A call to grieve and honor those who have died from COVID-19

posted on May 26

Dear Friends,
 
We have moved into a period of this pandemic where we have reached the marker of 100,000 deaths. It is truly a momentous time, and we ask that you take time this Sunday to mark this loss. We are calling all our churches to join in a nationwide time of prayer and remembrance this weekend in your services. It's hard to comprehend that this is the fifth deadliest event in US history. In our own district, we have lost members of our local churches and numerous family members. We grieve with them now. 
 
As you begin to put your worship services together for Pentecost, please take a few moments to ask the powerful Holy Spirit to provide healing, wisdom, and strength. Leave sacred space to remember those who have been lost, and pray that we might act with a wisdom that would honor their memories, slow the spread of the virus, and honor the work of those health professionals and scientists who are caring for us now. I would ask you to take a look at some of our historic prayers, resources in our United Methodist Hymnal and Book of Worship, and to seek your own creative ways to mark this moment and to lead lament with your people, towards the end that we might all be healed. 
 
A letter is attached for your reference, with some ideas included in it. 
 
Blessings of Health and Peace, 
 
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent & Chief Missional Strategist
Northern Piedmont District