June 2020
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Pastor’s Reflection
There is no question that these are troubling times. We all miss contact with people in our lives. We also miss our usual and customary life routine. It seems we are all suffering from some form of fatigue. Some of us are working from home and are glued to the computer, laptop or I-Pad. The experience of virtual conferencing is gradually growing thin. On the upside, this whole experience has taught us how to be safe.
So far, my foray into the world has been limited to the supermarket and the bike path. I am encouraged that many people are wearing masks and respecting social distancing. Most Rhode Islanders have accommodated to these health conscious lifestyle changes. The good news is that in Rhode Island what we have been enduring has been effective in reducing the spread of the virus. But, we have a long road ahead.
I am pleased that so many people have volunteered to help us be the church. Jeri, Nikita, Steve, and Amy are the technology team that makes Sunday worship happen. While only two or three people are in the building at a time, the Sunday service has as normal an appearance as our technology wizards can produce. Thanks to the readers who send in recordings from home. A special shout out to Jeri who has figured out some way to get beyond solo to be a one person choir.
Certainly there are others to thank. I think the Pawtucket Times newspaper article about our Food Pantry describes the extra length we are taking to continue to contribute to the welfare of our community. Ron does his usual yeoman’s job as moderator and the Board of Deacons is meeting frequently (via Zoom) to prepare for a gradual opening. I am optimistic that a plan will be in place for the Fall. Meanwhile, Summer will see the continuance of the recorded service. Folk interested in reading or providing music should contact me and we will work out the details.
While things are looking good we will be living with reduced social contact for a long time. I can see from social media that many of us are walking, hiking and enjoying outdoor activities. This is great. We need to get out. The people I have met while out walking have been respectful of keeping a distance.
Families with children face additional challenges. Distance learning meant not only was the office at home but so was the classroom. No doubt this took organizational and logistical skills. It is important to talk with kids about what’s going on and there is a lot going on. I have attached two links to information about talking with children that might be helpful.
This link is on talking with kids about masking.
This link is for talking with children about racial injustice and protests.
Media brings the world into our homes and there is a lot going on. These are on the Lifespan (Bradley Hospital & Hasbro Children’s Hospital) website. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a great website for information about children. If there is anyway I can be helpful with this, please give me a call. See you (virtually) on Sunday. Blessings!
A Message from Our Moderator
Dear Lime Rock Baptist Congregation,
I hope that you are all doing well during these trying times and that you are viewing and enjoying our virtual worship services. Thanks to all those involved in presenting this on a weekly basis. With Rhode Island ‘re-opening’, I wanted to provide an update on plans to resume in person worship services and other church uses.
The Board of Deacon’s, Reverend Gene, and the Executive Board have met several times to address this issue. There are many factors involved in moving back to physical use of the church. First, I will say we do not plan to open the church for service or events until September at the earliest, and then it will depend on the state of the virus and the state of the State.
A primary concern is that many of our congregation may not feel ready to return to worship among a group of people. Thus, we have the need to continue a broadcast of the service for those more comfortable at home. To avoid duplication of effort, we would need to ‘live stream’ the service on Sunday morning. It would be available to view at later times, but it does present issues of recording during the service. We WILL do this at some point and explain at that time what this would entail concerning the congregation.
Physically we need to conquer several barriers to worship indoors. Sanitizing stations need to be purchased, sanitizing cleaners and cleaning methods need to be put in place, communion set up and distribution needs to be accommodated, seating arrangements need to be determined and put in place. The list is long! Most simple items we need to purchase are currently unavailable and this will be one of the major factors in determining when we can return.
As you know we do not employ full-time staff. The work being done right now is through volunteer efforts and increased responsibilities for our current employees. This makes all the above-mentioned items difficult to accomplish.
We are working and planning and want to follow best practice to ensure the safety and well-being of all. Please bear with us as we chart this unknown path forward. We are doing our best to keep our congregation involved and connected.
Generally, we meet outside in the summer when weather accommodates us because it is usually too warm inside the Sanctuary. Considering we would still need to record the service, the outdoor setting presents several issues that make recording a challenge.
Peace,
Ron Rivet – Moderator
A Note from Our Deacons
Hello to all,
Lime Rock Baptist Church is reaching out to you regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it effects our house of worship. We hope this letter finds you well and safe.
The pandemic has created truly unprecedented times. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this virus. Our thoughts go out to those who are currently ill and who will be in our prayers for a full recovery.
As we try to ascertain the safety and wellbeing of all our members, we will continue to provide virtual services.
Please remain patient and understanding as we continually review the CDC guidelines and recommendations.
We, as a community, would like to thank all essential workers and all first responders who have risked their own lives with their courage and selflessness. We are all in this together. Please stay safe and God Bless.
“Be strong and courageous: do not be frightened or dismay, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Sincerely,
LRBC Board of Deacons
Email: LimeRockBC@outlook.com
401-334-2999
Pledges
Dear LRBC,
Just a brief reminder to please continue sending your pledges to the church or directly to Joan Bateson. Even though we are not meeting at the church our expenses have not changed that much. Utilities have decreased to some degree but not significantly enough to offset our slowdown in pledges or in person offerings. We are still paying our staff (and have throughout the pandemic) and the bills continue to come in. If you can afford to continue your pledge, please do so. Thank you.
Peace,
Ron Rivet – Moderator
Music Makers
Well, when I had planned the music for 2020 I had not anticipated our church no longer reverberating with song. We have filed many new choral anthems away. Anthems we had hoped to share with you all for Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Children’s Sunday and more. With faith and prayer, we hope that the choir will be able to sing these songs for you next spring. We will continue to provide music for the virtual services and look forward to the day we can join in communal song when it is safe to do so!
Thank you to Amy Brown, Caitlin Rivet, Helena Widmann, Rev. Gene, Nicole Dyszlewski and Margaret Paccione for sharing your time and talents with us all. And the biggest thank you to Nikita Zabinski, our pianist-director-producer extraordinaire!
It has been an honor to record for you each week and we hope that the music we create helps brighten your day and brings you closer to our loving Father. Thank you to all who have shown your support over the last few months. We miss seeing your smiling faces in the pews.
What hymn would you like to hear? Hymn requests are accepted via email!
Jerilyn Cranshaw
Music Director
In The News
The Lime Rock Baptist Church Food Pantry was featured in the Pawtucket times.
“FEEDING MASSES: Lincoln church goes to great lengths to fight hunger in the suburbs”
A special thanks to the congregants at Lime Rock Baptist Church for their continued work in this ministry.
Addressing the problem of food insecurity helps to alleviate suffering and to build hope. The Food Pantry Team made some creative innovations to continue their work.
