II Corinthians 1:3

Yes, YES…..Blessed be God! I’ve received word this Friday from our Appalachian District Superintendent, Rev. Jeff Wright, that our Bishop, Mary Taylor, has permitted Holston Conference United Methodist Churches in-person worship services, following very closely every health protocol and precaution. When: 10:00 a.m. this coming Sunday, August 23rd!

O how I have longed for this time, when we gather next Sunday morning for an outside service on Depews Chapel United Methodist Church grounds. I can hardly constrain my joy! I feel like Zecharias, when the Angel of God told him that his wife would bear a son, one day to be called John the Baptist. “And thou shalt have joy,” Luke 1:13 declares, “and gladness.”

It has been approximately six months since the Depews Chapel family has gotten together. Six months of wondering, waiting, but not wandering. Depews Chapel United Methodist has consistently remained in active ministry. Supporting the outreach ministries of Shades of Grace United Methodist Church; gathering a summer’s food drive; posting weekly devotionals in devotionalfriends.com – mailing weekly letters of devotional encouragement, plus posts on Facebook…..Depews Chapel has been thoroughly active through this time of national and world-wide health emergency!

We’re coming back, but not “back to normal.” No physical contact (including Christian hugs and normal handshakes.) No singing (elevated voices more rapidly speed up saliva droplets which might spread COVID-19 virus.) Social distancing: Physical spacing at least 6 feet apart. Facial coverings: Everyone!

This will take a bit of getting used to, but really, isn’t it soul-stirring that we will begin in-person worship once more? II Corinthians 2:3 sums it up for me, “having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.”
See you in church!