September 9, 2020
Dear Church of the Apostles,
When we went to online-only services in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I never dreamed that we would still be adjusting and assessing in September. In fact, I remember when I said we would re-evaluate protocols in hopes that we could gather in-person for Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Turns out that time flies when you’re not having fun, too.
At the same time, God has blessed us in so many unexpected ways:
We have welcomed new friends to our church home from all over the country. Some joining on-line and others in-person.
We are grateful to the several people who have volunteered to keep us connected by serving as “undercover” Sunday School teachers (more on that in a minute), video and sound operators, and helping sanitize the room between services.
We have stayed on mission by donating about 1,000 lbs. of food to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, continuing to pray, plan, and stand against human trafficking, and supporting our Missions Friends and Partners as they, too, adjust for COVID.
About 30 of us met together for “An American Lament” this summer to learn and pray about how God is calling us to be instruments of racial healing and a church that longs to realize God’s intention for multicultural worship and life.
As we enter the fall, it is important to be present together in creative, cautious, and unafraid ways by gathering on-line and in-person for worship, formation, and fellowship. Please take a minute to read more about how we will do life together this fall and plan to take advantage of as many of the offerings as possible.
Sign-up to join a Triad this fall as we use Scripture, prayer, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book entitled Life Together. Triads can meet on-line using the Apostles’ Zoom account, in one another’s back yards, or at the church using a room large enough to socially distance without wearing a mask.
In compliance with the Governor's orders we will continue the protocols for Sunday mornings - two services, chairs spread six feet apart, wearing masks, and washing or sanitizing our hands when entering the building. If you have not yet signed up to attend a service or would like to change the service that you attend, please contact Jane Jackson.
Two changes to our protocols that will help with connecting this fall:
We will begin allowing small meetings to gather at the church building in rooms large enough to socially distance. Much like restaurants, we will require that masks be worn while moving around the facility but can be removed once we are seated. Contact Jane Jackson to schedule a room or the church’s Zoom account for meetings.
We will extend our office hours. Beginning next Tuesday, September 15 the office will be open Tuesday - Thursday from 9 am- 3 pm. Please let Jane know ahead of time if you plan to drop by.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to resume Sunday School this fall. However, we will be offering two exciting ways for children and parents to access the truth, love, and service that only church can offer.
We will be presenting the children with virtual Sunday School each week, in the form of a video with the lesson in it. We will release one each Saturday night so kids can watch any time on Sunday. They will be no longer than 15 minutes each and will feature our children’s ministry volunteers, children, and special guests.
Will you help us out with the “Undercover Teacher” program. The idea is that every teacher is assigned one or two kids to send mail to, including the occasional (very small) gift or piece of candy. Although parents will know the identity of the undercover teacher, the kids would not know who is sending them until the end of the year. If you would like more information or would like to help with, please let Amy Willers know.
Apostles Reads is inviting the entire parish to join us for special book discussion with Michelle Van Loon, the author of Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith. The conversation will fall during Rosh Hashanah and prior to Yom Kippur.
Michelle will be highlighting the autumn holy days in particular with an overview of all 7 holy days mentioned in Leviticus 23. She'll also do a quick overview of moving from the Jewish calendar to the liturgical Christian calendar. Lastly, Michelle looks forward to encouraging the Church of the Apostles as we continue to grow in being a good neighbor to the Jewish community, specifically Congregation Rodeph Sholom. All are welcome including guests and it is not necessary to have read the book before we meet.
Join us for our second drive-in movie this Saturday evening. This is an easy, fun, and safe way to be together as a church family. It is less about a movie and more about being together. You can sit socially distanced or view from your car. This is also a fantastic event to invite guests to join you. Plan to come and bring a friend!
Check out the details on these and other opportunities to connect this fall in the announcements below.
Peace and Hope,
Brian+