A New Age
(Updated March 2022)
BPC has been worshipping in person since August 1, 2021. We returned to two in-person worship services in Advent of 2022, all the while retaining a hybrid option.
We are resetting the Meeting House with more chairs, though still encouraging people to practice social distancing. We ask that all worshippers wear a mask at the 9 am service, while the 11:15 am service is mask optional. Our choirs continue to rehearse and are transitioning to in-person singing at the outdoor service on Easter Sunday and indoors after Easter. (Music is planned two months in advance, and choirs account for a large number of people in the Meeting House, so we are trying to phase in these changes thoughtfully.)
We are using the registration system for planning. For example, it helps to know which children will be joining us for Stepping Stones (our program for 3 and 4-year-olds) and Godly Play (our program for K-3rd graders) that happens during the 9 am worship service.
Join us online once the service begins. The service will be available in “real-time” starting at 11:15 am on Sundays.
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. Plans for these classes and small groups are shared in the weekly announcements.
YOUTH
BPC’s youth have been endlessly creative during this complicated season. Our 7th-12th graders have continued to meet and stay active. In addition to regular gatherings, 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 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!
Our youth met for a special Thanksgiving potluck and after the omicron surge, regrouped mightily for the Spring musical, Dear Edwina Jr. “Youth connections” is our youth group time, happening on Sunday evenings. IMPACT is our youth choir that rehearses on Sunday afternoons. We have a host of summer mission opportunities and a big trip to the Montreat Youth Conference planned for the summer of 2022, and we hope you’ll join us. 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 last year. We are so thankful to be able to meet on Wednesdays at the church, from 5-6 pm, for this interactive and joyful time of Christian Education. Children’s music, art projects, a special snack, and learning about faith happen in the Meeting House, the Gathering Space, and outside. 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.
