Important Updates
This is a fluid and changing reality, and Middleburg UMC will remain flexible in communicating decisions with you.
You may also keep up with the Florida Conference updates at this website.
3/14 Update @ 1pm
We will meet tomorrow (Sunday March 15th) for Sunday Services.
Many want to worship and pray and we will proceed.
You do have your own choice to stay home—especially those that are high risk.
We will record the Sermon and share it to our Social Media for those that choose to stay home.
For Sunday School Classes:
The 945am Open Door Adult Sunday School class is cancelled.
Any other Sunday School Leaders who choose to cancel their class will notify each member of their class directly.
Prayers for Health & Protection
-Pastor Brian Sanderson
3/14 Update @ 330pm
Children's Ministry Update for tomorrow, Sunday March 15th, there will be NO 945am KidMin Class.
Mrs. Katie will provide a video of the KidMin lesson online to share with everyone. You will get a notification when it is ready for viewing.
There WILL be 11am Sunday School classes for the children.
The NURSERY WILL be available for those 3 yo and under.
3/16 Updates @ 5pm
All updates and decisions are subject to further extension based on new information from the CDC and government leaders, as well as guidance from church leadership.
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Wednesday Night Meals are Canceled for March
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Wednesday Night KidMin & Youth are canceled for this week.
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Wednesday Night Woman’s Bible Study Group is canceled for this week.
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The Budington Boutique is closed until further notice. They will NOT accept any donations at this time.
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The Food Bridge will remain open for now.
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Thursday’s UMM Gathering has been canceled. However, the Authentic Man Series 33 will continue in the small groups, restarting March 30th. If you haven’t signed up for a class there is still time. Please contact the facilitators.
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The Crusaders group and the The Open Door Adult Sunday School group that meet Sunday at 9:45am are canceled for March.
3/17 Update @ 1pm
After much prayer and consideration, We are canceling ALL church services and activities through the End of March.
The church staff will be available via telephone, text, email, the website and all mobile & social media outlets. We are asking that you not make any unnecessary visits to the church office for everyones safety & health.
We will provide worship, sermons and KidMin lessons online during this time.
You will be able to view these online at our website, through our mobile app and on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram).
You will be able to continue your tithing through our online giving
There will be no Thursday morning worship service BUT we will provide Food Bridge Food Service at 930am this week, 3/19/2020. It will be a drive-up service.
During this time, we will have volunteers available to serve those in the community who can’t get out (groceries, Rx, etc.) or that need assistance watching children. Please contact the church office for assistance.
Volunteers are also available to help you navigate the website and set up the mobile app to keep in touch with the church during this time.
A Message from Pastor Brian
3/24 Update @ 12 pm
Dear Church Family,
The hymn writer Jennie Wilson said, “Time is filled with swift transition.” Those words have taken on a new meaning in the last few weeks. The situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) is unfolding quickly. For the first time in my lifetime, churches have cancelled services. The services are cancelled, but your church staff is still working for you.
It is critical that we continue to give and practice generosity to God and people. Even though the building will not be open, the critical functions of the church will continue. In order to continue, your financial gifts are needed. You can mail checks to MUMC, 3925 Main Street, Middleburg, FL 32068, or use online giving through pushpay.
Please give often and generously so that we might continue to be faithful to God and our neighbors.
If you need help giving online, call the office and we can help walk you through the process.
3/26 Update @ 2pm
After more prayer and consideration, We will REMAIN CLOSED to ALL church services and activities through April 13th. We will revisit public worship after April 13th and we look forward to the day when we can celebrate together again.
The Middleburg United Methodist Men have suspended all classes and group activities until further notice. Men, you are encouraged to reach out, via phone or email, to the leadership team, anytime.
Jews For Jesus, that was scheduled for April 10th, will no longer be hosted at Middleburg UMC. Should online options be made available, we will share the details with you as we receive it.
April 2nd Update @ 2pm
Since There will be a stay-at-home order for Floridians beginning tonight at midnight and through for the next 30 days, the following decisions have been made…
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We are closing the church office today April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. our staff will be staying at home just like you. We will be available by phone, text and email.
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With much sadness, after prayer and seeking wisdom, we have decided to cancel our 195th homecoming service scheduled for (May 3rd 2020). This means we will plan on a big celebration next year.
Please stay connected via videos on our website & social media. Pastor Brian is so thankful for your continued prayers and support. Let us continue to find creative ways to love and serve one another. And may we be sure to live in the Resurrection and its power to heal in these troubled times.
April 11th UPDATE @ 10am
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has established a COVID-19 Task Force & is in need of LOTS of participants to assist in the making of over 11,000 surgical masks for our local hospitals from approved fabric that was given to them to make these specialized surgical masks. The making of surgical masks is only one aspect of the task force...non-surgical masks for our community are also in need as well as donations of supplies to make masks.
More Details at https://www.claychamber.com/community-news.html
PLEASE sign up on the Clay County COVID-19 Task Force & specify what you are able to do. Please share this information with others you know who might be interested.
