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February 10th, 2021

Dear Friends, 

 

I am pleased to be able to invite you back to Worship Services starting February 21st. Based on the continuing decline of COVID infections over the last few weeks, the leadership of the church has decided to reopen our facilities for in-person worship, for Sunday School classes and small groups, and for many other activities. I am excited!


On February 21st we will resume Worship Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM in our Sanctuary and at 11 AM at Higher Ground. We will also continue to live stream services at 11AM both from the Sanctuary and from Higher Ground. 


Please note that to participate we will still be asking you to make reservations. Also, previous safety practices that we have observed will continue. We will wear masks. We will socially distance. We ask that everyone enter and exit the building without stopping and visiting with folks, but instead visit outside in the open air.

 
I love you all, 
Doug. 

January 6th, 2021

Dear Friends, 

 
I am writing today to let you know that due to surging  COVID-19 infections in Cobb and Paulding Counties, McEachern UMC will be pausing all in-person church functions as of this coming Sunday, January 10. This means that this Sunday’s Traditional Worship will be Online Only at 11am. Higher Ground will also be Online Only at 11am.  All of our Sunday School Classes, for Adults, Children, and Youth, as well as Bible Studies, will not meet on campus. Our outdoor activities will continue with safety measures, and we will allow folks to use the walking track on a limited and scheduled basis. Contact Stacie Barrows for more info on Zooming with your group at sbarrow@mceachernumc.org
 
Currently, our county is in the Red category for average daily infections. Over the last two weeks, Cobb has averaged over 700 infections per day. According to the guide we published last August, we agreed to pause our on-campus functions until we are back in the Orange category.  I have consulted our Church Council and Staff, and we are all in agreement that now is the time to take this necessary step. 
 
We will reopen everything as soon as possible. In the meantime, our church Staff is seeking creative ways to be in ministry with you and our community. Keep an eye on your email and on the church website for updates about Bible Studies, McEachern Kids, and other ways to remain involved in the ministry. 
 
And, please, join the church in Worship this Sunday at 11am, via Youtube or Facebook. I will be preaching the Traditional Service and Rev. Tony will be preaching the Higher Ground Service. 
 
I love you all, 
Doug. 

September 2nd, 2020

We are thrilled to be opening our doors, again, for worship together in the sanctuary at 11:00
September 13th. We will continue limited seating as we social distance per our North Georgia
Conference, CDC, and our government leaders recommendations. We will continue to live stream as
well.
We will continue with our 9:30 outdoor service after Labor Day. Pastor Tony and Dr. Doug will lead the
service with the Higher Ground worship team. Bring your lawn chair and know that social distancing is
required. You do not need to make reservations for this service, but you will need to sign in upon
arrival.
Children and youth will meet 9:30-10:30. Nursery will be available 9:30-12:00. Please register online.
For in-person worship and classes, you will need to register on-line as we have been doing. You may
register here or by clicking the reservation that comes in the
Wednesday Word, or from the reservation email you receive on Tuesday.


 Sanctuary doors will be marked entrance and exit and will open 15 minutes prior to the start of
the service. Hand sanitizers will be available for use by entrances and exits.
 Staff/Greeters will be on site to assist in seating you/families as well as dismissing by rows.
 Nursery will be provided for children 4 years and younger. Families will sit and worship together.
 Children’s worship bags will be provided for students as they worship alongside their families.
 There will be no congregational singing at this time.
 Wearing masks is highly recommended. Masks will be available if you need one.
 Please greet people with hand waves and brief conversation in the parking lot, observing social
distancing before and after services.
 There will be no coffee stations or water fountains available. Please bring your own drink if
desired.
 Restrooms will only be open in the C bldg. (Preschool hallway off the narthex.) One person at a
time, please.


Finally, we want to reiterate your free will to not do anything you’re not comfortable with at this time
and continue to worship with us online.


Important Additional Information: We will continue to check attendance for ALL groups (worship is
considered a group) as we begin phasing in in-person ministries. In the event that we learn of anyone
testing positive for COVID, we will use our attendance records to contact everyone in that group. That
group will need to observe a two week quarantine which includes worship. If someone tests positive
that has attended worship, there will be ONLY on-line worship the following Sunday. We want to be
abundantly cautious for the well being of ALL of God’s people. If you have questions about a group your
family is in, please contact that area ministry staff person or Nancy Folds at nfolds@mceachernumc.org.

