March 21, 2020
Dear Christ Community Family,
Thank you once again for your continual prayers and patience for our church leadership during these uncertain and challenging times. But may we be reminded as a community of faith, that His mercies are new every morning. Praying that God's grace abounds for you all during this time.
Many of you know that our governor announced an executive order banning gatherings of various sizes so that we can continue to do our part to fight and slow down the virus. With that in mind, our Church Council met this morning to make some decisions in regards to our ministries and our church campus for the next couple of weeks. Please pay close attention to the following announcements and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call/text. Please also note that because this is a fluid situation and that technology always doesn't behave, there may be changes and adjustments if necessary to the following announcements. Thanks!
With love in Christ,
Pastor James
I. Sunday Worship Services
(Romans 12:1) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship."
1. Worship will conducted via Facebook Live on Sunday, March 22, March 29, and April 5 beginning approximately at 10:30 am.
2. You will receive a separate email with the worship bulletin and liturgy.
3. Sunday Offering can be done in multiple ways
(a) You can send a check to the Church Address (391 E. Main Street East Islip, NY. 11730). Please note, to make sure you write the Sunday date you would like your offering to be accounted for in the memo line.
(b) You can utilize our online giving via Zelle (Using admin@cccei.org), or Paypal, or Venmo. Please note, there is a percentage taken off when you give through Paypal.
4. Our Baptism Service on Sunday, March 29 has been postponed indefinitely.
5. Our Congregational Photo that was scheduled for Sunday, April 5 will be postponed indefinitely.
II. Bible Studies
(Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
1. Our Tuesday Ladies Bible Study is hoping to meet utilizing Zoom beginning this week. More details will be provided in a separate email.
2. Our Saturday Men's Bible Study will be meeting utilizing Zoom going forward. Details on the link and how you can log in will be shared in a separate email.
III. Special Prayer Gatherings
(2 Chronicles 7:14) If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
In light of the current situation we are in, and the season of Lent, Pastor James will be hosting a daily prayer gathering on Zoom for the next two weeks. Monday through Friday at 7:00 pm-7:20 pm. (March 23-27, March 30-April 3). More details with the specific links will be shared later. The Council hopes this will be a very important time where we come together as a community of faith in prayer.
IV. Church Campus
(Matthew 16:18) And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
1. The Church Campus will be officially closed to all gatherings (including all outside organizations) indefinitely.
2. AA Meetings have virtual meetings available throughout the week. If you have any interest, please contact Pastor James.
V. Resources & Care
(1 Peter 2:5) You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1. The Church Council would like to provide pastoral care calls throughout this season. The Church Council in addition, would love to provide support and care to any high-risk families or other church families that may be in need. You can always call (631) 581-8188 to connect with our pastor or council member. The Church Council will be having our next meeting on Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 am.
2. Public Reading of Scripture - a special PRS time and gathering hosted by the Grace and Mercy Foundation is available from 7:20 am to 8:30 am (EST) on Fridays via Zoom. Click this link here, and join 5 minutes before the start time if interested. There's also a possibility that Pastor James may be hosting a PRS Gathering on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am - but those details will be shared if available.
3. Dwell App - This is a wonderful audio Bible app that let's you listen to passages, curated "playlists" of verses, and even daily reading plans. It's usually a premium app, but right now it's for FREE for 60 days with full access for church members. Click the link here to sign up and access for the next two months. A big thanks to our friends at Massapequa Reformed Church.