April 21st UPDATE @ 1230pm
Bishop Carter has recommended no public worship through May 15, we will continue to have online services
through May 15.
May 5th UPDATE @ 10am
Greetings in Jesus Church family,
We are filled with a bit of excitement as we learn that the state is slowly getting back to work (life as we knew it). I wish that I could tell you this wasn't a new normal but we are learning a lot together (our governor is set to speak at 11:00 am on the subject-more to come).
The FLUMC (our Florida Conference office) sent out an email yesterday polling the laity and the clergy (if you are in a leadership position or have been, you probably got the email). Why? The Church is chomping at the it to get back to our normal, but we need to do it properly. So the conference wants to know what we are all thinking and how we would proceed safely given the opportunity to move forward.
We are almost there, Church! Praise God that you are reading this, and I celebrate with you that no one (that I am aware of) from our congregation has caught COVID-19. There are some that are currently sick and those that were sick, but we’re all still here.
I know I’ve missed seeing you all and look forward to sharing life together again in ministry with our Lord. Please keep praying for God’s will and stay the course, keep fighting the good fight of faith. We have a bright future with lots of ministry yet to do. Be safe. Stay smart. Remember we are all in this together—you matter, and your opinions matter. For now, let’s practice the virtue of patience (a little longer). Know that your Church leadership cares about you and seeks to keep you and our neighbors as safe as possible.
Your Church will continue monitoring the situation and want you to know that we are just as ready as you are to get back together.
May the Lord bless you and your family,
In His Love,
Pastor Brian
May 29th UPDATE
Phase 1: Soft Opening of Onsite Church Service
Our first onsite worship will be held June 21st at 9 a.m. outside in front of the historic church. We will have tents/canopies set up for shade and you are welcome to bring your own as well. Please bring your own chair if you have one but we will provide some as well if needed. Obviously, we have some guidelines/rules we will need to follow.
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Please stay home if you are sick or not feeling well.
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Please wear a mask and bring your own if you have one (we will have some on site if you need one)
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Families are welcome to sit together, other wise, please sit 6 feet away from others for social distancing
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No restrooms will be open so please plan accordingly
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We will plan on singing carefully and follow Conference guidelines.
Please understand this is just a soft opening so we may make changes as needed to keep everyone safe. We will still continue to provide recorded service/preaching for online viewing after the service for those that would feel safer to stay at home for a while longer. We completely understand if you'd rather continue watching online for now but also want to offer a onsite service for those that would like to attend.
The church office will be open starting June 15th and the staff will be there to attend to your needs.
June 17th REMINDER
Please Plan Ahead for this Sunday June 21st & June 28th at 9am!
There will be NO...
• Restrooms
• Child care / nursery
• KidMin in-person service
• Sunday School Small Groups
Food Bridge Worship will resume Thursday June 18th at 8am.
Food Bridge Food Distribution will immediately follow from 845am-1130am and will remain a drive-thru process.
If you plan to attend Thursday morning worship services, there are guidelines/rules you will need to follow.
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Please stay home if you are sick or not feeling well.
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Please wear a mask and bring your own if you have one (we will have some on site if you need one)
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Families are welcome to sit together, other wise, please sit 6 feet away from others for social distancing
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No restrooms will be open so please plan accordingly
6/30/2020 @ 12pm UPDATE
We have our first case of COVID-19! The parishioner has been hospitalized and is okay, they have a family member who is struggling worse at home. PRAY. Thankfully, the parishioner and their family have not been on our church campus.
Concerning guidelines we sent out previously by email and have copies in the office, we are not in compliance and have received a warning. We can't play games with people's lives. "Wearing masks is essential when any group gathers together. We ask everyone to wear a mask and do not consider masks to be optional." Since this is has become optional to many we cannot meet safely under the current guidelines.
Therefore, we revert now to our previous position of online virtual worship.
Believe me when I say I am one for routine and greatly miss our old routine. We will be back and we will be stronger and better able to seek the unchurched and make mature disciples of Jesus Christ.
If anyone would like to receive communion, Pastor has individually packaged servings to give out. Please call the church office to schedule an appointment.
The Church office will remain open until further notice.
Small groups can continue to meet as long as they practice social distancing, wear masks, keep groups small, and disinfect when done.
7/8/2020 @ 5pm UPDATE
The Bread Basket is closed until Further Notice.
The Budington Boutique (clothes closet) will only be available by appointment until further notice. Call the church office to make an appointment.
The Food Bridge will have a YARD SALE Benefiting the Food Bridge on Friday 7/10 from 8am-12pm Outside the Budington Building. If attending, a MASKS IS REQUIRED.
8/4/2020 @ 1pm UPDATE
We are excited to announce that we will resume in person worship! I know this has been a frustrating and scary time for some, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Our first service back will be August 23rd in the Family Life Center at 10 a.m. We will only be having one service each Sunday for now. We will continue to follow Conference guidelines that require us to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Services will be available for online viewing as soon as our volunteer can upload it (which should be later that evening or the next day).
We look forward to seeing you!