January 6th, 2020

Dear Friends, 

 
I am writing today to let you know that due to surging  COVID-19 infections in Cobb and Paulding Counties, McEachern UMC will be pausing all in-person church functions as of this coming Sunday, January 10. This means that this Sunday’s Traditional Worship will be Online Only at 11am. Higher Ground will also be Online Only at 11am.  All of our Sunday School Classes, for Adults, Children, and Youth, as well as Bible Studies, will not meet on campus. Our outdoor activities will continue with safety measures, and we will allow folks to use the walking track on a limited and scheduled basis. Contact Stacie Barrows for more info on Zooming with your group at sbarrow@mceachernumc.org
 
Currently, our county is in the Red category for average daily infections. Over the last two weeks, Cobb has averaged over 700 infections per day. According to the guide we published last August, we agreed to pause our on-campus functions until we are back in the Orange category.  I have consulted our Church Council and Staff, and we are all in agreement that now is the time to take this necessary step. 
 
We will reopen everything as soon as possible. In the meantime, our church Staff is seeking creative ways to be in ministry with you and our community. Keep an eye on your email and on the church website for updates about Bible Studies, McEachern Kids, and other ways to remain involved in the ministry. 
 
And, please, join the church in Worship this Sunday at 11am, via Youtube or Facebook. I will be preaching the Traditional Service and Rev. Tony will be preaching the Higher Ground Service. 
 
I love you all, 
Doug. 

September 2nd, 2020

We are thrilled to be opening our doors, again, for worship together in the sanctuary at 11:00
September 13th. We will continue limited seating as we social distance per our North Georgia
Conference, CDC, and our government leaders recommendations. We will continue to live stream as
well.
We will continue with our 9:30 outdoor service after Labor Day. Pastor Tony and Dr. Doug will lead the
service with the Higher Ground worship team. Bring your lawn chair and know that social distancing is
required. You do not need to make reservations for this service, but you will need to sign in upon
arrival.
Children and youth will meet 9:30-10:30. Nursery will be available 9:30-12:00. Please register online.
For in-person worship and classes, you will need to register on-line as we have been doing. You may
register here or by clicking the reservation that comes in the
Wednesday Word, or from the reservation email you receive on Tuesday.


 Sanctuary doors will be marked entrance and exit and will open 15 minutes prior to the start of
the service. Hand sanitizers will be available for use by entrances and exits.
 Staff/Greeters will be on site to assist in seating you/families as well as dismissing by rows.
 Nursery will be provided for children 4 years and younger. Families will sit and worship together.
 Children’s worship bags will be provided for students as they worship alongside their families.
 There will be no congregational singing at this time.
 Wearing masks is highly recommended. Masks will be available if you need one.
 Please greet people with hand waves and brief conversation in the parking lot, observing social
distancing before and after services.
 There will be no coffee stations or water fountains available. Please bring your own drink if
desired.
 Restrooms will only be open in the C bldg. (Preschool hallway off the narthex.) One person at a
time, please.


Finally, we want to reiterate your free will to not do anything you’re not comfortable with at this time
and continue to worship with us online.


Important Additional Information: We will continue to check attendance for ALL groups (worship is
considered a group) as we begin phasing in in-person ministries. In the event that we learn of anyone
testing positive for COVID, we will use our attendance records to contact everyone in that group. That
group will need to observe a two week quarantine which includes worship. If someone tests positive
that has attended worship, there will be ONLY on-line worship the following Sunday. We want to be
abundantly cautious for the well being of ALL of God’s people. If you have questions about a group your
family is in, please contact that area ministry staff person or Nancy Folds at nfolds@mceachernumc.org.

June 25th, 2020

We are overly excited to be able to open our sanctuary doors for worship together.  Take note: it will look a little different and we will have limited seating as we social distance per our North Georgia Conference, CDC, and our government leaders recommendations.  It is suggested that people 65 and older with health issues, anyone with a compromised lung/asthma condition, and/or anyone not feeling well  please worship with us o-line @ Facebook or YouTube. 

For in-person worship, we will need you to register online as seating will be limited as we practice social distancing.  A registration form will be emailed to you on Mondays in Share the Weekly Word from McEachern.  

