From the pastor's pen...

SEPTEMBER 2020

Dear Church Family,

            It has been six months since we have gathered in person to worship. That’s a long time. And I know this has been a difficult time. Please understand that your church is NOT closed. We are preparing and conducting worship every week. Our children’s messages and Kids’ CLUB lessons are being presented by mail and online. You may request to come in for a time of private prayer in the Sanctuary. I am doing my best to stay in touch and check in on all of you, providing services as needed and praying for you all. Consistory is continuing to meet. The office is busy; bills are being paid; plans are being made; the property is being maintained. The Food Pantry is open and the community is being helped.

            Regathering decisions are difficult to make because your safety and health – and mine-  as well as the health of our loved ones, and the well-being of our larger community are all of great concern to us. For now, we have decided that continuing to livestream worship on Facebook Live is the best option in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

            Many of us want to “go back to church” but I want to remind you that as long as this pandemic continues, church as we once knew it cannot exist. Safety protocols are continually evolving, but we know, AT MINIMUM, that when we return, the following procedures must be in effect: Masks will need to be worn at all times. Social distancing must be maintained. There will be no fellowship hour, no Kids’ CLUB or Toddler Room in-person programming, no congregational singing, no pew Bibles or hymnals, no hand of fellowship, no in-person communion, no early arrivals or walking around the Sanctuary.

            I grieve these changes and losses, but my call to love and serve you includes my deepest desire to keep you safe. I owe a big debt of gratitude to our consistory for their prayerful work and leadership. I thank all of you who have been sending offerings to the church, keeping us fiscally solvent at this difficult time. Many churches are facing closure. We continue to be Community Church of Keyport, the little church that does big things.

God does not live in a building. Our worship of God may continue in many forms. I hope that prayer, devotions and/or Bible reading, service, and praise are an everyday, not a Sunday only, part of your life.

May God bless each of you, today and in all the days to come.

                                                In Christ's service,

                                                Rev. Dawn Seaman