Director Sellers, thanks for doing an excellent job on the ICUA Special Edition Bulletin. I know that the members are going to enjoy reading this very information issue of the Bulletin.
Thanks very much,
Pansy Bradley-Cooper
President
ICUA of Washington, DC & Vicinity, Inc.
Theme: “The Power of Love and Unity”
“We Walk By Faith And Not By Sight.”
To God be the Glory for the great things that He has done, is doing, and continues to do for His people.
For months, we have been affected by a deadly pandemic that touched the World. In addition to COVID-19, we have witnessed the loss of a life – George Floyd – by four Minneapolis, Minnesota Police Officers, and the protests for justice and racial equality.
We are in a season of uncertain times – we don’t know what will happen from one day to the next. Even though a lot is going on around us, we can rest assured that we serve a true and living God that never changes; He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. Whatever happens from day to day, the Lord is going to see us through.
Thank God for the ability to stay connected with the members of the ICUA via Webex video conferencing, conference calls, E-Mails, and Calling Post Messaging during COVID-19! We were able to keep the members abreast of ICUA events and activity cancellations.
In lieu of the inability to conduct our monthly Business Meetings since March 2020, the Executive Committee {ICUA Elected and Appointed Officers} has been meeting monthly to take care of the business of the Organization.
The ICUA has been without a Spiritual Advisor since the passing of our beloved Reverend Mary Brown Oliver. God has placed it on my heart to appoint a new Spiritual Advisor for the ICUA. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Elder Alfred H. McCain, Sr. – Senior Pastor, Macedonia Community Church – as the newly appointed ICUA Spiritual Advisor.
We extend congratulations and best wishes to the ICUA 2020 Graduates from all levels – Elementary, Middle, and High School – and the ICUA Education and Scholarship Department, Catherine E. Mills School of Ushering. During the COVID-19 season, each of you had to endure and adjust to various challenges such as distance learning, no Commencement, no prom, no interaction with friends, and in some cases, family members. You did not let these challenges stop you from persevering and achieving your goals. Job Well Done!
COVID-19 is a Global virus. We all experience sheltering in place, wearing face coverings, social distancing, mass limitations on essential items such as toilet tissue, paper towels, hand sanitizer, etc. The death totals from the virus is the worst in the history of the United States. We extend our profound sympathy to the families that lost loved ones due to the virus. To our essential personnel – those on the front line that worked diligently during the pandemic caring for coronavirus victims and keeping our Cities and States safe – we applaud you and thank you for your service!
Churches will be reopening soon for in-person Worship Service. Guidelines and procedures will be developed by each individual Church. The duties and responsibilities for Church Ushers will be different; it will be a “new normal” for Church Ushers. As Church Ushers, we have been trained to usher according to the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. {NUCUAA} Ushers’ Manual. Please be mindful that safety should be the number one priority.
All ICUA activities and events are cancelled through September 2020.
The ICUA Headquarters will be reopening in early July for meetings for individuals of 10 or less. The Board of Trustees is in the process of establishing guidelines and procedures for the reopening of the Headquarters.
The ICUA will resume taking individual pictures for the Pictorial Documentary at the ICUA Headquarters in early July. The dates will be provided at a later date along with guidelines and procedures for entering the ICUA Headquarters that is located at 1923 – 16th Street, NW. in Washington, DC 20009.
I encourage each of you to please visit the ICUA Website at www.icuaofdc.org for updates and cancellations.
To each of you, please stay encouraged. There is light at the end of the tunnel. God is the light of the World.
Happy Birthday to all celebrating a birthday during the month of July!
Let us continue to work together in the spirit of Love and Unity.
Continue to be healthy, safe, and blessed.
Submitted by,
Pansy Bradley-Cooper
President
