Canton Church of the Brethren

I continue to hope and pray that you are safe and well. If at any time you need to visit or you have thoughts and concerns you need to share, please contact me by phone (cell: 309-224-4828), text (same number), or email (cantoncob@gmail.com).

Because we are social beings, having the ability to continue meeting together on Sunday is important The online platform Zoom provides us with a means of connecting electronically. It isn’t the same as being present with each other in the same location, but it is a platform that allows us to be present with each other by video/audio or audio from the safety of our own homes.

Therefore, for the next 2 Sundays, March 22 and 29, we have the opportunity to connect with each other using Zoom at our regular meeting time of 9:30am. If you have access to a computer, microphone, and camera (fairly standard laptop) you can easily access the Zoom connection. Even if you do not have this equipment, you can still join in by phone. Using the phone does not provide video but at least offers connection by voice (you can share and you can hear others who are sharing). A few directions will follow.

The next section of this letter is an invitation to join the Zoom connection.

Kevin Kessler is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Canton COB  – Sunday

Time: Mar 22, 2020 09:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

        Every week on Sun, until Mar 29, 2020, 2 occurrence(s)

        Mar 22, 2020 09:30 AM

        Mar 29, 2020 09:30 AM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Weekly: https://zoom.us/meeting/vpUpfu-qrTsqzmkBZKDpm8wxzQ7KMK1E1g/ics?icsToken=98tyKuqpqjIsGNeVsF_HZ7YvA8H8bM_yk2tDoYFntzv1DnhEehnHYclvGeNaQd-B

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/314962300 

Meeting ID: 314 962 300

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,314962300# US (Chicago)

+16468769923,,314962300# US (New York) 

Dial by your location

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US

        +1 301 715 8592 US

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 314 962 300

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a1zOd0xW4

For those joining by computer, simply copy the highlighted link above into your browser and click go. This option should work even if you do not have Zoom downloaded on your computer. When first accessing a Zoom meeting this way, simply follow the instructions as they pop up on your screen. If you have the Zoom software downloaded, you can login to your account, add the Meeting ID# and proceed to the meeting.

If you join by phone, where you see Dial by your location, use the highlighted number. After dialing the number, you will be instructed to put in the Meeting ID number, also highlighted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch with me prior to Sunday and I’ll be glad to walk you through the process.

For this Sunday, March 22, 2020, I am using a resource from The Christian Century, Living by the Word. The resource can be accessed at https://www.christiancentury.org/article/living-word/march-22-lent-4a-john-91-41?utm_source=Christian+Century+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8dc629c6f7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_17_12_51&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b00cd618da-8dc629c6f7-86239775. A pdf copy is attached if you are receiving this information by email. A printed copy is included if you are receiving this information by US Postal Service. Along with the material are questions that I’ve prepared which we can use as conversation starters. Your questions and comments are so very welcome as well.

I’m happy to use this resource for March 29 but also open to receiving your suggestions for resources or options we can utilize.

In addition to connecting on Sunday morning, I’m making available two more options for connecting with each other. On Wednesday evenings, at 6:00pm, again using Zoom, we will meet without an agenda. This will simply be a time for checking in, sharing whatever is on our hearts and minds. The other option is an online forum where we can engage at any time. I will share information about how to connect to this forum after I have it in place (still a work in progress; would love your ideas if you know a good platform for doing this).

I’ll reiterate that we can continue to give our tithes and offerings during these times of social distancing. You may send your contributions to the church at 269 E. Chestnut, Canton, IL 61520, or you may drop them by the church. If I am not in the office, place your envelope with the contribution in Mailbox #1 (in the room immediately behind the sanctuary). We are in the process of putting in place an online way of making contributions, as well.

Share with others you think would be interested in joining our conversation.

I’ll close this lengthy communication with this: How can I help? If you need groceries delivered, medicine picked up, or a few moments to chat, or anything else, how can I help?