Church in the Age of Coronavirus
In the middle part of 2020, the Session of Burke Presbyterian Church made the very hard decision to continue online worship through at least Ash Wednesday of 2021 (February 17). In addition, the church will not be hosting a preschool in the 2020-21 academic year. (More information about that particular decision here.)
Still, we are offering many ways to communicate and engage in community. Are you receiving our regular emails, chock full of information about our congregation? If not, email us! Have you read our latest newsletter?
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.
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
LENT 2021 Spiritual Growth Offerings
SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 28
Presbyterian Polity and Spiritual Practice,
Led by The Rev. Dr. David Ensign, 7pm Sunday evenings during Lent
You’ve probably heard the old jokes:
Q: How many Presbyterians does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: Change? My great aunt Edna donated that lightbulb …
Q: How do Presbyterians change lightbulbs?
A: Decently and in order.
Ah, yes, we can sometimes be God’s frozen people.
Most of the jokes come at the expense of Presbyterian polity. We do tend to love our process, and we adore our form of government.
Most folks tend to think of Presbyterian polity in those terms: process and government. That’s not wrong, by any means, but it’s also not the whole story. Presbyterian polity, at its richest and most profound, is also a spiritual practice and it is built on a foundation of spiritual practices.
This year during Lent we’ll explore the spirituality of our polity on Sunday evenings at 7:00 beginning Feb. 21.
Questions? Contact Director of Spiritual Growth Ministries Arlene Decina, arlene@burkepreschurch.org.
Sunday Morning Scripture Reflections, 9am Sunday mornings during Lent
Join us Sunday mornings during the season of Lent, Feb 21 – Mar 28, from 9 to 9:30am, to reflect on the morning’s worship text. We’ll read the verses aloud (feel free to bring your favorite translation) and then share observations, insights, and questions. Together we will seek to find meaning as we prepare for worship.
Questions? Contact Director of Spiritual Growth Ministries Arlene Decina, arlene@burkepreschurch.org.
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).
GODLY PLAY FOR ALL AGES
Godly Play can be a wonderful way to engage in the ancient stories that center us in our faith and to connect with one another – remembering that we belong to God and to one another. All are welcome (all ages and stages) to join our circle at 10am Saturday mornings. Each session lasts about 40 minutes. Contact arlene@burkepreschurch.org for more information.
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 will have to be this 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.
It’s not too late to join your Rainbow family on Wednesday evenings from 5-6 pm. 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.
