A Note From Pastor Cowser
“Let us Go to the House of the Lord” “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord.” -Psalm 122:1(KJV)-
After months of waiting, I am excited to announce that on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. we will move into Phase 3 of our Church Reopening Policy which allows for 65 in-person worshippers. After examining the COVID-19 conditions in Madison County and hearing that many of our staff and church members have received the COVID-19 vaccine, the Church Reopening Team and I feel that it is safe for us to re-enter the building with safety precautions. What are our safety precautions? Our Church Reopening Team utilized information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Alabama Department of Health, the Madison County Department of Health, and an article, “Do No Harm: Recommendations for Reopening Our Church Buildings,” published by the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church in developing our Church Reopening Policy. If you have not read our policy, I encourage you to click the link below, read it and familiarize yourself with the information. Here are a few safety precautions that will be in place when we return on June 6th:
· The church building will be cleaned using products certified to kill viruses, including COVID-19. · Only 65 worshippers will be allowed into the building and registration will be required for those who wish to attend. You may register on our website (www.centergroveumc.org) or by calling the church office (256-851-6223) by 12:00 noon on the Thursday prior to the Sunday service you wish to attend. The registration link for the Sunday, June 6th in-person worship service will go live on our website on Monday, May 24th at 12:00 noon. Those who do not have access to the online registration link may call the church office beginning at that time. · Each worshipper will be checked-in and prescreened with a temperature check and asked COVID-19 related questions before entering the sanctuary. · Ushers will ensure that there is 6-feet of distance between each worshipper or household of worshippers seated in the sanctuary. · Although tempting, worshippers will refrain from shaking hands and hugging one another. · Worshippers will be required to wear a mask at all times. Only those singing or speaking from the stage will be allowed to unmask during the moments they are participating.
As we navigate to our new normal, things will be extremely different, but I believe the sacrifices will be worth it. I ask that you be patient with us and understand that our policy and guidelines are subject to change as we attempt this new experience together. Our primary goal is to ensure that in-person worship service attendees, volunteers, and participants experience a powerful worship service in a safe environment.
Although we are returning to in-person worship services, we recognize there will be people who do not feel comfortable gathering in large groups and there will also be people who have connected with our ministry who live outside of the Greater Huntsville Area. At Center Grove, we are passionate about creating spaces for all people to engage at whatever level is convenient and most comfortable for them. Thanks to our excellent Media Team, who volunteer their time and talents each week, we will continue to stream all our worship services and Bible studies on our website and other online platforms.
As we prepare for reopening for in-person worship on Sunday, June 6th, I want to invite you to a Special Outdoor Service at our church the week before on Sunday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m. At this outdoor service, we will share important information with you regarding our Church Reopening Policy and cast the vision for our church for the next few months. Since this is an outdoor service, there will be no maximum capacity and registration will not be required; however, we do request that you come prepared to wear a mask, remain 6 feet from others, and consider bringing your own lawn chair and umbrella.
In closing, I hope you will join me in prayer for our church and our community. Pray that God will continue to lead us into new and renewed ways of being the church by recognizing that the best is yet to come.
Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Dedric A. Cowser Senior Pastor
Church Reopening Team: Dr. Wilma Ruffin-Bracy (Chairperson), Barbara Dobbins, Damein Green, Marian Guidry, Ambria Lankford, Jahazy Rooks, Maxine Rooks, Joyce Taylor and Dr. Dedric Cowser
| Join the Pray Without Ceasing Ministry for prayer on the Prayer Line — Saturday, May 15th 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 |  |
Worship Celebration
May 16, 2021
Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website: https://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/51681
All Young Adults and Young Professionals are encouraged to take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment prior to the discussion. The link for the assessment is https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts
Remember The Sick & Home-bound
Mrs. Evelyn Roberson
Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. B. Patricia Hill
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley
Community Information
| Huntsville Hospital Community COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment today. Huntsville Hospital is please to provide a new self-scheduling option for appointments at the Community Vaccination Clinic at John Hunt Park. To schedule your appointment please visit the link below. If you need assistance with scheduling your appointment, contact the church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, or 256.851.6223 https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/covid-19-vaccination |
Words of Encouragement
