Re-trained, Hospitality Team:

  • Parking Lot Greeter
    • Ensuring families/couples/individuals enter the building with six-foot distance between each other, to avoid a cluster of people in the Welcome Center
  • Main Door Greeter
    • Assist with sign-in, as needed
    • Offering masks to those without one
  • Worship Space Usher
    • Assisting households in finding appropriately distanced seating. Remaining in back throughout service to answer questions or assist, as needed
  • Restrooms
    • Maximum occupancy of 2
    • Please wait in hallway
    • Family restroom available across from Nursery
  • NO offering ushers, NO coffee house volunteers needed at this time
  • MORE HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED!  
    • Contact Kaeli Hill (kaelimomof5@gmail.com), Hospitality Coordinator, for questions
    • Sign up through link provided on emailed Midweek

Covid Task Force:
Rachel Labram, Discipleship Director; Ruth Ann Holmes, Office Manager; Art Hill, Lay Leader; Mike Ancil, Leadership Council Chair; Melany Chalker, Lead Pastor



































Matthew 28
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: 
I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Update from MUMC's Covid Team

3/3/2021

Friends and Family at MUMC
First, we want to thank all of you for your patience and support over the past 12 months. What a year it has been!  We are excited to share that we are welcoming people to join us in worship on-site once again! We have plenty of space to spread out and keep everyone safe and healthy. If you have had your vaccination shots, are in a low-risk group, or are simply willing to wear your mask, socially distance, save hugs for a different day, and keep washing those hands, then plan on joining us. 


Below you will find the Phase 4 Re-Opening Plan, put together by our Covid Team. 


If you have any questions, please let us know.

MUMC's Phase 4 Re-Opening Plan

Physical Changes to the building:

  • Socially distanced seating
  • Sanctuary capacity ~ 96
  • Great Room Capacity ~ 130
  • Touch-Free Hand Sanitizers
  • Family Seating Areas Adapted
  • Individual Worship Bags available for each child present
  • Nursery is open for nurturing and fidgety kiddos, but not staffed
  • Outdoor Playground is closed at this time

Cultural Changes for our Community:

  • Each person/family will be asked to check-in/sign-in at the entrance
  • Offer a friendly head nod - No handshakes or hugs
  • BYOCoffee - No Coffee Hour or Coffee House
  • No nursery staff or onsite kidz programs
  • Youth group and adult small groups able to meet onsite with proper safety protocols
  • Worship Music Teams are meeting on site to rehearse, with safety protocols in place
  • Onsite Offering by drop box outdoors or plate/basket in rear of worship spaces. No passing the “plate.”
  • Single-serving communion available
  • Masks must be worn until seated
  • No singing in worship without a mask
  • No handing out bulletins or Connection Cards, no hymnals or Bibles provided.
  • Prayer Request slips and offering envelopes available in Narthex and Great Hall.

Increased, and Re-trained, Hospitality Team:

  • Parking Lot Greeter
  •     Ensuring families/couples/individuals enter the building with six foot of distance between each other, to avoid a cluster of people in the Welcome Center

  • Main Door Greeter
  •     Assist with sign-in, as needed
  •     Offering masks to those without one

  • Worship Space Usher
  •       Assisting households in finding appropriately distanced seating. Remaining in back throughout service to answer questions or assist, as needed
  • Restrooms
    • Maximum occupancy of 2
    • Please wait in hallway
    • Family restroom available across from Nursery
  • NO offering ushers, NO coffee house volunteers needed at this time
  • MORE HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED!  
    • Contact Kaeli Hill, Hospitality Coordinator, for questions HERE
    • Sign up to assist HERE

Covid Task Force:
Rachel Labram, Discipleship Director; Ruth Ann Holmes, Office Manager; Art Hill, Lay Leader; Mike Ancil, Leadership Council Chair; Melany Chalker, Lead Pastor










Matthew 28
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this:
I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Update 2/12/2021

Friends and Family at MUMC


With cases finally lowering across the state and in Calhoun County, we wanted to provide you with an update:
 
Our current protocol (masking, distancing, contact tracing) seems to be effective, therefore 

we welcome you to join us in worship onsite.  


However, if you are not feeling well or are high risk, please join us on Facebook Live, on public access television, or on Youtube. If you attend worship onsite, please be diligent about following all posted safety guidelines.

Here are a couple of helpful aids, as well. 
Interactive Risk Assessment Travel Guide

Interactive Michigan Area Covid-19 App

Take care and stay safe!
Prayerfully,
MUMC’s COVID Team

________________________________


UPDATE 12/17/2020

Friends and Family at MUMC

With cases in our area still on the rise and the “Extension” advised by state government, we wanted to provide you with an update:
 
Our current protocol (masking, distancing, contact tracing) seems to be effective, therefore worship will continue as it has been. Staff and those assisting in worship will be onsite and the doors will remain open to those in great need to be present. However, if you are able to worship remotely, please join us on Facebook Live, our radio broadcast, and now on public access television. If you attend worship onsite, please be diligent about following all posted safety guidelines.

