Author: Reverend George

In accordance with the directives of Bishop Hagiya, and important County, State and national health advisories, I am regretfully cancelling regular public worship at Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church through the the middle of April, at least. All but the most essential in-person meetings are cancelled until further notice. At this time we are not making any new facility reservations for meetings or gatherings until after April.

On March 19, the Los Angeles County Health Department issued its Safer at Home Order, closing all but essential services and businesses in order to control the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) from spreading.

These are critical times in which a friendly physical contact has the potential of being fatal, because of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. According to CDC, the State of California and LA County health departments, the virus is transmitted by physical contact and by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is even possible the virus can remain alive on surfaces for a period following contact.

Online Gatherings
However, we still need to connect with each other. People can also die of loneliness and loss of meaning. For that reason, worship will be live-streamed via Zoom or other online platforms. The link will be shared by email. The same applies to other meetings and fellowship. Please also connect with each other in other ways, via phone, text, email, social media and regular mail. We will also be strengthening our church networks to make sure that no one is left behind, especially our elderly and folks with underlying health concerns.

Those who are 65 and older, or have other chronic concerns are encouraged to stay home. If you have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, remain home and contact your health care provider. Those who are sheltering at home and need assistance with shopping for essentials should contact the church office so that we can make arrangements.

No-Contact Zone
SGPUMC is currently a “No-Contact Zone,” meaning no kissing, no hugging, and no handshaking, except between members of the same household. Any in-person meetings require an approximate 6 foot social space between persons. Everyone is encouraged to thoroughly wash their hands regularly and to avoid touching their face.

Please contact the office if you have any concerns about these matters. John Wesley’s call for Methodists “to watch over one another in love” has new meaning under these circumstances. We cannot meet face-to-face, but we should make use of other means to connect with each other and so express the bonds of Christian love.