Posts by David Jacobson
Masks Optional (with some exceptions)
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It’s true! Our Administrative Council has unanimously affirmed the recommendation of our Re-Entry/COVID Task Force. Two years to the day after we began to shut down church activities due to COVID, masks are now (mostly) optional at CUMC. We’re very thankful for this reprieve, and I know you all will join with me in praying that it would be the beginning of the end. Please don’t burn your mask yet, though! Currently, the CDC categorizes Baltimore County…
A Letter From the RE-Entry Task Force Chair
The CUMC Re-Entry Task Force met on June 22 to evaluate and chart out a course for the summer and beyond. As part of our discussion, we viewed the current practices and policies of other United Methodist Churches, within the Baltimore Washington Conference, that are of similar size and scope. We looked at the Sunday In-Person Worship practices of Glen Mar UMC in Howard County, Towson UMC in Northern Baltimore County, and Severna Park UMC in Anne Arundel County. All…
June COVID Update
Dear Members and Friends of Catonsville UMC, Grace and peace to you. Thank you for your understanding as we’ve been working to navigate the health crisis of this past year. The patience you have displayed is not something that we, the church’s leadership, take for granted. We are also very thankful for those who took the time to participate in our survey several weeks ago regarding COVID and Re-Entry. The survey was beneficial to us in understanding how various people…
On Re-Entering Well
CUMC Family, Recently, Governor Hogan lifted the stay-at-home order for the state of Maryland while emphasizing that we are “safer at home.” You probably have questions for what this means for church. We might liken our current situation to that of an ice storm or blizzard. During such a storm, it may not be illegal for us to meet, but it may be unsafe or unwise to do so. It remains the concern of CUMC’s leadership and of our Bishop…
How To Have Easter Sunrise Service On your Porch (5 Easy Steps!)
This is an Easter unlike any other. That much is clear. But that reality also gives us an opportunity to have a one-of-kind worship experience. I’m not talking about Hollywood-level special effects in our Sunday live stream (although that would be interesting!). Rather, what if we all just got back to basics, and gave thanks for the risen Son with the rising sun? Here are some practical suggestions about how to create an Easter Sunrise worship experience for yourself and/or…
A Message from Finance Committee Chair Scott Ensor
A Message from Finance Committee Chair Scott Ensor Dear CUMC Family Member, Thank you for being an active and faithful member of our Catonsville United Methodist Church community. As Chair of the CUMC Finance Committee, I am asking that you prayerfully consider your ability to continue your financial support despite our current unprecedented circumstances. Please know that while coronavirus health concerns and “social distancing” might preclude us from holding regularly scheduled worship services for some time, our CUMC staff and…
A Memo From the Administrative Council and A Letter from Pastor David
A memo from the administrative council The Administrative Council has discussed the ongoing public health crisis known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In an effort to be proactive and to educate our members and implement a strategy to limit the exposure and transmission of the Coronavirus the following actions have been taken: In the event that BCPS (Baltimore County Public Schools) should determine to suspend classes to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, the following CUMC programs will be suspended until…
January 3 Pastoral Letter
Members and friends of Catonsville United Methodist Church, Today, we received significant news that representatives of the largest and most influential caucus groups within the United Methodist Church (UMC), together with several bishops from across the theological spectrum, have reached an agreement that seeks to put an end to the conflict our denomination has over how LGBTQ+ persons are to be included in the life of the church. From the press release: “The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace…
Stewardship Letter
People of Catonsville United Methodist Church, It is a privilege to write to you again. I continue to feel incredibly blessed and honored to be your pastor as God leads us into a new season of life and ministry together. Today, I am writing on behalf of the stewardship committee, as this is the time of the year when we each have the opportunity to pledge our level of financial support to the church for the coming year. In preparing…
Fall Congregational Letter
Members of Catonsville United Methodist Church, I greet you in the wonderful name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am writing in the week following Rally Day, our annual Sunday School kickoff, excited by the energy and vitality of our community as we worship, learn, and serve in Catonsville together. It has been over two months since I began to serve Catonsville UMC as lead pastor, and I have…
Pastor David’s Day 1 Email
Greetings to all of the members and friends of Catonsville United Methodist Church! July is upon us, which means that today is my first official day as your lead pastor. Having formerly been a member of CUMC myself, and having benefited personally from the ministry of Pastor Mark, I am profoundly honored to follow in his footsteps as your lead pastor. I am also honored to begin to serve alongside such a capable and dedicated staff. Although today is my…