  • – Sanctuary doors will be marked entrance and exit and will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.  We will sanitize between services.  Hand sanitizers will be available for use by entrances and exits.
  • – Staff/Greeters will be on site to assist in seating you/families as well as dismissing by rows.
  • – There will be no childcare.  Families will sit and worship together.
  • – Children’s worship bags will be provided for students as they worship alongside their families.
  • – There will be no congregational singing at this time.
  • – Wearing masks is recommended.  Masks will be available if you need one.
  • – Please greet people with hand waves and brief conversation in the parking lot, observing social distancing.
  • – There will be no coffee stations or water fountains available.  Please bring your own drink if desired.
  • – Restrooms will only be open in the C bldg. (Preschool hallway off the narthex.)  One person at a time, please.

Finally, we want to reiterate your free will to not do anything you’re not comfortable with at this time.  We are trying to follow every single recommendation of our Bishop as we are still all walking in the unknown.  Please wear a mask and observe social distancing as we love you and want the best for you.

See you Sunday, 6/28 at 9:15 or 11:00 in-person or on-line.

Reserve a Seat for Me!

June 10th, 2020 

 Hello Everyone

We pray everyone is doing well! Over the last few months, we have had the opportunity to serve and engage our students and community in unique ways. Due to COVID-19, a lot of families in our community have needed more help than our food pantry could provide. Out of this need, and through partnerships with Reflections of Trinity, the Atlanta Food Bank, and MUST ministries, our Church started Friday Community Food Share at Higher Ground. We are incredibly thankful to have this opportunity to help those in need. And we need your help to keep this service running seamlessly. 

We have followed and will continue to follow all CDC and Church guidelines regarding social distancing and protective coverings. This is a great time for our congregation to come and serve. Families are welcome to make this a family service opportunity. Please consider joining us as we continue to be the hands and feet in our community. You can find a list of the various volunteer opportunities in the Sign-Up Genius Link below. We are also in need of trucks to help with food pickup on Fridays. Please contact Lacie Duling directly at lduling@mceachernumc.org for additional information.  

Volunteer Arrival Information 

  • Volunteers will meet in front of Lula Dobbs for Check-In and Temperature check.
  • Volunteer vehicles must be parked in the middle parking lot in front of the CLC, facing New Macland Road.
  • Volunteers must wear masks. If you do not own a mask, one will be provided. 
  • Volunteer Check-in will be 15 minutes before your shift starts. Please try your best to be on time. 

Sign Up Genius Link:

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040b4eaea922a1f49-higher

Please let us know how we can be praying for you and your family.

May 22, 2020

Friends of McEachern UMC,

I had a conversation with Dave and also a clergy Zoom meeting with our District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Terry Walton, regarding a “Phased Re-launching”.  Dave has asked for John and me to work on a plan, reflective of our denomination and societies steps.

Our Bishop has asked that we not return to in-person worship until June 28 with many guidelines. Our District Superintendent also stressed that things are subject to change as the conference monitors the data from Emory University, University of Washington, CDC, Governor Kemp and other health officials who are advising them.  John and I will begin meeting with lead staff next week and in coming weeks with some of our lay leadership about the “phased re-launching”.  None of us are crystal clear about the next 5-6 weeks, but I have some good news. 

Per my conversation with Dave we will be allowing the following soon:
              *softball
              *return to the weight room under strict guidelines: contact Shaun Nguyen or Lisa Kirk
              *some small groups of no more than 10 scheduled in rooms that allow for social distancing and wearing masks
              *counseling appointments with social distancing…see The Vine and bulletin for special offer

We will share our plan as we determine the best path forward in accordance with Bishop Sue, her cabinet and CDC guidelines for additional activities with Bishop Sue, her cabinet and CDC guidelines for additional activities to resume.


I know there are many asking about two specific events in the life of our church.

  1. June 28, Dave and April will be with us for the last time before the pastoral transitions across our conference.We will be making plans for in-person worship following guidelines from Dave, our Bishop and her cabinet and the CDC.
  2. Likewise, it is customary to have a reception as pastors’ transition, but guidelines won’t allow us to have events and large crowds.SPRC will be advising us on how we honor them that day.If you have questions please contact Dave Price or me.

