Updated 5/30/2020
Worship Services: Because we are a congregation of over 100 on average, we are at this time planning to continue offering our main worship service online. The service is prerecorded, loaded on to the website on Saturday afternoon/evening and available for you view at your convenience (though we recommend keeping your Sunday morning tradition). You can also access previous weeks on the website as well.
We are also sending Audio CD’s of our worship service to any without the ability to connect via the website. If you know of anyone that would be blessed by an audio CD, please let us know (378-2651)
What ministries are meeting in person?
During the entirety of Phase 3 we will be working to keep group size at or below 10, and ask for attendees to follow the Illinois recommendations for social distancing and usage of face masks while attending a ministry in the building.
Beginning this week the following ministries are meeting in person at the church:
Open Sanctuary Hours: The sanctuary will be open three times a week and you are welcome to stop in for a time of personal prayer. There will be at least one staff member present, masks and hand sanitizer will be provided. We will have a table with devotional material and you are welcome to take copies home. Sanctuary hours will begin on MONDAY JUNE 1ST and use the following schedule:
Monday 5-7 PM
Thursday 8-10 AM
Sunday 2-4 PM
Griefshare: Beginning Sunday June 7th our grief-support group will resume meeting using the Griefshare curriculum on Sundays at 4:00 PM in the downstairs church library. We are asking that you register if you plan to attend. Please register by sending an email to pastor@downsumc.org or by calling the church office at 378-2651
What Ministries are Continuing Digitally?
Tuesday Morning Bible Study is continuing to meet via the Zoom App. We’re having a great conversation about the book of Daniel and would love to have you join us. We meet at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and you can join the group by sending an email to office@downsumc.org
Youth Ministry Zoom Meetings: Our youth ministry is continuing to meet via the Zoom app. Contact Kyle Boward youth@downsumc.org to learn how to join.
Journey Group Zoom Meetings: Our Journey Group small groups are still meeting via Zoom. If you are interested in this ministry please contact the church office: office@downsumc.org 378-2561
The Faith at Home Page: visit Faith at Home page and find great readable and downloadable content to aid you in growing closer to God right at home! This page contains a wide variety of information: Instructions on creating a worship space at home, spiritual discipline instructions (new ways to pray and more), devotions for the whole family while you’re home.
Email Devotionals: The Pastor is writing daily email devotionals during this time of isolation due to corona. Email office@downsumc.org to be added to the list.
Prayer Chain: In addition to excellent prayer support we will also be using our prayer chain to coordinate supply needs among the church community. Send an email to office@downsumc.org to be added to the prayer chain.
Online Worship Preparation: There is a way for you to help from home. If you would like to lend your voice to the service (scripture reading, prayers, or announcements) please let us know and we’ll send you instructions. Contact the church office at 378-2651 or office@downsumc.org
Contact the Pastor: Should you be in need of prayer, feeling especially isolated, or in a spiritual crisis, you are invited to contact Pastor Ken. His cell phone number is being shared in an all church mailing. You can also email pastor@downsumc.org or contact the church office at 378-2651