In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his many accomplishments towards civil rights, an interfaith celebration (including CUMC and GAUMC) entitled, “Keep the Dream Alive: Be a Difference Maker” will take place over Zoom on January 17th, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Members from the book group,” How to Be an Antiracist” will also be a part of this program. All are invited.

We will watch a portion of MLK’s “I Have a Dream Speech,” that was delivered by this American civil rights activist during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28th, 1963, in which Martin called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. We will also hear from “Black Voices Matter,” words from African Americans both past and present who are calling for racial justice. Songs will be sung in his honor. Readings of justice, oneness of humanity, and service/actions that reflect Martin Luther King Jr. will be heard.

Youth are encouraged to be a part of this celebration by giving speeches about the need to be a “difference maker” so MLK’s dream stays alive. A song entitled, “Difference Maker” will also be sung.

Our program will end with a discussion of “Where do we go from here?” Closing this celebration will be the singing of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “We Shall Overcome.” Please watch for more details in the January newsletter, including the link to this Zoom celebration. If you would like to be a part of this important program, please contact Pat Morrissey at patmorrissey19@gmail.com Thank You!

MLK Program

Here is the link to the website event - https://www.bridgethedivide.life/event-details/keep-the-dream-alive-be-a-difference-maker

This is the actual zoom link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81168829345?pwd=ZXlyU1Y0VzlTSkp1SUdQMEV1UWowdz09

This is the event page on FB - https://www.facebook.com/events/2854158188198670/

The Administrative Council has not approved opening the church for in-person worship at this time.  This was a unanimous decision at the November Administrative Council meeting as they analyzed the current trends and escalation of the spread of Covid-19 in Wisconsin.  A survey of the congregation is underway, and partial results were shared at this meeting indicating that some people are willing to attend an in-person worship service with conditions, and some are not.  Obviously, we want to come back as soon and safely as possible, and in ways that are socially and spiritually uplifting, and in ways that do not expose those we care for to unnecessary risk.  This is a very difficult time, and an imperfect choice.  For now, we will continue to produce our weekly audio worship experience and our video worship service, and pray for the day we can gather in joy and without fear in the presence of one another.  God is with us still.  A message from Bishop Jung on increasing Co-vid infections in Wisconsin Conference.

October is a transition month. A survey is being prepared for use with our congregation to discern who is ready to gather for inside face to face worship services using the recommended precautions, including limited numbers, preregistration, sanitization, masks, and adaptations to the liturgy to reduce physical contact and aerosol spray. Group singing remains a highly risky activity. Please refer to recent guidance from the Wisconsin Council of Churches (reprinted in this newsletter). The Administrative Council will work with the results of this survey, the rate of Covid-19 virus spread in Ozaukee County, and the scope of volunteer support needed to return to limited indoor worship services. The virtual Audio Worship Service will be produced continually on a weekly basis throughout October. A new Sunday morning worship video will be produced starting Sunday, October 4th. This alternative worship service will be a shorter opportunity for joining with the staff in prayer, scripture reading and a short message. It will be available on the front page of the church website at www.cedarburgcumc.org on Sunday mornings. When we go to limited in-person indoor worship, this service will be posted instead.

Audio Worship Themes
October 4 World Communion Sunday      A discussion on Global Christianity and the Sacrament

October 11 Stewardship Sunday      Introducing our Fall Pledge Campaign and a discussion about the spirituality of giving (with Mike Harrington)

October 18 Five Week Series on Job      Why is there suffering, and what does God have to do with it? What if there was no reward for having faith? Why was Job written? (with Tom Wilmeth)

October 25 Five Week Series on Job      Is God in control? Where does evil come from? Why do bad things happen to anyone? (with Tom Wilmeth)

November 1 Five Week Series on Job      Friends of Job: Are they helping? (with Tom Wilmeth)

November 8 Five Week Series on Job      God and Job: How does it work? What is the recipe for doing the right things and getting what you want from God? What about mystery? (with Tom Wilmeth)

November 15 Five Week Series on Job Patience, Humility, Humiliation, and Restoration: how does the ending of Job informs faith? (with Tom Wilmeth)

The Administrative Councils of both congregations (Community UMC and Grand Avenue UMC) have decided to extend the August building use and worship practices through the month of September.

Both Administrative Councils have looked at the current state of containment and management of the pandemic this month. They have received recent guidance from the Wisconsin Council of Churches and updated advice from the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church Covid-19 Task Force. They have taken into consideration the risk categories of members, and the current availability of an effective treatment or vaccine. They have noted what the different school districts are doing about in person attendance this Fall and are watching to see how these policies work, how they affect families, and what the consequences are with children gathering indoors in close proximity. They have learned from other congregations in our area who have attempted holding indoor worship in limited numbers with all the necessary precautions. These churches have seen a very small response for in-person indoor worship, usually 10% - 15% of normal attendance prior to the pandemic. They have analyzed the amount of energy and work associated with preparing for and managing safety and liability for indoor in-person worship services. Guidance from experts and best advice from our local church leaders is that it is not time yet. There is so much more we can do outside in ways that are less rigidly controlled.

We want to come back to inside in-person worship as soon as it is possible and in ways that are safe for all our members and constituents. We want people to feel confident and unafraid, and able to focus on worship. We want it to be a worshipful and joyful experience and not another form of trauma. We are developing new and better ways to provide ministry including video options for worship, exploring ways to adapt technology for older members, and finding alternative ways for people to connect with each other.

In September both congregations can and will
continue to:

Worship in unlimited numbers outside with performance music using social distancing.

Meet small groups inside in a designated room using masks, social distancing, and deep cleaning.

Worship and connect for meetings and small group conversations online.

Stay connected with each other using the telephone.
Read the Bible and pray, remembering that the church is not the building, the church is the people.