A short (5 min) daily prayer services to help cope with the Coronavirus
outbreak. I’m using a modified version of the Lent prayer book from www.dailyprayerproject.com (which is a free download!). Download today’s prayer service as a PDF from this link: https://app.box.com/s/p1vigkdbamxxxnvff…
(Also, join us for our Maundy Thursday Liturgical Meal, 4/9 at 6pm: https://zoom.us/j/657645801…
Meeting ID: 657 645 801
Password: MaundyMeal)
Drive-By Easter Egg Hunt!
To participate:
- Make an egg (at least 8.5×11–large enough to be visible from the street), and place it in a window of your home or business, in your yard, on a tree, post, etc.
- Take a picture of the egg and post it as a comment on this video on our Facebook page (together with your street name): we’ll enter you in a raffle for one of the great prizes Milford businesses and organizations are donating! (Raffle winners announced Monday after Easter).
- Go egg hunting! Let us know in the comments how many eggs you found!
If you are a business and would like to promote your business by donating a good or service you offer to the raffle, please contact us.
Sunday Worship (via Zoom)
In the midst of pandemic, economic crisis, and social isolation we need to engage with God and each other. Please join us!
Here’s a link to join our worship service via Zoom: zoom.us/j/437178454 or enter the meeting ID in the app: 437 178 454
Follow the link above anytime after 10:20am Sunday morning.
Thursday Night Prayer Meeting
Thursday, March 26th, 7:30pm
Please join us as we follow a short prayer/Scripture liturgy, pray for each other, and have some “digital fellowship” while “staying home, staying safe.”
Follow the link a few minutes before 7:30:
https://zoom.us/j/340503914
Or just input the Meeting ID in the app: 340 503 914
Public Sunday Worship (in the time of Coronavirus)
We will have a Zoom worship service Sunday 3/22 at 10:30 am.
Here’s the link to join the Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/664968694
Meeting ID: 664 968 694
On Sunday morning the musicians and I will gather to host a Zoom meeting version of our worship service. Please join the meeting from home or, as per our oversight session’s directions, get together with others to participate in the service together so long as your numbers don’t exceed ten. Be sure to practice sanitation best practices (such as frequently washing hands/using hand sanitizers, social distancing of at least 6 feet apart, etc.).
The oversight session wants all church members to know that you have freedom of conscience to use your discretion as to whether to attend any church event that is still meeting or not. The CDC has recommended that older adults or people with chronic medical conditions should take additional measures to protect their health (see cdc.gov/coronavirus for a list of serious long-term health problems). If you are uncertain whether or not you are at increased risk, please call your healthcare provider and obtain a recommendation on the medical prudence to attend any church event. We continue to ask that anyone who shows any signs of illness (e.g. over 100.4 fever and cough, other flu like symptoms) NOT attend any church event still meeting
Time: Mar 22, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Time (Wait until 10:30am to follow the link. you do not need to create a Zoom account; just click the link. From a computer, new Mac users will be prompted to install the Zoom app. For Chromebook (Android) and PC the Zoom app should automatically launch. For a smartphone or tablet, pre-install the Zoom app from your device’s app store then click on the link; it will either open the app or ask if you want to open the app.)
You can also join the meeting from a standard telephone by dialing +1 929 436 2866 then entering the Meeting ID: 664 968 694
Continuing response to Coronavirus
On Monday night our oversight session met and, in obedience to the CDC’s
endorsement of the White House’s call on March 16th for Americans to
avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people, decided that all Christ
Pres Church sponsored events will be limited to 10 people for the next
15 days.
As one person responded:
If we aren’t heartbroken by this decision, something is wrong with
us. But I do think this is an extraordinary moment, under God’s
providence. There are many times when I think we need to boldly defy the
messages of our culture, but I think this is a time when we need to
join efforts to “flatten the curve” for the sake of our most
vulnerable… I hope a silver lining of this difficult time is for us to
better appreciate just how important Christian fellowship is for image
bearers of the Triune God. Being a spectator is not the same as
participation in our union with Christ through each other.
What this means:
Plan for Sunday Worship
On Sunday morning the musicians and I will gather to host a Zoom meeting version of our worship service.
We have been working out details and think the Zoom format (in which
all participants will be able to see each other) will feel much more
like worshiping together, even if it still falls short of the real
thing. Please join the meeting from home or, as per our oversight
session’s directions, get together with others to participate in the
service together so long as your numbers don’t exceed ten. Be sure to
practice sanitation best practices (such as frequently washing
hands/using hand sanitizers, social distancing of at least 6 feet apart,
etc.).
