Lenten Greetings, Bay Shore
I wanted to share a few updates here with our community about our most recent discussions at the Council Meeting held last night.
In April, I will be meeting with the Personnel Committee to finalize the job position for the Communications Coordinator. After that meeting, we will post the position publicly, and also in our Beacon newsletter. This is the part-time position that we have discussed with our members at our most recent Annual Meetings. This position will coordinate our social media accounts, and all communication within and outside the church community.
We have been asked if we qualify for the newest PPP (Payroll Protection Plan) loan/grant. We do not. We did not fall below the required percentage of loss for the year or even a quarter to apply for the newest loan/grant. We are now finalizing the request for our first PPP loan to be considered a grant.
Our offerings do appear to be down so far this fiscal year (Bay Shore has a February through January fiscal year). While we are not overly concerned, it is something to share and hopefully encourage us all to keep our pledges up to date. I know that some members normally give on Sundays they attend worship services. We have been unable to worship in person for a year now, but we have worshipped every Sunday for the past year–just in new ways, The church has continued, and we pray that our members support our mission and ministry as they are able.
And lastly, the Council discussed a possible re-opening for in-person worship in June. Now—before you get very excited–please know the Council is tentatively looking at this. As new data comes in, and as we receive advice from the state and local health departments, we will consider what the logistics would be for a possible June re-opening. Of course, my next statement is this—please help our community by getting your vaccination as soon as you are able. It is my hope to have the staff vaccinated by June 1 as well. We all want to return to normal; I definitely can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We just are not positive how many steps it will take to reach it.
But Bay Shore, we keep walking, and we keep praying.
Blessings and peace to you and your loved ones,
Pastor Sarah
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