3/28/20 Update: No Blacknall events through April 30th.
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A note from Goodie Bell.
Dear Blacknall family,
These are strange times. Already, I feel your absence, and, yet, I am convinced that it is wisdom and love that keeps us apart. Blacknall’s Infectious Disease Response Team (IDRT) has warned us that even individuals who are relatively low risk and do not have symptoms can spread the virus to others. We are adjusting our life together as a congregation to protect our vulnerable members and to slow the spread of the virus in the community at-large. We do so out of love—not fear.
As the body of Christ, we have a vital and unique mission in the world. There is no substitute for the corporate gathering of believers in Christ’s name. Yet, there are manifold ways to bear witness to Christ and to encourage one another. You have already responded to the present restrictions with creativity: This weekend, the Blacknall Dance Group held a rehearsal over Zoom. Young Adults gathered for worship over Google Hangout. Someone offered me the peace of Christ in a text message. As Dave Stuntz put it, “We are not practicing social distancing. We are encouraging physical distance but social connection.”
In order to make the necessary adjustments to our life together – and to allow the IDRT sufficient time to evaluate the rapidly changing public health situation – we have decided to extend the cancellation of all Blacknall activities until April 4th. (See below for further details on both large and small gatherings). This Lent, we will practice worshipping and connecting with each other in new and less familiar ways.
Be on the lookout for further information, updates, and announcements.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)
In Christ,
Goodie
On behalf of the Pastors (Allan Poole and David Dunderdale) & The Blacknall Infectious Disease Response Team (Jeff Baker, chair, Leslie Cenezy, Martha Carlough, Rich Frothingham, Margaret Frothingham, Joey Pointer, and Karl Umble)
Blacknall COVID-19 Response Plan, as of Monday, March 16:
We will not have corporate worship on Sunday March, 22 or Sunday, March 29. We will provide a liturgy, including audio files of music and a sermon, for home use.
There will be no Blacknall events in the building through Saturday, April 4. This includes Sunday evening gatherings and the Wednesday Lenten services.
The Blacknall IDRT is researching the situation and hopes to prepare guidelines for small group meetings. However, until we make those guidelines available, we highly recommend that you take a pause from small groups and other in-person meetings. We encourage you to use Zoom, WebX, and other technologies to hold meetings virtually.
Pay attention to the economic, social, and psychological repercussions of COVID-19 in the community at-large, and consider how we can love our neighbors during this time. The Durham Ministry and Engagement Team will provide more information. Here are some opportunities:
Donate food, money or volunteer to shop, pack or deliver meals with the Walltown Neighborhood Food bank.
Give extra support to Families Moving Forward and volunteer to cover our March 23 and 24 volunteer meal slots. Contact Anne Paulson.
Donate to Meals on Wheels or the Interfaith Food Shuttle, which oversees the BackPack Buddies program for children who depend on school meals.
Sign up to be a “buddy” and make food bank deliveries to senior citizens in Walltown through School for Conversion.