UPDATE from Pastor David on COVID-19

 

Dear Friend of ACC:

We want to keep you updated about our church’s plans in response to the current health concerns affecting our city. Since the situation is changing continually, we may need to alter our plans on a day-to-day basis. We will do our best to keep you informed but ask that you check our church website or Facebook page so that you can be apprised of our plans.

ACC is planning to meet for worship at both 9:30 & 11:15am on Sunday, March 15. If you feel ill or are concerned that, for health reasons, you should not attend public gatherings, please remain home on Sunday mornings. Sermons from ACC can be found on our website.  Click here for online giving.

We will be taking extra precautions at our worship services, including providing hand sanitizer for worshipers to use upon entering the building; suspending nursery, refreshments, and communion; and, taking steps to clean the building more than usual.

If you are able to come early Sunday morning to assist with cleaning, that would be a big help. Cleaners will arrive at 8:00am.

For those attending worship, please follow these guidelines:

  • Let’s continue to greet each other warmly when we gather, but only in ways that do not involve physical contact, such as: head nods, kind smiles, friendly waves, elbow dabs, etc.
  • Please wash your hands frequently and, when you come to church, make use of hand sanitizer available at the welcome table in our church lobby.
  • As always, please sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue.
  • Let’s seat ourselves so as to spread out throughout the sanctuary.
  • Please listen for any instructions given from up front at our gathering.

ACC is suspending all other church gatherings for the time being. We will notify you when these activities resume. The list of suspended activities includes:

  • Community Groups
  • ESL class
  • Bible Club & tutoring
  • Christian History class
  • Faith & Finances class
  • Choir practice
  • Youth group
  • The farewell party for Chris Trimpe

We have been informed that the blood drive at the synagogue on March 15 is still proceeding as scheduled. Because of the present health crisis, blood supplies are at a critical low. 

If you are sick or home-bound and need assistance with shopping, medical appointments, etc., please contact our Diaconate Ministry at diaconate@astoriachurch.org or by calling 718-721-3440. If any of you need to connect with me, feel free to call me at 917-992-7062.

It has often been noted that the most frequently occurring command in Scripture is, “Fear not.” Let’s keep that in mind as we deal with this current situation. Let us love our neighbors and face all challenges with the firm confidence that our God is in control.
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Pastor David