Finally, during this time of transition please do not direct or make changes on room assignments scheduling, facility use, fields etc., so that all needs can be considered. Be on the lookout for a congregational survey regarding the re-launch.  If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Blessings,
Cindy

April 3, 2020

Dear McEachern Church Family:
 
This Sunday, April 5, I will be serving the sacrament of Holy Communion in our sanctuary during the worship service, and I would like for you to participate with me.  Of course, you are going to be in your home at that time, viewing the service on-line, so how will this be possible?
 
Well, thanks be to God, our bishop has given the churches of the North Georgia Conference a special dispensation whereby through a little creativity, Communion may be shared by everyone!  Here are the conference guidelines  which we will follow:
 
*You will need to provide your own bread and juice.  The type of bread doesn’t matter (i.e., sandwich bread, wheat bread, buns, pita, flatbread, gluten-free, etc.).  Plain crackers would be alright, too.
 
*We never want to trivialize the sacred nature of Holy Communion.  For instance, stay away from flavored crackers or goldfish, potato chips, cookies, Coke, Hawaiian Punch….you get the idea.  We want this to be a holy meal and a holy time.
 
*We cannot overemphasize the importance of handling all things at all times with clean hands.  This has nothing to do with religious legalism, but necessary health precautions.
 
*Find a plate and cups or glasses in your home that are not used on a frequent basis.  Use things that are special and nice.
 
*Before the service begins on Sunday, take the bread out of its container, place it on the plate, and cover it with a napkin.  Then pour the grape juice into your cups or glasses.  Cover the top of each cup or glass with a napkin.
 
*Once you have prepared your communion elements, place them in a special location.  Try to create a holy space for them so that your family sees them.  Consider a mantle or the center of your dining room or kitchen table.  Allow the communion elements to be the centerpiece rather than just more items on an already crowded surface.
 
*You will be prompted when to go to your Communion elements, and nothing will be rushed.  As we go through the Communion ritual, there will be words of invitation, prayers, and consecration, just as always.
 
*After the service, please remember that these will be consecrated elements, and therefore we dispose of them in a sacred manner.  Since the elements came from the ground (wheat, grapes, etc.), they should go back into the ground.  Thus, break the bread into small pieces and gently scatter them outside for the birds, and carefully pour the juice onto the ground in the shape of a cross.
 
*If you have any questions, please send me an email or call/text 706-473-9010.
 
*The grace that Christ extends to us through Holy Communion is much needed.  In fact, we need it now more than ever.  Please join us, and consider inviting a friend or two to worship with us, also.
 
Blessings to you,
Pastor Dave

Drive Through Communion & Drive In Sonrise Service Moved to ONLINE ONLY.

April 2, 2020

McEachern Family,
 
Based upon the strong recommendation of our Bishop, we are cancelling all McEachern drive-through Communions, and there will be no drive-in Sonrise service at McEachern.
 
Instead, Holy Communion will be offered via our live streaming.  We will be partaking of the Sacrament on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.  This evening an email was sent out with instructions regarding online communion and how it will work.  Please read it carefully so that you can be prepared for Holy Communion during the live service.
 
We will live stream the 7am Sonrise service on Easter Sunday.  Plan to join!
 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10
 
In His Service,
 
Pastor April

IMPORTANT UPDATES: Holy Week, COVID 19 Update, How You Can Help

March 26, 2020

HOLY WEEK

PALM SUNDAY:
April 5th, 10:30am Higher Ground Contemporary Service & 11am Traditional Service Livestream online services to include the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at home.
 
MAUNDY THURSDAY:
4pm Livestream online service to include the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at home.
Maundy Thursday Bulletin

GOOD FRIDAY:
4pm Livestream online service to include the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at home.

Good Friday Bulletin
EASTER SUNDAY
7am  Livestream Higher Ground Contemporary Sonrise Service  
 
9:30am Livestream Traditional Service
 
11am Livestream Traditional Service
Sonrise Service Bulletin
Easter Sunday Service Bulletin

 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

ALL EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS WILL BE IN COMPLETE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LATEST SAFETY GUIDELINES ISSUED BY CDC AND STATE OF GEORGIA.  Taking our direction from our Bishop, sanctuary (in person) worship will be suspended at least through March 29th, and may very well extend beyond that, aside from drive up Sonrise service on Easter and drive through Holy Communion during Holy Week. The 10:30 contemporary service and 11am traditional service will be available live on Higher Ground and McEachern Memorial’s Facebook page and YouTube channels respectively. Daily devotionals and updates can be found on McEachern’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 
 
TOWN HALL MEETINGS AT MCEACHERN
View discussions of the proposed Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation which will be voted on at General Conference in 2021.
 
