COVID-19 update at St. Paul's UMC

We were informed yesterday that our cleaning service has suspended its operations in keeping with Boulder city/county and state of Colorado health orders. And so, in keeping with the latest health advisories and orders, and the guidance given yesterday by our bishop, the Trustees have determined that all in-person worship and other church activities are suspended until further notice. This will necessitate the closing of the building to all activities, including those of outside groups and the church office. Signs will be placed on the front and side doors with the closure information. I will be working from the parsonage and continue to be able to assist with requests for food pantry support and other pastoral needs..

From the bishop's letter: "At this time, given the trajectory of the coronavirus in our region, I request the closure of our churches and the suspension of all in-person worship and other church activities until at least May 1. We need to do everything in our power to slow/stop the rate of transmission. I again urge you to stay connected to your regional public health departments for the latest updates on COVID-19 cases in your area." (see the bishop's letter here)

We will continue to utilize social media platforms including our blog, website, Facebook ( @boulderstpauls), YouTube, ZOOM, as well as phone calls, letters, and emails, to stay connected with each other and to the world around us during this challenging time. Each Sunday, the sermon will be available on our YouTube channel and blog posts will share the joys & concerns of the community and any announcements. Beginning on April 5, we will also offer a time together (via ZOOM) on Sunday mornings at 10:15 to share prayers, announcements, scriptures, and more. The blog, Facebook page, and church calendar will have links to join ZOOM meetings and worship gatherings. This is a unique opportunity for our congregation to be creative in how we are a church in the 21st century. This time will allow us to question both the how we "do church" as well as the why we do the activities we do as a church. 

If you know of someone in our congregation who doesn't have email, please let them know of this update. As you hear of other concerns or needs in the congregation or community, please be in touch with the pastor and the church office, and together we will get through this time as the people of God called for such a time as this.