** Originally sent to the congregation on March 18, 2020 

"Be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray."  1 Peter 4:7

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Toledo Mennonite Church

Due to the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic, worship services at TMC will be suspended until further notice.  This is an unfortunate reality, but an easy decision.  Due to the public health crisis that our world is facing, it would be irresponsible to continue to meet together until this gets more under control.  

This is a good reminder that the church is not a place that we go to, it is something that we are.  Just because we won't be gathering for public worship, we do not stop being the church with one another.  We are the church because we have been called out of darkness into God's glorious light.  We are the church because we are the body of Christ.  And we are the body of Christ whether we are together in person, or together in spirit and united in prayer.  This is simply a time when we need to explore new forms and ways of being the church with one another.  

A few specifics of what this means...

First, we will suspend all worship services, social gatherings, and Bible studies at least until Easter.  We will continue to monitor the situation, but it will be at least until Easter before we gather again.  This includes Maundy Thursday, potlucks, etc.

Second, I will still be coming into the office (unless otherwise indicated).  I will monitor phone messages and emails.  I will continue to publish some kind of weekly sermon, thought, or reflection.  I am currently looking into live stream or web options and will communicate those details by Friday.  

Third, please email prayer requests to the office email address.  I will compile those prayer requests and send a weekly email to the entire congregation so that we can continue to hold one another in prayer.

Fourth, I recommend that you not use Sunday morning to sleep in, watch TV, or other such activities. I encourage you to continue to use that time for individual or family worship and devotion in some form or fashion.  Read Scripture.  Pray for our congregation and for our world.  Take the initiative to call 3 people from TMC - including someone that you don't normally talk with very much.  There are plenty of practical ways that we can reach out to one another.  While we must keep our physical distance, let us step up our social contact with one another through safe methods of communication.

Fifth, If you are financially willing and able, please continue to give your tithes and offerings.  You can mail them to the church or bring them by the church office between Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Those who use electronic transfers or automatic check writing services can continue to do so.  You can also donate through this website using the “donate” button on the top right of the home page.

Sixth, I leave it in the hands of each small group to consider if they will meet together or not.  However, it is my recommendation that you stop meeting for small groups as well.  Recent guidelines say to limit all non-essential social gatherings of more than 10 people.  Plus, parents have even been advised not to hold play dates for their children until further notice.  Following the advice of health experts, the CDC, and the Ohio Department of Health, I recommend extra caution in all areas of personal and church life.  

Finally, I am still here and available for pastoral care, counsel, and discipleship.  I am certainly still able for phone calls, video chats, and other safe means of ministry.  If you have need to speak to me, please do not hesitate to reach out.  The Leadership Team is also available, as is the Care Commission.  While our methods of support may need to look different, we do not intend to neglect our acts of care, support, and faithful uplift for our community.  

"Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam... Be still and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations.  I am exalted in the earth.  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."  Psalm 46.  

Grace and Peace, Pastor Joel Shenk