As we move toward our “next normal” you will find updates posted on this page, so please check back for the most recent updates. As well, if you have not completed our congregational survey, please do so here.
January, 2021 Update
The last 10 months of dealing with COVID and its necessary precautions and adaptations have been exhausting. It’s easy to be frustrated with the limitations and separation. Yet, we have reason for hope. Because not only is Indiana experiencing decreased cases of the Coronavirus in the ICU, the Church is still alive! Our congregations are reaching new people and changing lives. And our diligence with COVID is paying off. Be encouraged, friends. Hope lives on!
8.12.20 Update
Friends,
As we continue through this uncertain time, I would like to share part of a recent letter sent from our Conference Superintendent Dr. Aleze Fulbright offering her words of guidance. At this time, we are in no hurry to return to in-person worship for the safety and well being of not only our congregation, but our community. Please continue to join us Sunday mornings @ 10:30am here or on Greencastle’s Channel 3 Public Access station.
Excerpt from Dr. Fulbright letter dated August 4, 2020:
As many of our congregations have re-engaged in-person worship experiences over the last few weeks, I wonder if we are considering the “needs of the many?” I am hearing there is excitement to actually be back in the buildings to see masked faces, but I am also hearing that “it is just not the same.” I know many of our pastors are experiencing the public pressures for whether or not to continue with in-person experiences during this time, as there has been a recent resurgence in positive COVID-19 cases across Indiana. Through my many texts, calls, and emails, here is what I would like to offer; as your congregation prayerfully considers the safety of all, is it worth the compromise of one person for the sake of the preferences of a few?
Since we were thrust into this global pandemic over eighteen weeks ago, we are still called to proclaim the Good News, even when it is contrary to public opinion. One of our simple rules, as Methodists, is to DO NO HARM. If congregations believe, after prayerful consideration, that harm will be done to continue in-person worship …OR harm is being done to pastors and ministry teams (via burnout or overtasking) for trying to produce several worship experiences with excellence…DO NO HARM and remain virtual for an indefinite period!
During this time, we cannot afford to lead from our personal agendas; we must be about God’s agenda, even virtually. I believe we are experiencing a time where the Good News of Jesus Christ is being spread around the world for many to hear, and we must be about the business of Jesus Christ, even virtually, so that many may come to know this love and draw into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember, “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…or the one.”
In Service and On Mission,
Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright
Conference Superintendent serving West District
5.6.20 Update
Dear Gobin Family,
As I am sure you have heard, Governor Holcomb recently issued guidelines to begin the process of slowly returning Indiana back to a new state of normalcy. As we are eager to worship and gather together, we also want to be certain this can be done in a safe and healthy manner. That being said, at this time we plan to carry on with our live streaming service at least until June 14. This is the earliest recommended return-to-worship date advised by the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Until then, we hope you will continue to join us for the livestream service at gobinchurch.org or on the Gobin Facebook page.
Please know if you are in need of a place to pray or to seek solace and comfort during this uncertain time, the sanctuary will be open and available daily from 10am-2pm beginning Monday, May 11. We ask that you remain aware of others who might be occupying the space and to please allow safe distancing.
If and when these guidelines change, we will certainly communicate them. Until then, we are hopeful and look forward to the day when we can worship together, in person, once again.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bryan
3.18.20 Update
Dear Gobin Family,
The Indiana State Department of Health continues to advise: “Smaller, non-essential gatherings held in venues which do not allow social distancing of six (6) feet per person should be postponed or canceled.”
As a community of followers of Jesus Christ, we know a few things:
1. The most frequent phrase in scripture is some form of “Do Not Be Afraid.” However difficult it may be, we are encouraged by our loving God to approach this season of uncertainty without fear. This is far easier said than done, I know. In fact, it takes prayer and practice. Watch Joel Everson talk about such practices here. I am especially thankful for Joel Everson’s helpful teaching at 20:17.
2. We are called to love God AND to love our neighbors. We know that a way we can all contribute to the good of our neighbors, especially older adults and immunosuppressed people who are more at risk, is to find ways for community without physically communing.
Gobin Church will contribute to this effort, to showing our lives are “good news,” by holding our Sunday worship service through online streaming and radio broadcast only. We are following the recommendations of the ISDH and CDC in doing so, as are other faith communities throughout the nation. Hopefully we can alleviate pressure on our overtaxed health care system by preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Our worship service this Sunday will still begin at 10:30am. If you only have access to radio broadcast, we invite you to tune in to WGRE 91.5.
However, you can join us online. Simply go to Gobin’s Live Feed here. You will be able to participate in the readings, songs, and prayers just as you would if you were here in person.
In the meantime:
Pray for those who are affected by this virus – those who are ill, the medical professionals treating them, the scientists working on vaccines and cures and the leaders making tough decisions to try and curb the spread of the virus and keep us safe. Pray for those with mental health concerns, as well as those who feel extra lonely during this time –please reach out to anyone you think might be feeling isolated over the next few weeks.
Educate yourself about the Coronavirus from credible and reliable sources, such as the World Health Organization, the CDC, and the Indiana State Department of Health. Know the symptoms and have a plan for what you would do if you or a family member were to become sick.
Check on your friends and neighbors. If you know someone who may not have internet access, give them a call and share the information in this email. If the virus spreads through our community as predicted, we can continue to reach out and care for one another through phone calls, emails and social media.
As the virus spreads, many doctors and nurses will be working long hours. Bless these medical professionals with acts of kindness and notes of appreciation.
Remember this is temporary. Our church continues to serve our congregation and community. Continue to be a part of the ministry – the need for the support you give in Greencastle and around the world continues despite the pandemic. Watch your email for opportunities to serve individually or in smaller groups. Please continue your financial support of the work of the church. Many of you have set up your tithes and offerings to be automatically given. If you haven’t, you can give your tithes and offering online here, or you can mail a check to Gobin Church at PO BOX 66, Greencastle, IN, 46135.
Please reach out to me or any member of the Leadership Team with questions or concerns, and if you or someone you know needs care. We continue to live into our vision of honestly sharing our whole selves with one another in relationship, even when the season necessitates we do so in imaginative, creative and virtual ways.
Finally, friends, let us renew our trust in God. I share with you the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bryan
Gobin Leadership Team
Pastor Bryan: pastor@gobinumc.org; 765-365-2270
Marianne Savage, Chair: marianne.savage@comcast.net; 765-473-1293
Randy Funk: rfunkschool@gmail.com; 765-247-9399
Jeremiah Hagler: jrhagler03@gmail.com; 317-701-7273
Justin Hall: justinmhall.05@gmail.com; 765-720-8420
Gayle Hansen: ghansen78@icloud.com; 765-721-1018
Alisa Isaacs-Bailey: alisa@gobinumc.org: 317-496-3295
Carol Miller: goldie21677@gmail.com; 828-606-6354
Beth Newton Watson: thewatsondavies@gmail.com; 765-301-0087
Mark Nicklasch: marknicklaschartist@gmail.com; 812-249-0916
Dick Shuck: dickshuck@depauw.edu; 765-301-0409
Joe Sweet: jsweet13@att.net; 512-436-1156