Here’s the link to join the Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/664968694
Meeting ID: 664 968 694
Time: Mar 22, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Time (Wait until 10:30am to follow
the link. you do not need to create a Zoom account; just click the link.
From a computer, new Mac users will be prompted to install the Zoom
app. For Chromebook (Android) and PC the Zoom app should automatically
launch. For a smartphone or tablet, pre-install the Zoom app from your
device’s app store then click on the link; it will either open the app
or ask if you want to open the app.)
You can also join the meeting from a standard telephone by dialing +1 929 436 2866 then entering the Meeting ID: 664 968 694
The oversight session wants all church members to know that you have freedom of conscience to use your discretion as to whether to attend any church event that is still meeting or not.
The CDC has recommended that older adults or people with chronic
medical conditions should take additional measures to protect their
health (see cdc.gov/coronavirus
for a list of serious long-term health problems). If you are uncertain
whether or not you are at increased risk, please call your healthcare
provider and obtain a recommendation on the medical prudence to attend
any church event. We continue to ask that anyone who shows any
signs of illness (e.g. over 100.4 fever and cough, other flu like
symptoms) NOT attend any church event still meeting.
Plan for the life of the church
- Participate in the midweek prayer meeting via Zoom this evening at 7:30 (here’s the link to the midweek prayer meeting).
- Join the Marco Polo video group and interact with each other (follow this link or just email me back and I’ll add you).
- Call a few friends and do a prayer walk in your neighborhood, or on the beach, or in the woods; get outdoors and enjoy the coming of Spring—life is moving on!
- Be intentional and hyper-vigilant in reaching out to those who might feel alone and alienated or are at high-risk. OFFER TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING OR PICK UP MEDS FOR SOMEONE AT HIGH RISK. If you have a need for this, or are interested in helping in this way, email me back and I’ll put you in touch with the right person.
- If you are feeling alienated or feel the need for community CALL SOMEONE. If you don’t know who to call, call me and I’ll put you in touch with someone who would love (and has asked) to meet and/or talk and pray with you.
- Examine your circles of connection; think about who will be most affected economically and consider ways to help appropriately. Here’s a great article for thinking through this (thanks Jodie for pointing me to it!): Riding Out the Storm Together (helping others in economic crisis during Coronavirus)
- Set aside time to pray for all of the effects the virus is having: medically, economically, socially, etc.
Yours in Christ,
Curran
If you’re looking for something to do while social distancing…
Here’s a link to a bunch of my old sermons: https://archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Curran+Bishop%22&sort=-publicdate&page=2
(if you need something to listen to!)
Christ Pres Milford Response to COVID-19
Hi all, let me begin by saying I’m sorry it has taken this long to get
something to you. With the coronavirus response evolving so rapidly I
have composed this email several times then had to change the content in
light of new information.
First, despite being unable to use the middle school, God has provided a temporary space for worship: Hawkwood Games (50 Broad St, Milford, CT 06460) had graciously opened their shop to us and we will worship there at 10:30 am (please see details below).
In addition to its impact on our worship location and in the midst of
rising concerns about COVID-19 I want to encourage you in the grace,
comfort, and presence of God as your refuge in a difficult and confusing
season. We can take great comfort in knowing that the Lord our God is
King over all creation and also especially mindful of His people.
Psalm 46:1-3 is especially relevant:
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
While we are placing our ultimate hope in our sovereign Lord we are also
making every effort to make use of the common graces of God by taking
the advice of the CDC, the CT Department of Public Health, and
strengthening our commitment to a healthy church home.
We are deeply committed to assembling together for weekly worship in so
far as we can do this in good conscience with your safety in mind. Based
on current guidance from our session oversight, the CDC and the CT
Department of Public Health, we plan to continue meeting for worship until otherwise noted, with a number of changes in our normal procedure. We
want all church members to know that they have freedom of conscience to
use their discretion as to whether to attend worship services or not.
The CDC has recommended that older adults or people with chronic medical
conditions–and those who interact with high-risk individuals–should
take additional measures to protect their health (see CDC Coronavirus Disease
for a list of serious long-term health problems). If you are uncertain
whether or not you are at increased risk, please call your healthcare
provider and obtain a recommendation on the medical prudence to attend
any church event. We continue to ask that anyone who shows any signs of
illness (e.g. over 100.4 fever and cough, other flu like symptoms,
especially a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue) NOT come to
worship or any event that’s still meeting.
We are working on a livestream of the worship service and will make that available as soon as we have it worked out.
