^{Thursday, May 21, 2020}

Yesterday’s “Gazette-Mail” had a front page story about Governor Justice calling for caution in dealing with the coronavirus.  The headline was: “Be cautious or virus will ‘bite’ us.”  As stated earlier. Poca UMC will not be open for gathering this month.  Waiting to see how the pandemic is trending no date has been set for continuing services.  When that does happen, cooperation on the part of worshippers will be essential — including following the guidance of the ushers for seating — and observing the six feet social distancing as you arrive and enter and as you depart.
Be sure to take care of restroom needs before coming, because restrooms will not be available at the church.  Avoid using handrails. We will not be able to stand around the narthex visiting.  The reason for  all this caution is that none of us are completely immune from contracting the virus and if you should, it is possible to pass it on to others before you have even the slightest symptom of the disease.
Our congregation will be kept posted as decisions are made.

O God, the creator and preserver of all humankind; please make Your ways known to all, and your saving health given to all nations.  May all who profess and call themselves Christians be led into the way of truth.  Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed in mind or body; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their necessities, giving them patience to wait for your healing.  We ask this for Jesus’ sake.  Amen

–Pastor John