Beloveds,

I write to inform you that worship, committee meetings, Sunday school and small groups of both Baldwin First United Methodist Church and Ives Chapel UMC will be virtual-only until further notice. We will reassess the situation at the end of January to determine whether the time is right to resume in-person activities. We know that with vaccinations, masks and distancing, the risk of severe illness and death to our congregation members is relatively low. We also know that we can be good neighbors to others by making this sacrifice to slow the spread of a disease that is still causing death and severe illness to many. We are doing this as an act of solidarity and love for healthcare workers. We are doing this to ease the strain on our schools, and to help our most vulnerable neighbors know that they are important to God and to us.

Now is a great time to check in again with your actual neighbors (the ones who live right next to you) and see how you can help/support them- Many folks are quarantined, some are sick, and others may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of another surge. Remember you don’t need to COME to the church building to BE the church in our community.


May God’s peace surround you,

Rev. Amanda L. Baker