Building Closed March 15-March 31

Grace and peace, Beloved!

Last evening, the church council and I decided that the best course of action in love for one another is to close the church building from March 15-March 31.  This is Step Three of the protocols that was sent in an email last night. Many who share our building are in those vulnerable populations.  We also can’t keep up with the level of cleaning required to mitigate the building’s use on a daily basis.  This is not an easy decision.  It is the right decision for our community.

So now what?
All Twelve Step and other groups that meet have been been notified.
Faith Camp scheduled for March 21 is cancelled.
The Fish Fry for March 28 is being postponed to a later date.
The Easter Egg Hunt for April 5 is cancelled.
Wednesday Bible Study is suspended.
Faith & Life may meet via Zoom (tbd)

Midweek Lent Worship will take place via Zoom and an invitation to join that ‘meeting’ will be sent in a separate email on Tuesdays.

Sunday Worship has two forms:
1. Worship at home – I’ll be sending tomorrow’s bulletin with links to bible verses and hymns in an email later today.  You may gather your family together and participate in house church, as our early church families did.
2. You may join in a short service of the word that will be available via Zoom at 9 AM.  You’ll be able to either call in or logon with your computer to see one another.

I will be available through my church email pastor@sothnj.org or home phone 973-810-3330.  Pastoral emergencies can reach me at 414-732-3820.

If you have a need – child care, pickup groceries, running low on toilet paper, let me know.  We’ll work together to find a solution.

You are all in my prayers as we journey in this wilderness.  May we see God in the unexpected.

In Peace,
Pastor Tina