Governor Orders Florida to Stay Home

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just put out the order for Florida residents to stay at home unless they are pursuing essential activities. President Donald Trump has also asked for continued social distancing and similar precautions through the month of April. Bishop David Graves had previously asked the churches of Alabama-West Florida to not hold in-person worship for the entire month of April. Let us be in prayer for our world, nation, state and local community during this extended time of staying home and heeding the caution to end the spread of this deadly Coronavirus.

We will continue to offer Livestream worship each Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, and 11:07. Holy Week will offer additional Livestream services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at 7pm each evening. Given our unique circumstances and people’s greater need to worship now, I anticipate that those two services will set records for weekday Livestream services.



Our Easter services will be available by Livestream at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 and 11:07. As previously noted, we will claim another date when we are able to worship together again and have an “EASTER CELEBRATION.” This means we will claim the promise of the early church that every Sunday is a “little Easter” and will have several this year! The Lord knows we can all use the resurrection of Jesus with all we are going through now!

Again, I would like to thank our worship arts, essential musicians, and technical people for making Livestream possible right now. We appreciate your service to us during this unprecedented time! The photos below are of each crew from last Sunday.

                          

On a lighter note, even the ducks know something is up in this bizarre time and are practicing social distancing. I have two new friends and named them Shirley and Curly. My favorite leisurely activity is to turn on the TV after a long day and find a rebroadcast of a sports game in which I do not know who’s won. It’s not the same, but it helps. I hope you are also finding ways to find some rest at home.



I miss seeing you guys in the flock! I miss shaking hands and giving out hugs at the door. The sights, sounds, and laughter of Shalimar United Methodist cannot be replicated on Livestream and they are all greatly missed. I am truly hoping this Coronavirus will end soon!
Miss you and love you!

Shalom,
Philip