Response to COVID-19 Concerns

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

 (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Saturday March 14, 2020

Dear FUMC Sulphur Springs Family,

The news about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is changing rapidly. Almost hourly we get new reports, insights, and notices about closings. It’s imperative, therefore, to remain flexible and continually reevaluate. From what we gather from the medical community, government agencies, community leaders, school districts, and ecclesiastical leaders, this is not a time to panic, but it is a time for proactive measures. The vast majority of people handle and recover just fine from COVID-19. Our concern is not so much that healthy, able-bodied people get sick. Rather, it is that the healthy, able-bodied might be in an environment where they contract the virus, and unintentionally spread it to those who are more vulnerable. Experts are concerned about the healthcare system becoming overwhelmed with people who desperately need care being unable to get it.

We are convinced there is no perfect answer, and no answer will satisfy everybody. We originally considered continuing all activities as planned using proactive measures. We considered modifying the schedule and practices, with a strong word of caution for our seniors and those in poor health. Yet, we woke this morning to the reality that any gathering is still a gathering. Love for this congregation is so great that some will come just to support it. While we deeply appreciate that love and loyalty, we don’t feel that’s what is best for our congregation and the community at this moment.

After prayer and counsel, we offer the following protocol: All church services, meetings, activities and events are cancelled until further notice. We will be reevaluating this daily.

Our leadership will be conducting a live-stream worship service at 11 am. We believe that a live-stream worship service is far better than a “bubble wrap” service where the precautions become hindrances. Additionally, President Trump has declared tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, to be a National Day of Prayer. We’ll certainly be praying together tomorrow. We encourage and invite you to join us for worship through this live-stream.

The church office will remain open. Please let us know how we can pray for you; let us know what we can do for you. Jason and I are certainly still available for pastoral care.

This is one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make, but we’re making it in faith and not fear. We want to do our part by coming alongside our community.

Blessings, 

Ed Lantz

Jason Dietze


Worship Times

We invite you to join us Sunday morning for worship. We have two worship services each week to offer a meaningful worship experience for a variety of people. High quality Nursery care is available for both services on Sundays.

  • Traditional Worship Service

    Our 11:00am service in the Sanctuary features all of the traditional aspects of United Methodist worship.  This service offers a variety of music, an excellent Chancel Choir and guests musicians.

  • Ignite contemporary Service

    Ignite is the contemporary worship experience that meets at 9:00am in the Family Life Center.  We have a worship leader and a band and frequently include experiential elements like prayer stations.  We also celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month.

Current Sermon Series

Purple: A Lenten Worship Experience on Repentance and the Reign of Christ

March 1-29


Purple is the liturgical color for Lent. It symbolizes repentance and royalty. It reminds us to turn from our sins and to rely on the mercy of our victorious King, Jesus.  What areas of your life do you feel you need to turn over to the Lord? Perhaps it’s pride, worry, fear, anger, or selfishness. Perhaps it’s something else. Each Sunday of Lent you’ll be invited to prayerfully name your struggle, and leave it at the foot of the cross.


It’s more than just a color.