Friends,

On Friday, May 22, 2020, President Trump announced that a new Centers for Disease Control guidance will now classify houses of worship as “essential.”  He called on governors to allow churches to open “right now” after being closed during the COVID-19 lockdown. The President announced this policy for churches, synagogues, and mosques, during a short briefing at the White House. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidance for communities of faith on the same day.

At the present, Haygood UMC WILL NOT be opening for in person worship right now. Let me explain.

It is important for you to know that Pastor Tammy, I, and others have been engaged in webinars and regular online meetings ever since the COVID-19 lockdown was announced.  Additionally, we have remained current on requirements outlined in Governor Northam’s Executive Orders Fifty-three, Fifty-five, and Sixty-one (as amended) and directives presented by Bishop Lewis of the Virginia Conference and the District Superintendents.

Our congregation has a Re-entry Task Force comprised of ten members including Pastor Tammy and myself which has met and continues to meet to review requirements that change daily.  The Conference directives have been assembled and distributed in a document titled “A Plan for Resuming In-Person Worship”.  This Plan is updated daily and can be found at www.vaumc.org/return. The Re-entry Team will meet next week to discuss how we can get your input regarding when you will feel safest to return.  You will get a phone call or an email asking you to participate in a brief survey revealing your opinions and intentions.

Considering President Trump’s announcement, we want you to know that Haygood’s Re-entry Team will continue to review required protocols as it is provided and when a decision is made, you will know it.

We miss in-person worship just as much as you do.  Our desire is to develop a Plan for Returning unique to the people of Haygood UMC and our community; a Plan undergirded by John Wesley’s 3 Simple Rules: “Do no harm; Do all the good you can, and Stay in love with God.”

I thank all of those who have been engaged in our on line worship and our day to day ministry as we discern our “new normal.”  Regardless of how quickly we return, I assure you that the on-line worship experience will continue while the in-person worship we left in mid-March will be markedly different when we return.  Your Leadership Board met this week and authorized the purchase of equipment needed for our on-line worship and our return to in-person worship.

I invite you to call or email Pastor Tammy, me, or members of your Leadership Board with any questions or concerns.

Peace be with you.

Bill Slingerland

Lay Leader