June 2020
It is the Sunday before Memorial Day – I hope you are all enjoying the weekend. We are nearing the end of May. It has been a trying month, to say the least. Covid-19 has continued to spread, we have been under social distancing orders, our State has been afflicted with rain, floods, and bursting dams. Members of our Congregation are battling Covid-19. And we have lost our beloved Audrey Poese.
At times like these, we should remember that God still sees us and loves us. Rev. Biedron addressed this in her message on May 20. Our building is closed, but the work and fellowship of North Church continue. You can find stories of North Church members helping with the epidemic on our website. Our Boards have been meeting via teleconference. And you can find Rev. Biedron’s Sunday worship and Wednesday inspiration messages here: http://www.northcongregationalchurch.org/video-messages.html
Executive Council Notes
Executive Council met on May 18 via ‘Zoom’. Council considered the following:
Those of you who know me are aware that I am a Springsteen fan. Bruce has been acting as DJ, hosting a session of sharing others’ songs on the Sirius channel dedicated to his music. The other day, reflecting on being ‘locked down’ and waiting to get back to normal, he shared this story from his aunt:
“She always said, ‘Just live every day as if you’re going to live forever.’ I like that. I think she meant, ‘Greet each day on its own terms as an opportunity for life’s possibilities. Breathe it in. Let the world open up before you and prepare yourself to accept it in its entirety, on its own terms with a vengeance.’ Well, I’m ready and I hope you are, too.”
So, my friends, live every day as if you’re going to live forever. And remember that you will indeed be forever in God’s love.
Kevin Gromley
It is the Sunday before Memorial Day – I hope you are all enjoying the weekend. We are nearing the end of May. It has been a trying month, to say the least. Covid-19 has continued to spread, we have been under social distancing orders, our State has been afflicted with rain, floods, and bursting dams. Members of our Congregation are battling Covid-19. And we have lost our beloved Audrey Poese.
At times like these, we should remember that God still sees us and loves us. Rev. Biedron addressed this in her message on May 20. Our building is closed, but the work and fellowship of North Church continue. You can find stories of North Church members helping with the epidemic on our website. Our Boards have been meeting via teleconference. And you can find Rev. Biedron’s Sunday worship and Wednesday inspiration messages here: http://www.northcongregationalchurch.org/video-messages.html
Executive Council Notes
Executive Council met on May 18 via ‘Zoom’. Council considered the following:
- Financial Status. Council and Trustees are monitoring Church finances closely. Our endowment has recovered somewhat as markets improved this month, but is still down from February. Considering the needs of our community and the world, we are continuing supporting our various benevolences. The Church was approved for and has received a ‘PPP’ loan that will help cover our expenses for the next few weeks (thanks to Brinton, Dan, Eric, and Danny for their work in securing this aid). Note: please continue your pledge donations; you can do so in the Members’ Corner on our website or by mailed check to the office (Danny will get it).
- From last time, our Annual Meeting is postponed until we can gather together in person. Until then, current Board member terms are extended
- Council considered the initial report from the Reopening Task Team. This report outlined different stages of reopening the Church building: staff returning to work, resuming worship, Board and Committee meetings, Sunday school, coffee hour, and rentals. Council approved the plans for the first stage, staff returning to work in the building in June.
- We also discussed how we can continue and expand our virtual worship and communication activities.
Those of you who know me are aware that I am a Springsteen fan. Bruce has been acting as DJ, hosting a session of sharing others’ songs on the Sirius channel dedicated to his music. The other day, reflecting on being ‘locked down’ and waiting to get back to normal, he shared this story from his aunt:
“She always said, ‘Just live every day as if you’re going to live forever.’ I like that. I think she meant, ‘Greet each day on its own terms as an opportunity for life’s possibilities. Breathe it in. Let the world open up before you and prepare yourself to accept it in its entirety, on its own terms with a vengeance.’ Well, I’m ready and I hope you are, too.”
So, my friends, live every day as if you’re going to live forever. And remember that you will indeed be forever in God’s love.
Kevin Gromley