What’s Happening at CG 10/21/2020
What’s Happening at CG?
A Note From Pastor Cowser
We Now Have A New Way To Give!
Text-to-Give is Now Available!
Sunday Morning Worship
October 25, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Four Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
What’s Happening at CG?
A Note From Pastor Cowser
Center Grove Family and Friends:
I pray all is well with you and your families. I am thrilled that this Sunday in worship we will celebrate our Laity on what is traditionally called Laity Sunday in The United Methodist Church. Laity Sunday recognizes the unique gift and calling of laypersons and the important ministry they provide in the local church. I truly believe that ministry is at its strongest when, Pastor and laity are working in partnership together to seek God’s purpose and plan for the church and community.
We are blessed at Center Grove to have such strong and vibrant lay leadership. I hope you will join me this Sunday live at 11:00 a.m. on our Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube pages as we celebrate our Virtual Laity Sunday Celebration.
For more information on the history of Laity Sunday in The United Methodist Church, click here (https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-laity-sunday).
Blessings,
Pastor Cowser
We Now Have A New Way To Give!
Text-to-Give is Now Available!
Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, October 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. For we know, prayer changes things, circumstances, situations, and much more!
Prayer Line Dial In Information:
Dial In Number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 349017
Hosted By:
The Pray Without Ceasing Ministry
Sunday Morning Worship
October 18, 2020
Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming worship service via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Four Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
What’s Happening at CG?
Noon Bible Study Will Resume on Wednesday, October 14th
Center Grove U.M.C. Reopening Update
Thanks to each of you who completed the Church Reopening Survey. Following is an update on the survey results. Due to COVID -19, our lives changed immediately in early March of this year. We are now in a pandemic. Our inability to worship in person was a major change. As “Shelter in Place”, and “Safer at Home” orders were issued, we immediately began identifying ways to connect virtually to continue our worship service and bible study. Connecting and communicating virtually is our new normal.
In March of this year, Center Grove’s Pastor and leadership team immediately began zoom meetings to discuss plans for addressing ways to keep our congregation safe and to remain connected. One of the pandemic’s gifts to us is reminding us of the sacred value of the gathered community and of embodied worship. However, the decisions to resume these activities is complex. The Pastor and the leadership team continued to meet, discuss, and develop safety plans using the guidelines from the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health, our local government and the North Alabama Conference, of the United Methodist Church. The decided next step was to survey the congregation for their input for guidance as we move forward with discussions and plans for reopening the church. The survey was distributed and made available for members of the congregation in early August. Most responses were received between August 3rd and August 10th. Forty-one (41) survey results were received. The responses were generally consistent with few outliers.
The 41 surveys completed and returned represent 95 individuals in the households surveyed. Most of the respondents live in two-person homes with no children. The majority of the household members are age 65 and over (38%), the next largest age group is age 36-64 (35%). The 26-35 age group is 9% of the total household members; the 19-25 age group, the 12-18 age group and everyone age 11 and under are each 6% of the total household’s population. While everyone is at risk of contracting COVID -19, people of any age may be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if they have one or more of the identified high-risk conditions (an extensive list was provided in the survey). Eighty percent of respondents, or a family member reported being at high risk.
Schools and businesses closed, working from home and virtual school became a part of our new normal. However, there were individuals identified as essential workers to ensure that we receive healthcare and necessary goods and services. Thirty percent of respondents, or a family member reported being an essential worker. Additionally, twelve household members reported being a caregiver for someone else.
The demographics of the survey included a small number of school aged children. Respondents reported that five school age children would continue virtual school when schools reopened and two reported they will attend in-person. Every respondent with children indicated they do not plan to bring their children to church when it first reopens. There was no interest expressed in children’s church. The question, when are you willing to return to in-person services yielded an answer of unsure from the majority, the next highest-ranking response was—after January 2021, followed by when a vaccine is available, and after one-month County downward trend in cases. Four respondents reported they were ready to return immediately.
Additionally, respondents were asked to report events that must be in place for comfortable in-person worship. Among the items listed, the most emphasized were social distancing, sanitizing and masks required. The next most frequently listed was limited capacity for worshiping, contact tracing, and bathroom capacity limits. Listed with less frequency was RSVP required for attending worship service.
When asked about interest in alternative worship and ministry methods, online virtual service is favored by the majority. Drive thru ministries ranked second and outdoor service third.
Considering possible COVID-19 ministry efforts, respondents were asked to indicate whether they anticipate, for the areas listed, any interest or need during continued “safer at home” practices. Ranked number one was securing essential items followed by meals for students and families and utilities, with transportation and child care last. Anyone in need of assistance should contact the church office for assistance from outreach ministries!
The leadership team has continued meeting and planning for the church reopening. Using the results from the church reopening survey, guidance and guidelines from the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health, our local government, and the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, along with knowledge and information obtained through the leadership team, a comprehensive written plan/policy will be developed. To ensure access to the information, the written plan/policy will be made available to everyone. Using the plan/policy developed for Center Grove United Methodist Church, the church will reopen with a phased in approach beginning early January 2021, based on conditions and COVID-19 cases.
Respectfully,
Center Grove Leadership Team
We Now Have A New Way To Give!
Text-to-Give is Now Available!
Sunday Morning Worship
October 11, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Four Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
Center Grove U.M.C. Reopening Update
Thanks to each of you who completed the Church Reopening Survey. Following is an update on the survey results.
