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Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
A Message from the Protocol and Reopening Team
Over the past several months the Reopening and Protocol team has been working diligently to meet the entire requirement for a safe reopen of in-person worship and ministries. We realize that many of you are anxious to worship in person once more and see your fellow congregants. However, as you may have heard, the recent surge of COVID infections nationwide, in our state and communities has forced the Governor and local officials to roll back the reopening to a modified phase 2 to keep the virus under control. To do our part and protect the health of the congregation and our neighbors, the committee has decided to postpone the in-person worship and ministries until sometime in 2021.
As we move forward, we will assess the situation and follow the guidance of the CDC, NYAC, and local officials as to when it is safe to reopen. During this period of physical distancing and time apart, we will continue to care for each other, love our neighbors and not neglect our spiritual needs.
Here are some of the ministries that will be offered until we have a full reopen:
▪ Virtual worship services - online, or via phone - (please check the weekly This Week communication for details) ▪ Daily prayer ministry, weekly covenant group meetings and Sunday morning bible study (please check the weekly This Week communication for details) ▪ Take out Community Supper meals will continue ▪ Scaled back Christmas Basket Program
See Worship menu for log in details of online worship and meeting information during the COVID-19 pandemic
Christmas Baskets
Thank you for all the donations that have started to come in for Christmas baskets. There is still an opportunity to pick up a tag to purchase a toy for a child to be included in the basket. Please consider picking up cereal when you do your weekly grocery shopping. If you have freezer space to store the turkeys, let us know!
Covenant Groups
Please consider joining a group to explore and develop your spirituality. Sessions meet weekly in the Parlor, virtual, and in the Library. Attendance to at least 2 or 3 sessions per month will greatly benefit the group discussion.
Advent Study
Plan to join this year's Advent study, "All I Want for Christmas, Opening the Gifts of God's Grace" by James W. Moore. You can choose from either study times held on Sundays at 9:45 A.M. or Mondays at 7:30 P.M.
Youth Enrichment Ministries
UMYF
Youth Choir
Praise Dancers
Acolytes
Communion Assistants
Youth Scripture Readers
Upper Room - Connect Learn Grow
Upper Room UR eLearning
The Upper Room is offering a place for spiritual formation online. Online Learning offers self-paced courses that you can start and conclude at your own pace. Video and audio recordings enhance your learning experience.
Feeding poor children and families
Weekenders Backpack Ministry
We continue to provide 24 backpacks to students at Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy in Bridgeport for our Weekenders backpack ministry outreach to alleviate food insecurity. The kids are settling into their school year and our backpack program has begun. While our cabinets are well-stocked with some items, we are looking for many of our protein items on our grocery list.
Donations of food, such as tuna (2-3 oz), chicken ramen noodles, cheese and crackers, and juice or any dollar amount is in great need at this time and most welcome. If you have some time available this school year and would like to take a more active part in shopping, planning, or packing, we're happy to have your support.
Please speak to Becki Anderson or Mary Agostino of - Golden Hill’s Unit of United Methodist Women
Recurring Weekly Meetings (will resume when the church reopens):
Sunday 6:30 PM UMYF
Monday 5:30 PM Confirmation Class
7:30 PM Advent Study
Tuesday 7:30 PM Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
7:30 PM Virtual Covenant Group
Wednesday 2:00 PM Shower Ministry in the Lounge and showers
5:00 PM Community Supper
6:30 PM Prayer Group
6:00 PM Boy Scouts (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir members to check Dan's music calendar for changes)
Thursday 7:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)
Friday 7:00 PM Crystal Meth Anonymous (C.M.A.) in the Library
Saturday 8:30 AM Covenant Group
10:00 AM Covenant Group
Driving Directions
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