Here are a couple of helpful aids, as well. 
Interactive Risk Assessment Travel Guide

Interactive Michigan Area Covid-19 App

Take care and stay safe!
Prayerfully,
MUMC’s COVID Team

_______________________


UPDATE 10/8/20

Friends and Family at MUMC
First, we want to thank all of you for your patience and support as our team studies the scientific data, social situations, and ongoing health of our congregation, staff, and community. 

We can now share that everyone who had come into contact with others who tested positive with the COVID-19 virus all tested negative. And those who had contracted the virus elsewhere are all out of the hospital and in their homes recovering. 


As you all know, this is fluid and ever-changing. But we are happy to see that the protocols we have instituted, and continue to use, are working to keep our congregation, staff, and community at the lowest risk possible.    

The MUMC COVID Team has decided the following:

  • We will continue to worship online and onair this Sunday, but we will be serving Holy Communion outdoors in a Drive-Thru style.
    • Pastor Melany will consecrate the elements during worship and then be under the overhang by the north doors to serve one car at a time from 10-10:30am and again from 12noon-12:30pm.
    • Simply pull up, roll down your window, and hold out a cupped hand.
    • Pastor will place individual servings in your hand. You can then pass to others that may be with you.
    • As you open and consume, she will offer the words "The body of Christ, broken for you. And the blood of Christ, poured out for you." 
  • Next Sunday, October 18 onward, we will be opening the building back up for both musician ministries and the congregation. 
  • The MUMC offices will reopen as of Monday, October 12.
  • We will assess the availability of volunteers at There's Enough store and plan accordingly the reopening of the store in the next few weeks. 
  • Worship services will continue on Facebook LIVE at 9 and 11am and WBCK radio at 10am. Next Sunday you can join onsite (with a mask), online, onair, or anytime during the day or week.
  • The community-wide book study will be able to meet with proper social distancing and masks or online with the Zoom app, as well as on Facebook LIVE on Fridays at 1pm with Pastor Melany.
  • All other small groups (including recovery groups) will be allowed back in the building with proper social distancing and masks.
  • The bottom line is this...

    • Seeing that the precautions we put into place at MUMC are working to keep transmissions at the lowest risk possible, we intend to keep the building open from here forward, if at all possible. We absolutely understand the need for some to be onsite. We also understand the need for others to remain at home. Our hope is, either way, you will make worship a priority in your week, whether joining onsite, online, or on air.  

    Also, if you are healthy and able to serve on the Sunday morning Hospitality team, making it possible for others to be safely present in worship, please contact us here. We cannot reopen with you! 


    Matthew 28
    18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

    - MUMC COVID Team
       Pastor Melany
       Mike Ancil, Leadership Council Chair
       Art Hill, Lay Leader
       Rachel Labram, Discipleship Director
       Ruth Ann Holmes, Office Manager




UPDATE 9/30/20

Friends and Family at MUMC

Unfortunately, we must inform you that multiple members of the MUMC Community have tested positive for COVID-19. Multiple others are quarantining because of contact with known infected persons. We know that some of those people testing positive have been on church premises, excluding the education wing and the basement youth area.

We also note that cases in Calhoun County have seen the steepest increase in cases between August 28th and September 29th as compared to any period since we began recording cases on March 17th.

John Hopkins University also reports that daily confirmed cases in Calhoun County have doubled over the previous week.

The MUMC COVID Team has decided the following:

  • After closing today, There's Enough Exchange Store will be closed temporarily for at least two weeks.
  • We will be temporarily stopping (for at least 2 weeks) all onsite worship services and activities in our facility, except for those in un-impacted areas. (For instance, Head Start’s staff will be notified, but Community Action will decide if their staff is able to work on the premises or by remote. No classes for children are in session at this time.) Effective immediately.
  • Worship services will continue on Facebook LIVE at 9 and 11am and WBCK radio at 10am. You can join on Sunday morning or anytime during the day or week.
  • Pastor Melany, Ministry Staff, and Media will be onsite to offer worship, but temporarily both the choir and band will be recorded again, rather than onsite.
  • The community-wide book study will continue in small groups on Zoom, as well as on Facebook LIVE on Fridays at 1pm with Pastor Melany.
  • All other small groups (including recovery groups) will be moved back to Zoom.
  • All staff and leadership will be working from home while meeting on Zoom.


Yes, this is frustrating...
and hard. 
As United Methodists, first and foremost we must "Do No Harm". 
As MUMC, our mission is to "Love Everyone, Everywhere".
As Christ-followers, we are commanded to "Love God and neighbor". 

We will be here for one another. 

  • So make a phone call, send a note or card, be thoughtful of others, and check-in often. 
  • We will be watching the science, praying for those infected, and continuing to be the church. 

We have not closed church. 

  • We have simply adapted church in order to keep everyone safe. 
  • This too shall pass. 


Matthew 28
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

- MUMC COVID Team
   Pastor Melany
   Mike Ancil, Leadership Council Chair
   Art Hill, Lay Leader
   Rachel Labram, Discipleship Director
   Ruth Ann Holmes, Office Manager