Greetings from the Board of Stewards
We have “weathered” both storm and pandemic. Prayers that we are finally beginning to see spring and the waning days of the pandemic.
The BOS met for the March meeting on the 19th. The virtual platform of Zoom is by now a norm for so many of us. Valerie Slade began by updating us on the financials. The impact of the church’s closing for two weeks following a COVID outbreak in staff and then one week due to the winter storm impacted both the giving and the expenses. We were able to close the month on the positive side. She noted the addition of the graphics designer to staff.
The new media specialist has been hired and is anticipated to start on April 5. She also provided an update on the progress of the search committee for the Weekday School director. Valerie also announced that a committee is working on a retirement reception for Jane Mowry for May 16 following church services. The board thanks Jane for her faithful years of service and well wishes for her retirement.
I provided the Building Reopening Task Force update. We are so blessed to have Dr. John Jernigan as a part of the task force team, providing medical guidance throughout this year. We continue to follow the Conference recommendations of the Wesleyan General Rules of “do no harm” and “love your neighbor”. Pastor Holly very clearly stated our path in her message of last week. We will continue to wear masks while in the church building and practice the two guidelines of social distancing and good hygiene.
I do hope you are following the church website www.ahumc.org for all of the announcements regarding Holy Week and the other various offerings. The pastors and staff have been so creative in developing worship opportunities in this most sacred time along with other opportunities this Spring for our spiritual uplifting. Whether you can be present or, like me, are joining virtually, I do pray that you find these as meaningful as they will be to me.
There was discussion as to the way forward through this pandemic for the church activities. We discussed the parameters that are considered as we begin to expand in-person opportunities. Please understand that we all desire community. We are slowly moving toward a more normal calendar of events and are looking for the full Sunday in-person worship in the Fall. Each new opportunity is reviewed to ensure that we are following the Wesleyan Rules and the COVID practices. We have come a long way and with patience and persistence, we will prevail.
I ask your patience and support for the board, the pastors, staff, and the church community. I pray that we all may be able to see each other soon.
Blessings to all,
Kitty
