I hope each of you is doing well and adapting to our current reality of physical social distancing during this coronavirus pandemic time.

Dear Congregation,

I hope each of you is doing well and adapting to our current reality of physical social distancing during this coronavirus pandemic time. One of the ways I’ve found myself adapting is by taking advantage of the video technology offered through Zoom Video Communications. I would imagine many of you are also using Zoom to join various types of meetings and activities, and to keep in touch with family and friends. It’s free for thirty minutes, and sometimes you’re given even more time gratis!

In the last couple of weeks I’ve been in a variety of Zoom call—with our CCC Women’s Group on Saturday, Wednesdays with the FL Conference UCC, in a Church Council/Trustees meeting, in a Miami Conference of Christians and Jews meeting, and others. Future Zoom meeting dates are written on my calendar.  It’s great to see familiar faces and hear voices we recognize. Planning and work get accomplished, information is shared, and relationships are strengthened. Communication is more powerful because we can see each other and carry on conversations in real time.

And so, on Pentecost, which is May 31st, a week from Sunday, Joan Chandler has agreed to host a Zoom meeting time of Fellowship for our CCC church family and friends at noon, following our live-streamed Facebook worship service.  Unfortunately, there won’t be the coffee and goodies we usually have when we sit around seasonally decorated tables in Kelsey Hall after worship, but we can be together and do some catching up and sharing. As added perks, Daniel won’t have to make coffee, and no one has to bake or clean up. Just bring yourself! Please let Joan Chandler know that you’d like to join this Pentecost meeting by contacting her at bingo123@bellsouth.net or by phone. She will then send you the meeting invitation. You may also join by phone if you don’t have a computer or smart phone.   

The plan is to offer these Zoom Fellowship times weekly for a while and see how they go. Joan has generously offered to set up and moderate the first few. The hope is that others of you will volunteer to share in this ministry of hospitality in the future. Please let Joan or me know if you’d like to do so.

In Jesus’ time there was, of course, no Zoom, but the Christians of the early church gathered day by day for table fellowship, communion, prayer, and study. They shared their possessions and I’m sure they shared the stories of their lives. Thanks be to God that Zoom technology allows us to continue being together in spirit, for as we read in Romans 8:28 , “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I look forward to being in worship Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook!

May God Bless You and keep you safe.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy

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