Church in the Age of Coronavirus
(Updated July 2021)
Beginning August 1, we are gathering for one service on Sundays at 10am, with two ways to participate: in person or online. We hope you’ll join us.
To join us in the Meeting House, make a reservation to attend and wear a mask inside the building. Want to know more about our policies? Check out this fact sheet, which is updated periodically.
Join us online once the service begins. The service will be available in “real time” starting at 10am on Sundays.
The BPC Session voted on May 18 to reopen the building as the next step toward re-gathering in person. The building had been closed officially since the start of the Covid pandemic. Church groups no larger than 25 people may now schedule use of the Gathering Space and the Meeting House through the church office (office@burkepreschurch.org). Building use will be in accordance with Covid-mitigation procedures, including the use of masks inside the building and physical distancing. The guidelines for indoor and outdoor usage are available by contacting the church office. Each BPC group will make its own decisions regarding gatherings or standing meetings, and Zoom is likely to remain an important part of congregational life for the foreseeable future.
As the congregation begins transitioning to more in-person gatherings, a couple of practices will help smooth the way. In order to keep one another safe, groups and individuals, including staff and volunteers, are strongly encouraged to check the church calendar before making specific plans or just dropping in. The link to the online calendar is here: https://www.burkepreschurch.org/calendar/
Staff will be available for some in-person meetings/appointments, but they will need to be scheduled in advance. Contact each staff person directly to do this: https://www.burkepreschurch.org/staff/ and https://www.burkepreschurch.org/pastors/. Staff also has met regularly over Zoom and telephone with members of the congregation throughout the pandemic, and we encourage those meetings whenever possible to continue.
The church leadership is grateful for your ongoing prayerful support as we tackle complicated questions and move ahead to this next stage with love.
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: Email us.
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.
What about Spiritual Growth in this season?
ADULTS
Spiritual Growth offerings for adults have included Sunday Morning Scriptures, a weekly discussion of the morning’s worship text, as well as a book study and a variety of guest speakers. Stay tuned for information about plans for the fall.
YOUTH
BPC’s youth have been endlessly creative during this complicated season. Our 7th-12th graders have continued to meet and stay active throughout the spring and summer, mostly via Zoom. In addition to regular gatherings online, they met to cook together and play a range of games. They planned mission/service events, worship opportunities, and fellowship activities. For example, the youth met in a socially distant manner to create yard signs to brighten some members’ days. They played outdoor games that allowed for “togetherness” without being close. One day some youth attended a movie at the University Mall: They had the whole theater to themselves and were able to keep masks on and sit separately. One night they gathered at Burke Lake Park Campgrounds. High school students spent the night in their own tents or hammocks!
Finally, we welcomed our incoming 7th graders in early August, and had a special send-off fire pit event for the seniors heading off to college. Our youth have made the best of a hard situation, and we intend to continue throughout the 2020-21 year. If you have a youth who would like to get connected with our community, don’t hesitate to reach out to Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries Adam Ogg (adam@burkepreschurch.org).
RAINBOW FOR ELEMENTARY-AGE CHILDREN
When we think about what makes Rainbow special – community, love, acceptance, laughter, play, creativity – these are attributes that can endure, whether we are together in person as we love to be, or together virtually, as we were this past year. We are so thankful to be connected through technology so that together we can still learn about God’s love, worship through music, engage in recreation games, participate in creative arts, and join in community to laugh, learn, and love. Rainbow has concluded for this academic year, but our children’s ministry leaders are working hard to figure out what Rainbow will look like next year! For more information, contact Director of Spiritual Growth Ministries Arlene Decina, arlene@burkepreschurch.org.
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.
