Updated News as of March 16, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church:
In an effort to assist with the ongoing efforts to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus, the church will follow the recommendations to limit physical contact by suspending all group gatherings and in-person programming at least through the end of March. Your leaders will continue to monitor developments and adjust our response as necessary.
Meanwhile, the church staff will continue to work remotely and some administrative activities will continue on a limited basis. The buildings are closed and will be properly cleaned before we reopen, realizing that we still do not know how long germs may remain on surfaces. We caution everyone to treat this disease with the seriousness that it demands. It spreads easily. Individuals may be infected and contagious days before any symptoms appear.
While physical contact needs to be limited, we are social beings and social distancing can too easily lead to isolationism and loneliness. So, reach out to your friends and acquaintances from church; look after each other. If you haven’t met your neighbors down the street, this is a good time to give them your phone number; offer to run errands for them; share supplies. As more people become infected, don’t alienate them. You don’t know who will be next. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
We have elders and deacons who are here to help us remain connected and supportive. Financial hardships should be reported to the Board of Deacons.
Let us think actively and creatively about how this time can be redeemed. Dust off those boxes of games and puzzles (and maybe that clarinet or flute in the attic), try new recipes, open the email with the daily devotions for Lent you get each week. And look for the additional materials I will be sending so, as the Apostle Paul wrote, you can “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
We can still be a witness to God’s creative and comforting Spirit by remaining calm and continuing to support those organizations we care about, including your church. Like other groups, you can make your donation to the church by going to https://pointpres.wpengine.com and click on the “Make Donation” button found at the bottom right hand corner of the home page.
There are so many good things we can spread at this time.
Remember that enthusiasm, positivity, kindness, joy and love are contagious, too.
May God strengthen us as we seek to remain faithful during the challenges of these days!
Peace!
Pastor Osy
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.’
For God will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
The Lord will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:1-4)