An Update from the Pastor
Tapestry,
I have a really hard time canceling church. In fact, I’ve never done it before. I’ve worshipped and preached through vertigo and sickness, worshipped with no power in the middle of a hurricane, shown up and offered a word from the Lord and communion in snow, ice, rain, and sweltering heat. I’ve often joked that, “even if it’s only me and Jesus, we are going to have church”.
I’ve taken very literally the words from Hebrews to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (and) not neglecting to meet together.”
As of this morning, we were primed and ready to do just that. My earlier email articulated our plans to move ahead with worship, while also taking additional measures to provide a safe place for everyone to gather.
As you’ve no doubt seen by now, the situation with COVID-19 has been evolving quickly – and that is true in this case as well.
Following the advice of the Indiana Region and other civil and medical leaders, Tapestry Church is suspending all in-person gatherings for the next week – including worship.
You can find the email from our Regional Minister, Rick Spleth, which includes some insight from former minister David Shirey here.
On Sunday, March 15th, at 10:00am, we will offer an online worship service, conducted by our church staff and streamed through our Facebook page (link here). The service will feature all the elements of our normal worship experience. We encourage you to join us through your computer, tablet, or mobile device. You may even want to set up your own communion table to partake of the elements along with us.
This also means that we are postponing/canceling all other events and in-person meetings over the next week, including:
- Our next two Lenten Learnings – one scheduled for tonight (March 12th) and one scheduled for March 19th.
- The Women’s Circle this Saturday, March 14th
- Children’s Choir on Sunday afternoon
- All other meetings will need to happen virtually - or be postponed. Should you need assistance with a virtual meeting, please contact me or Shannon.
- The Board Meeting, scheduled for Monday, March 16th, will happen remotely via Zoom. We will send out instructions for all Board members.
Sometime next week, we will reassess the situation and make further determinations.
Our staff will be splitting time between home and the office – we can all be reached via email or cell phone. Our Elders will be checking on homebound and shut-in members by phone only in order to protect them.
You can continue to give online through this link or you can mail your tithes and offerings to the church office. The work of the church is ongoing, and we are always grateful for your sustained generosity.
This is an unprecedented situation, and we are erring on the side of caution and trusting the experts. I thank you to your patience and understanding as we explore this new territory together.
After all, we know more than most that the Church can gather anywhere. Our community will continue to find new and innovative ways to be together – even if that means temporarily worshipping online.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Blessings,
Cory Glover
Senior Minister
Helpful links:
- Tapestry Church Facebook Page. We will livestream on Sunday through this page. This is where we post information to the general public.
- Tapestry Church Group Page. This is our private page for members. Anything posted in the group can only be seen by others in the group. Request to join if you aren’t already a member.
- Online Giving.
- Realm (access to member information; one-time or recurring giving)