Due to COVID -19, our lives changed immediately in early March of this year. We are now in a pandemic. Our inability to worship in person was a major change. As “Shelter in Place”, and “Safer at Home” orders were issued, we immediately began identifying ways to connect virtually to continue our worship service and bible study. Connecting and communicating virtually is our new normal.
In March of this year, Center Grove’s Pastor and leadership team immediately began zoom meetings to discuss plans for addressing ways to keep our congregation safe and to remain connected. One of the pandemic’s gifts to us is reminding us of the sacred value of the gathered community and of embodied worship. However, the decisions to resume these activities is complex. The Pastor and the leadership team continued to meet, discuss, and develop safety plans using the guidelines from the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health, our local government and the North Alabama Conference, of the United Methodist Church.
The decided next step was to survey the congregation for their input for guidance as we move forward with discussions and plans for reopening the church. The survey was distributed and made available for members of the congregation in early August. Most responses were received between August 3rd and August 10th. Forty-one (41) survey results were received. The responses were generally consistent with few outliers.
The 41 surveys completed and returned represent 95 individuals in the households surveyed. Most of the respondents live in two-person homes with no children. The majority of the household members are age 65 and over (38%), the next largest age group is age 36-64 (35%). The 26-35 age group is 9% of the total household members; the 19-25 age group, the 12-18 age group and everyone age 11 and under are each 6% of the total household’s population.
While everyone is at risk of contracting COVID -19, people of any age may be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if they have one or more of the identified high-risk conditions (an extensive list was provided in the survey). Eighty percent of respondents, or a family member reported being at high risk.
Schools and businesses closed, working from home and virtual school became a part of our new normal. However, there were individuals identified as essential workers to ensure that we receive healthcare and necessary goods and services. Thirty percent of respondents, or a family member reported being an essential worker. Additionally, twelve household members reported being a caregiver for someone else.
The demographics of the survey included a small number of school aged children. Respondents reported that five school age children would continue virtual school when schools reopened and two reported they will attend in-person. Every respondent with children indicated they do not plan to bring their children to church when it first reopens. There was no interest expressed in children’s church.
The question, when are you willing to return to in-person services yielded an answer of unsure from the majority, the next highest-ranking response was—after January 2021, followed by when a vaccine is available, and after one-month County downward trend in cases. Four respondents reported they were ready to return immediately.
Additionally, respondents were asked to report events that must be in place for comfortable in-person worship. Among the items listed, the most emphasized were social distancing, sanitizing and masks required. The next most frequently listed was limited capacity for worshiping, contact tracing, and bathroom capacity limits. Listed with less frequency was RSVP required for attending worship service.
When asked about interest in alternative worship and ministry methods, online virtual service is favored by the majority. Drive thru ministries ranked second and outdoor service third.
Considering possible COVID-19 ministry efforts, respondents were asked to indicate whether they anticipate, for the areas listed, any interest or need during continued “safer at home” practices. Ranked number one was securing essential items followed by meals for students and families and utilities, with transportation and child care last. Anyone in need of assistance should contact the church office for assistance from outreach ministries!
The leadership team has continued meeting and planning for the church reopening. Using the results from the church reopening survey, guidance and guidelines from the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health, our local government, and the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, along with knowledge and information obtained through the leadership team, a comprehensive written plan/policy will be developed. To ensure access to the information, the written plan/policy will be made available to everyone. Using the plan/policy developed for Center Grove United Methodist Church, the church will reopen with a phased in approach beginning early January 2021, based on conditions and COVID-19 cases.
Respectfully,
Center Grove Leadership Team
What’s Happening at CG?
Wednesday In The Word Will Not Air Today. Join us next Wednesday, October 7th, via Facebook Live as we begin a new Bible Study on the Book of Psalms.
|
|
|
|
|
We Now Have A New Way To Give!
Text-to-Give is Now Available!
Sunday Morning Worship
October 4, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Four Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
YOUR RESPONSE MATTERS!
Words of Encouragement
What’s Happening at CG?
A Note From Pastor Cowser
We Now Have A New Way To Give!
Text-to-Give is Now Available!
Sunday Morning Worship
September 27, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Four Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
What’s Happening at CG?
A Note From Pastor Cowser
Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, September 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. For we know, prayer changes things, circumstances, situations, and much more!
Prayer Line Dial In Information:
Dial In Number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 349017
Hosted By:
The Pray Without Ceasing Ministry
Sunday Morning Worship
September 20, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Three Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Community Information
Words of Encouragement
What’s Happening at CG?
A Note From Pastor Cowser
Congratulations on Your Wedding!
(September 5, 2020)
Taylor and Sonya Banks
We Wish you a lifetime of happiness together and a love that grows stronger with each passing day!
From,
Your Center Grove Family
Sunday Morning Worship
September 13, 2020
Don’t forget to give your Tithes and Offerings! Your generosity enables Center Grove to continue to be the hope for our community and the world!
Here are Three Ways to Give:
1.) Visit the Center Grove website (www.centergroveumc.org), click on Stewardship, and then click the “Ready to Give” tab.
2.) If you prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to:
Center Grove United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 5957
Huntsville, AL 35814
3.) UMCgo is available for your Smartphone through Google Play, or IPhone through the App Store.
*Download the app; search for Center Grove (2969 State Rte 53, Huntsville, AL 35806); press the heart to Give!
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Words of Encouragement
