Dear SPC Family,
At our most recent meeting on October 21st, we as a Session considered again the question of whether to begin holding worship services in the church building. Since mid-March, we have weighed prayerfully the deep longing we have to gather in-person in our sanctuary and the priority of keeping everyone in the congregation healthy and safe. We have been very grateful during the good weather this fall to enjoy several opportunities to be together outside, including for Morning Prayer on Sundays.
Given the rising numbers of COVID-19 on Long Island and in most of the U.S., and the increased risk of illness in the winter months, we made the very difficult decision to continue worshipping online until January and to reassess at the January Session meeting. We grieve an Advent and Christmas season without worship together in our sanctuary. We are planning worship services that will help us connect with one another throughout this very meaningful time in our church year (including a candlelight service outdoors on Christmas Eve)—but we know it won’t be the same.
This pandemic continues to call us into new ways of being the church in our community, and of being a church community. Thank you for all of the ways you have responded to that call, especially the way you have been serving others in need. In these very challenging times, please let us know how we can support, comfort, connect with, and pray for you. We look forward to finding together new meaning in our Advent waiting and in the expectant hope of the season.
God bless you,
The SPC Session