September is when “church” returns in a big way after the summer months. The pandemic has changed a lot in our world, but some things still continue in a new way. Bay Shore is pushing forward to the future in response to our current reality—we hope that you join us as we continue to live out our mission and provide our ministries to the community.
This Sunday, we will virtually bless all students, teachers and staff for the upcoming school year. I think we can all agree, they need the prayers and blessings this year. On the 20th, we will virtually bless backpacks—families are encouraged to Zoom in and bring the backpacks with them for the blessing. On the 27th, we will celebrate God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday—and learn of new ways we can serve God safely during these times. If you own one of those bright yellow shirts—wear it on Sunday the 27th. If you are on Facebook, all of this is posted on our page as an “event.” Click your “interest” and share with friends (truly, the easiest way to evangelize).
Kate Yelvington will begin instruction for families with children aged 3 through 5th grade—all home based with some Zoom interactions this month. Let’s pray for her on that, too. Our confirmation and youth programs will begin in October—allowing our youth to get used to their school schedules. And of course, we will also continue our adult offerings, too. Watch for news about our Thursday evening class, SoupR Books Discussion Group virtual return, and more. Everything we used to do we will continue, just in a new way and virtually.
The success of our Gospel Sunday service showed the staff how well you liked the new format of the Youtube channel. It also got us thinking. We will be offering more direct to the channel offerings each week for you to watch as you are able. Each week, you will find a musical offering, a prayer time, an abbreviated Bible Study with Pastor Sarah, and more. This is still in progress, but by the next Beacon, you’ll find a schedule of “vlogs.”
In short, the staff and I are doing everything we can to meet your needs as a community and also to continue to be Bay Shore. How can you help us? Perhaps you can ask yourself that question, and get back to me. It may be something as small as connecting with our homebound members, or serving on a committee. It could be reading lessons for our Zoom worship, or simply participating in a Zoom time and meeting new people online.
If we are all in this together, then we should continue to “be” together. I encourage you to wonder where you fit at Bay Shore in this new reality. It’s been 6 months now, almost to the day. None of us know how much longer it will be—but I for one am tired of waiting for this tunnel to end. It’s time to meet the challenges we have now, and still be “church” together. Tomorrow seems far enough away—I am working hard on today. In this way, I am following Jesus who said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” In other words, beloved, deal with today—and BE the “church” today. Bay Shore needs you. The Church needs you. Today is when your participation and support counts.
If we are to learn anything from this Covid life, perhaps this is it. Make the most of today.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Sarah
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