Temporary Changes to Meeting practices:
- Hand sanitizer will be placed at the entrance to the worship space and we encourage you to use it. We also encourage frequent hand washing with soap as this is more effective than sanitizer.
- We continue to encourage social distancing (seating gaps between chairs, no physical contact, etc). This extends to greetings: please wave, offer the Vulcan “live long and prosper,” etc. This will help remove the pressure of having to shake hands or hug and continue to promote healthy hygiene.
- We will suspend the hospitality table. Please feel free to bring your own coffee or tea in your own container from home.
- We will place bulletins in the basket and not have the greeter hand them out. Please only touch the bulletin you are taking.
- Collection baskets will be placed on a table to avoid human contact from passing.
- Those who prepare communion will wash their hands and then wear gloves; those administering communion will sanitize hands and use gloves.
- This week I will wear gloves to place bread in the palm of your cupped hands without touching your hand. An assistant wearing gloves will place an individual cup with wine (unless you ask for juice) in your hand, again without touching hands.
- We are suspending providing nursery for young children.
- We will not meet again as a community group this Sunday evening.
- We will postpone the commissioning service that was scheduled for the evening of March 22.
- I will be at Hawkwood Games at 9 to begin sanitizing in preparation for setup; musicians will coordinate what time they will practice; other setup, please take into consideration sanitizing and setting up in a new space.
Responding to Coronavirus as Individual ChristiansBe Wise: Practice good hygiene and cleanliness. If you
are sick, stay home, and take an abundance of caution. Regularly wash
your hands. Make wise decisions about travel and participating in large
events. Consult the City’s symptoms and preparedness page for more
information on how to prepare and be safe.
Be Calm: The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4
that in times of uncertainty and suffering we should be ‘“anxious for
nothing.” This was not a platitude. When he wrote those words, he was
following Jesus’ lead (Matthew 6.25-34) in reminding us that our hope in
this world is not in human economies, or medicine, or technology, or
cleanliness. Our hope is in Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth (Psalm
121). So, if you find yourself feeling anxious or afraid over the next
few weeks, remember that the God who watches over you is a God who does
not slumber or sleep. Moreover, He promises that He will watch over your
life; your coming in and going out both now and forevermore.
Be thoughtful: Keep in mind that certain people will be impacted more than others:
- Be aware of those who may be “shut-in” and alone. Take a moment to think about people who might inadvertently become “invisible” and be intentional about reaching out to them.
- Be aware of our older generation and the risks that are more relevant to them as related to the virus. Be intentional about checking up with them.
- Be aware of our neighbors, especially those who may be alone and/or have special needs in this context. This is a moment when the love and mercy of Christ can shine through you!
- Local businesses can absorb losses from people staying home less than big national chains. If you are able buy stuff from them, do so.
- People who work on hourly wages and those who rely on tips will probably be hurt more than those on salary. If you can do so safely, go grab a meal at a favorite local spot and tip the server or bartender extra.
- Health care workers: lots of people will be showing up at hospitals etc. to be checked or treated. The nurses, doctors and support staff will be pulling multiple extra shifts. Write them notes. If they are close friends, bring them a dessert or something. Let them know how thankful you are for them.
Be Prayerful: Scriptures teaches that Prayer is action and when it is done through faith in Christ, the Lord can use it to move mountains and heal diseases. Therefore, let’s join together during this time to pray for the Lord to guide our officials, equip our medical professionals, comfort the sick, shield the healthy, and arrest this virus from causing more harm.
Historically, Christians have been known as people of love and compassion in times of disease and illness. When smallpox came to Rome most fled to the countryside, while Christians remained in the city to care for the sick and needy. When Romans evicted their infected loved ones out of their homes, Christians were the ones who invited them in to care for them. Of course, we want to proceed with caution and wisdom in the days to come. Yet, the Church has had some of her finest moments in situations like this. Let’s pray and look for opportunities to be the Presence of Christ in Milford, His means of responding with love and grace to this crisis.
Yours in Christ,
Curran
Sermon: Luke 9.51ff The Cost of Discipleship
The first sermon in a series looking at Jesus “death march” to Jerusalem, as He confronts rejection, ignorance and half-hearted followers, and warns potential disciples to expect the same if they join in His journey.
https://archive.org/details/Luke9.51ff-the-cost-of-discipleship
Follow the link above to listen online or download mp3 or m3u format.
Matthew 2: Herod’s Resolutions & God’s
In January I got to preach at Redeemer Presbyterian Church of New Orleans looking at Herod’s murder of the infants and toddlers of Bethlehem, and what it’s inclusion in the story of Christ’s redemptive work means for us.