CUMC delays re-opening

Despite initial plans to open this Sunday, July 12, officials with Concord United Methodist Church have decided to delay to an undetermined date.

In his weekly e-mail to church members Friday, July 3, Senior Pastor Larry Trotter noted, “COVID-19 cases in Knox County have been rising significantly over the past several days.

“Additionally, there is the possibility of a spike from July 4 holiday gatherings. I have been talking with other pastors and staff and consulting our COVID Advisory team, which includes church members from the medical and educational communities. We determined it makes the most sense to postpone opening the church until we see the upward trend in COVID cases begin to ease.

“Knox County Schools will make a decision about the fall on July 15, which will also inform our decision making. I am disappointed but absolutely convinced that waiting is the right decision,” he added.