Church in the Age of Coronavirus
The BPC Session voted unanimously to suspend all in-person activities at BPC (including worship) effective Friday, March 13: On May 25, the Session voted to extend the building closure through the end of July.Still, we are offering many ways to communicate and engage in community.
Our intention is to celebrate Easter at BPC on the Sunday when we finally are able to reconnect as community in person, regardless of when that day comes or what time of year it is. It will be an Easter for us–a marking of new life, resurrection, the fulfillment of hope. We are keeping our newly commissioned Easter banners (pictured here) hung in the Meeting House until then, a reminder that love never ends and that church is more than a building.
In the meantime, we worship live every Sunday at 10 am EST. We believe in the power of scheduled gathering, and so we are using the video conference service Zoom to host our services. You can see friends, interact in small groups through post-worship “coffee time,” and sing along to hymns posted on slides. If you would like to be added to our email list to receive the bulletin in advance of worship, please write to office@burkepreschurch.org.
Here is the standing worship link:
Do You Need Help? Can You Help Another?
The BPC deacons are working to connect with people with resources. If you are sick or need assistance getting groceries, medications, or just could use a friendly connection, we are here: Write office@burkepreschurch.org.
In addition, we have a “People in Need” fund that we are seeking donations toward. Millions of Americans are being adversely affected by Covid-19, and we know that some of those people are very close to home. As jobs are lost or cut back, some members and friends of this very congregation may be needing help with bills and other expenses. If you are not financially affected by this crisis and are able to help us build up this support net, please consider making a donation to the “P.I.N.” fund today.
Adults and Children: Spiritual Growth
We are offering “Stories for the Soul” Godly Play sessions every Sunday afternoons at 4:30 pm. All are welcome to join the “circle” on Zoom — children and families, youth, adults. We will gather and welcome one another, hear and see a story, and then wonder together. You will be invited — during the wondering time — to chime in out loud, via chat, or just inside your own head. Each session stands on its own, so you are welcome to join whenever you are available. Contact Spiritual Growth Director Arlene Decina to be added to the email distribution list: arlene@burkepreschurch.org
Youth
Youth Connections is staying true to its purpose of connecting youth to community, mission, and God. We’re gathering online throughout the week, with time set aside to just hang out, study the Bible, and do all kinds of fun stuff together (Minecraft! Bob Ross Painting! Virtual Baking! Online Board Games!) We’re building the track as we go, so contact Youth Ministries Pastor Adam Ogg (Adam@burkepreschurch.org) if you would like to get looped into communications.
March 11 Coronavirus Letter to the Congregation
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Community
Worshiping, working, studying, and playing together cultivates the community at Burke Presbyterian Church!
There are many occasions for fellowship through church-wide events, small group activities, and more.
Care
The Burke Presbyterian Church family is nourished and supported during difficult times.
The Board of Deacons: Members of BPC are served by Deacons, a group that has been elected to focus on congregational and pastoral care.
Prayer Ministry: The Prayer Ministry Team offers an opportunity for prayer in the Meditation Room following each Sunday worship service.
Stephen Ministry: Stephen Ministers are lay Christians who seek to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are lonely, grieving, ill, new parents or experiencing other major stresses in life such as divorce, retirement, or other difficult problems.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Burke/Springfield AA meets each Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. in Room 23.
