Dear United Methodist friends,
Grace and peace to you as we wait, pray, and serve one another, persevering in love in this time of COVID-19.
Together we receive today the wisdom of Governor Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Cohen relative to life ahead in North Carolina. We choose to live together in faithful ways that protect our neighbors and lessen the threat of the pandemic for all people.
The Governor’s stay-at-home directive is extended with the current restrictions through May 8, including restrictions on gatherings including public worship. As your bishop, I thank you for your leadership as I urge you to honor this public health guidance with patience and perseverance.
We pray for health and safety for one another, our neighbors, and all people as we all receive Governor Cooper’s 3-phase plan for North Carolina.
My prayers are with you as you continue in faithful fruitful ministry in this extraordinary time.
With gratitude to God for each of you,
Hope Morgan Ward