From the Pastor

I am shocked. 

I am shocked.  Thank you.  So many of you have served Jesus quietly during the pandemic.  You’ve watched and worshipped online, learned how to work Facebook and YouTube, you learned how to give online through the church VANCO account  or you’ve mailed in your tithes and offerings (at $.55 per stamp, no less), and you have encouraged each other through phone calls and cards and social media. Thank you!  I am overwhelmed and delighted by your response during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine.

And to a few of our many servants…

Pam and Gene White, who every Sunday during the pandemic led music worship in the sanctuary.

Dale Boyd, who not only prepared the sanctuary every week during the pandemic for livestreaming services, but also recorded the service on the camcorder. 

John Corner, for learning on the fly how to livestream services on YouTube and Facebook while also finding the best resources for livestreaming in the church building.  Now you can watch the church service in the Parlor, Library, Classroom, Fellowship Hall, Children’s Sunday school room and the Youth Room.

Glenda Corner, for editing my Reopening Postcard so that it no longer read like boring directions for putting together shelving.

Sue Vernon, Jim Harper and Pat Grundy for decorating the sanctuary… making the space feel alive when we couldn’t be there as a large group.

Marla Moretti and Linda Grundy for making masks for Sunday morning worshippers. 

Sue Vernon, for dealing with a difficult company in purchasing disposable masks and sanitizing stations (the stations we are still awaiting).

Rodney Goehring, for sweating while removing weeds from the outside flower beds.

April and Doug Edney, for reading the Scripture and recording that reading weekly.

For those of you who checked on me during the pandemic: Like D.C., J.H., P.C., J.W. and many others (you know who you are - I thank you!)

Our staff going above and beyond during the pandemic: Sanitizing the hallways and sanctuary by Kristen; Payroll and bills prepared by Elisha; visitation via phone and notes by Rev. Dick Carlson; piano music played, legal livestreaming songs discovered and a our first worship newsletter by Patty Klutcher; Marvelous Mondays on Tuesdays as well as Ascension Sunday balloon delivery by Sandra Rodgers.

And balloon delivery as well by Larry Rodgers.  An all-day event.  Go ahead, ask Larry.  It took ALL DAY!

And again, to you… your willingness to remain a vital part of the life of Mercer United Methodist Church.

         Because of Jesus

         Pastor Brian