LENTEN SERIES
Sundays, 7pm. Join us live online teachings on the last seven words of Christ. Worship services will include singing, prayer and preaching.
 
THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH PASTOR DAVE
Tuesdays, 10am. All are invited for a walk through Scripture. To be emailed the login information for the conference call, sign up through My McEachern.
 
McEACHERN KIDS DRIVE THRU
Tuesdays, 11am-Noon. Drive thru the Kid’s Entrance to the Christian Life Center for family faith kits to help us keep our eyes on Jesus. Join the McEachern Children’s
Ministry Facebook page to stay connected.
 
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR APRIL
Wednesdays, 6:30pm. All are invited to connect and study Scripture virtually (video or conference call).  To be emailed the login information, sign up to join through My McEachern or email Pastor April.
 
STUDENT SERVICES ONLINE
Middle and High School students can go to www.mumcstudents.com  to join a virtual small group and participate in midweek gatherings.
 

HOW YOU CAN HELP AT THIS TIME

  • Drop off food donations and Kroger/Publix gift cards at the circle drive on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday (if you wish to) or at 6:30am before the drive up Easter Sonrise service. Please bring Kroger/Publix gift cards and your non-perishable items to help families and seniors in our community.
  • Keep giving your regular tithes and offerings to the general funds during this time. This allows our church and our ministries to continue sharing the hope and gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and around the world.
  • Volunteers needed to help run errands for elderly in our communities. If interested, email Pastor April.
  • Volunteers needed to be part of small teams who wipe down food items and pack boxes for community. Email Beth Greene to get scheduled.
  • Volunteers needed to remotely return phone calls for aid. To schedule a training, email Beth Greene.
  • Pray for missionaries and those serving Christ around the world.

McEachern Memorial UMC CoVID-19 Update

March 13, 2020

To care well for one another, McEachern will take the steps below as our bishop and district superintendent are urging extreme caution as we navigate these uncharted waters.

  • With regard to worship services, we are asking that you not attend worship on the McEachern campus for the next two Sundays (March 15 and March 22).  However, our pastors and select music leaders will be in the sanctuary on both the 15th and 22nd to provide a live 11:00 service via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
  • Sunday School classes are cancelled until further notice.
  • All McEachern Seniors activities are cancelled until further notice.
  • McEachern Kids events are cancelled until further notice.
  • McEachern Youth activities are cancelled until further notice.  The Youth Silent Auction will be rescheduled for a later date this year.
  • Recreation activities are cancelled until further notice.
  • The McEachern preschool is closed until further notice.
  • The McEachern nursery is closed until further notice.
  • Our Town Hall meetings scheduled for March 19 and March 22 will have a different format.  There will be a small panel led by Bob Wright providing information through Facebook Live and Youtube Live.  We will have no “live” sanctuary audience at these two events.
  • All other activities are cancelled at McEachern until further notice.
  • Watch for daily updates regarding the resumption of McEachern activities.  Please check for updates in your email, as well as on McEachern’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • McEachern UMC paid staff will be working from home effective immediately and until further notice.  Staff should come by the church today (Friday) to pick up the materials they will need to work remotely.  This directive does not apply to our pastors, Carolyn Black, Tanya Ghoreishi, John Spain, or Ronnie Rainwater.
  • McEachern office volunteers will not report for work until further notice.
  • As always, staff are available both by email and voicemail.
  • Through on-line giving, we have the capacity to remain current in our tithes and offerings.  Our finance director, Carolyn Black, does an excellent job of overseeing our stewardship technology.  You may also text GIVE to 470-206-0441.
 
I understand that these are extraordinary safety measures.  Nonetheless, I think it best to maintain an abundance of caution until we receive word from health experts that the coronavirus crisis has subsided.  After all, according to Wesley, the first rule of ministry is “Do no harm.”  God’s strong provision of mercy and grace will sustain us during this temporary season.
 
Blessings,
 
Pastor Dave

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