March 26, 2020
Dear Central Family:
Over the past few weeks, life has changed in ways most of us could never have imagined. We fear we might become infected with this virus and we have seen an increasing number of people lose their jobs or experience income reductions. Businesses are struggling to stay open and many wonder how they will pay bills and make ends meet.
Online school has become the new norm for students. Sports seasons at all levels have been cancelled or postponed. Celebrations such as weddings and graduations are being disrupted, postponed or canceled altogether. Funerals are being held with only family members present. Going out to eat or to a movie is not on anyone’s agenda, with most of these establishments being forced to close. Spring break trips and summer plans are being cancelled or are in question. And, all the while,
our health care professionals are doing their best to take care of us under extremely strenuous circumstances.
Despite all the disruption to our lives, the church is trying to be a beacon of hope amid all the uncertainty. The worship team has been planning worship services that are available through our website and Facebook. Our children and student ministries staffs have developed some very innovative ways of connecting with our young
people and their families. The congregational care team has launched new ministries to help those in need with numerous members volunteering so others may receive ministry. Community Meals continues to be offered each Tuesday and Thursday at our Genesis campus via a take-out option.
Worship Plan
Arkansas Conference Bishop Gary Mueller has recently provided directives to all Arkansas UMC churches that they shall remain closed for in-person worship through April 30. Further closure is possible and will be re-evaluated in the weeks ahead. The Bishop’s directive adds that funerals and weddings may no longer be conducted in
Arkansas churches until further notice. Despite these hurdles, we will continue to provide worship each week through our website and the Genesis Facebook account. Our worship and communications teams are collaborating on ways to enhance the online worship experience in the weeks ahead.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday is coming on April 5 and it will include the sacrament of Holy Communion. Instructions are available through our newsletter, but essentially you can use grape juice or water and bread, and the pastoral team will guide you through Home
Communion.
Maundy Thursday, April 9, will feature an online service experience led by our contemporary worship team that begins at 7:00 p.m. We will commemorate the Passover Meal that Jesus shared with His disciples on the night before He was
crucified.
Friday, April 10, will feature an online service led by our classic worship team that begins at 12:00 p.m. We will remember Jesus crucifixion on the cross at Calvary with a Tenebrae service of scripture readings and
music.
Easter Sunday services will be held on April 12. We expect to have both a contemporary worship experience and a classic worship experience available online with more details to come in the weeks ahead.
General Conference
As many of you are aware, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church was scheduled to meet in Minneapolis from May 5-15. At the urging of the Council of Bishops, the Commission on General Conference has elected to postpone the General Conference, which is held every four years. The General Conference was set to take up a
plan for separation in the denomination and, that too, has been put on hold. We expect further details on a new date and location to be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
Financial Support
Despite the inability to meet in-person, many of you have gone online to provide an electronic gift and some have set up recurring giving, which is an easy and consistent way to give. Others have texted your gift to 479-802-3343 and we continue to receive gifts by mail by to the church at: Central UMC, Attn: Finance Office, PO Box
1106, Fayetteville, AR 72702. We are very thankful for your financial support for the ministries and missions of Central. They are more important than ever before as we seek to continue carrying out the daily work of the church albeit it in new and innovative ways. Our Finance Committee and Staff-Parish Relations Committees are meeting and evaluating every possible way to reduce expenses in these challenging
times.
We will continue to update you as new information becomes available. In the meantime, know that we are praying for you and we are here for you. If we can assist you in any other way, please let us know. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you
all!!
Dr. Jan Davis
Senior Pastor
Dr. Steve Pulliam
Executive Pastor
Brian Swain
Executive Director
