VMUMC Response to Directives to Mitigate the Effects of the Corona Virus Pandemic

Dearest VMUMC Members and Worshippers,

I want you to know that I have been praying earnestly and thinking carefully about what we are to do in light of the Corona Virus threat. 

I trust you are all keeping safe, calm, and prayerful. This Corona Virus Pandemic is most disturbing, contagious, and potentially dangerous.

I received an email from Bishop Jimmy Nunn this morning requesting that all local church gatherings of 10 persons and over be cancelled until further notice. 

Our schools have decided to cancel all classes until April 6, 2020. I believe our risk here in Guymon is low, but in compliance with our directive I have decided to cancel all our services, gatherings, and groups of 10 or more until further notice.

The church office will be open this week to take care of ongoing needs and ministry. Anyone who is sick or displaying  flu symptoms needs to get checked out and avoid contact with groups.

Together with a small group of lay leaders, I will conduct worship on Sunday; in order to stream our 10:50 am worship service on Facebook Live or YouTube to the rest of our congregation at home. We will let you know for sure what route we choose and send appropriate links/notifications so you can watch.

Please do not panic. Let’s all stay calm, careful, and prayerful. Practice good hygiene and minimize any unnecessary social contact…use your discretion.

The words of Jesus in John 14:1-2, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor be afraid. Believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus),” are most appropriate for all of us at this stage.

I want to URGE all our members, young and old, to be diligent about having daily devotions as well as gathering together for Family Altar: Scripture reading, discussion, and fervent prayer.

Let’s use this attack as an opportunity to draw nearer to God and each other. What the enemy intends for harm, God can turn to good. Early Watch Prayer each morning will continue to meet.

Thankfully, today we have much to celebrate: good communication, sound medical information, excellent hygiene practices, and plenty of resources. 

God bless and keep you as we weather this storm together,

Pastor Dave