Dear Bayside Family:
I am writing to update the Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue for our congregation because it has impacted our community and all countries around the world. That is a pandemic issue, and everyone needs to stay together. Now is the time to pray and support each other who are dealing with the virus. While there have been no reported cases involving our Bayside UMC and the Shepherd UMC, we have been following the Long-Island District, CDC, WHO, New York Health Department, the New York Department of Education, and other news carefully and use other sources to keep you up to date.
As a result of an increasing number of cases and out of an abundance of caution, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton announced that all United Methodist Churches in the New York Annual Conference does not hold public services of worship for the next two weeks. Regarding this, the Bayside UMC will offer the Sunday worship service online at this time. We are exceptionally considered the use of online service “Live Streaming” technology for worship and share God’s words with you. We will give you the information on how to access the Live Streaming.
We have to recognize that this is a critical time of the year, and we have to face the Coronavirus issue together to bring solutions as we move forward.
The Bayside UMC will close all group activities in our church. These include all groups that use our building on weekdays and weekends from Monday, March 16 until further notice. The Coronavirus is becoming a global pandemic, and the safety of the people must be ensured. May God be with us! I want to continue to encourage all of our Bayside UMC to work with clear thinking in taking the essential precautions as you respond to the threat of this virus in our community.
We are doing the following:
- Church will be closed from Monday, March 16 until further notice.
- Worship service including sermons will be offered online;
- Church group activities have been canceled until further notice.
- Administrative Council Meeting is postponed until further notice (information will be sent by emails);
- Wherever you are is important to stay in contact with others through emails or phone calls and say to your brothers and sisters that Jesus loves you no matter what.
- At any time when you come to church, you are welcome to use hand sanitizers located at narthex entrance and throughout the Fellowship Hall.
We understand that it is hard not to hug one another, but we have to be careful at this time. We also encourage everyone to follow the WHO and the CDC recommendation to protect ourselves against the Coronavirus.
- Please make sure to wash your hands frequently, for a minimum of 20 seconds, or use high-alcohol hand sanitizer;
- Please make sure to disinfect surfaces at home and work;
- Please take care of yourself: Avoid touching people’s hands, eat well, get enough sleep, stay home, and see a doctor if you feel sick.
- Please make sure that you get the seasonal shots.
- If you are 65 or over, consider staying home.
- Please do not be prejudice against other people.
Now we are facing a hard time together, but we can overcome this issue in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord! I will continue to pray for you.
Blessings,
Rev. Jung Ung Moon.
