hly.com www.christianvoicemonthly.com www.christianvoicemont B r a n d o n • Va l r i c o • L i t h i a • S e f f n e r • R i v e r v i e w • P l a n t C i t y • A p o l l o B e a c h
Volume 24, Issue 4
A Free Publication from Osprey Observer Inc.
April 2020
Churches Adjust Services To Follow CDC Guidelines
Offers On Page 3
16
Alex Trebek Page 16
As the total number of cases of COVID-19 appear to be on the rise, religious communities throughout the world are finding new ways to continue to worship. Italy is one of the hardest hit countries and the government imposed a quarantine for all its citizens. This ultimately resulted an unprecedented announcement from Pope Francis to hold Easter mass without the public for the first time. As the request for quarantine becomes more prevalent, many churches are currently exploring new and creative ways that they can minister to each other and to people in the community during this unique time. It’s certainly unfortunate that this outbreak is occurring during the Easter Season—which brings Christians together around the globe to rejoice and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The virus is forcing churches worldwide to find alternative ways to celebrate and worship while maintaining crucial selfdistancing. On Friday, March 20 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding large gatherings of 50 or more for eight weeks, which would include Easter Sunday, April 12. On Thursday, March 19, The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg suspended public masses for all Catholic churches in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Counties. Most churches throughout the United States have followed suit and suspended all church functions, gatherings and worship services, including the churches in our local communities. With social distancing necessary, churches are now navigating different forms of ‘live’ worship through streaming services on their websites, Facebook Live and YouTube. Many churches are even considering other alternatives such as drivein worship services, where churchgoers remain in their cars in the parking lot. New Beginnings Christian Church, located at 4100 S. Manhattan Ave. in Tampa, has been conducting drive-in church services for several years. Other churches are considering communion supplies for pickup or drop-off at houses for the faithful that still want to partake in the sacrament of communion. Because churches cannot congregate in person, this may also affect tithes and offerings. Many churches are making online donations available on websites or other electronic means.
There is a concern that elderly congregants may not have access to the internet, the ability to stream services or make their weekly offerings online. This could lead to further isolation when the faithful cannot gather to fellowship. As the news changes daily, the churches will need to remain flexible and continue to explore how to best serve their members during this difficult time. Kristen Franzen of Riverview normally attends Sun City Center United Methodist Church. She says that her family will be watching the live worship service from their home on Sundays until church services resume as normal. “They have been posting videos to Facebook to let the congregation know that they are streaming two services every Sunday.” It’s during these times that we are reminded that the people are the church, not the actual building. Throughout the Bible, church is always a reference to people, not a place. Thankfully, there are many ways for the faithful to fellowship together with the numerous new technologies available. And hopefully, when the social distancing has come to an end, church members across the globe will be able to fellowship in person, hug, take communion and worship together once again. Let us remember Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
ECHO Announces News Shares Program For Churches
Staff Report
New Pastor Jomo
Pg 7
Columns: Grace Notes:
Page 5
Hooked On Books:
Page 9
Bikes For Christ:
Page 15
Faith & Footprints:
Page 18
ECHO of Brandon In addition, both of has been serving the ECHO’s outreach cenhungry and vulnerable for ters will remain open 33 years, and the time of for food distribution. social isolation related to The group has susCOVID-19 is no different. pended its six month “I realize that the waiting period between world feels a bit crazy at visits policy and will be the moment, but help is handing out bags of here,” said Executive food based on family Director Eleanor size. Due to ECHO’s Saunders. volunteers being asked The group recently to stay home, food disannounced a new initiatribution is the only tive called ECHO Shares, service it will be providwhich includes a partnerECHO of Brandon recently announced a new initiative called ECHO Shares, ing at this time. ship with local faith-based which includes a partnership with local faith-based organizations. ECHO has two organizations. deliveries. Then a representative locations for food distribution: 507 N. “Since 1987, ECHO has counted from the church should register for Parsons Ave. in Brandon from on the support of the local church ECHO Shares with Savanna at 685Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 community,” said Saunders. “Now it 0935 ext. 800. p.m., and 7807 Capitano St. in is our turn to support you.” To set up a delivery, the church Riverview from Tuesday to Friday, 9 The steps to participate in ECHO will need to provide its name and the a.m.-1 p.m. Shares are simple. name, address and number of family Due to limited support, ECHO will “We trust you have elderly and/or members for the delivery. not be accepting clothing, household struggling families in your congregaECHO will then prepare the bags goods or toy donations. Food will still tion. ECHO would like to provide you and confirm a time for pick up. be accepted at both locations. with a bag full of nonperishable items “We believe together we can help Financial gifts can be given online at for delivery,” said Saunders. even more,” said Saunders, who also echofl.org/give-today. The group asks that residents shared that, because the majority of ECHO of Brandon is located at confirm with church leadership if their the group’s volunteers are retired, the 507 N. Parsons Ave. and can be church has the capacity and need for volunteers have been sent home. reached at 685-0935.