Dear members and friends, On a Zoom family gathering this past Sunday evening, we celebrated our daughter Rebekah graduating from a Trauma Counseling program at Jefferson, how timely. We also discussed the events surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the ensuing protests and unrest of Saturday evening. I was so proud of the honest and insightful discussion among our daughters and their husbands about racism, injustice, and the reform needed in our communities. While watching the peaceful protests in major cities around the country, I had the same sense of pride watching a younger generation rise to take up the challenge, the responsibility and the right of voicing the need for change in our society and especially in the way we provide security and protection from violence for all of our citizens. And then on Monday night… wow. I still can’t believe what happened. I hope to address my thoughts and feelings about that on this Sunday. Meanwhile, back home in Brigantine, everyone is really excited about things beginning to open up again as we slowly, carefully re-establish activities just in time for the summer. Outside dining is being re-instated. The Farmers Market will be opening on Saturday, June 13th, albeit from your car, in the parking lot outside the Brigantine Community School - and City Council will discuss and decide on the issue of short term rentals which may make all the difference for many of the small businesses and economy of our Island home. Make sure to watch what is happening and express your hopes /concerns to local elected folks. I have received a few inquiries about when the church will be open. Frankly, I’m not in a hurry to open up without some very careful thinking and planning concerning how we protect ourselves and others from a Virus that is still very much in our midst. When will the Thrift Shop be open? When will we accept donations? When can we use the church building for 12 Step meetings and other gatherings… all good questions. Most of all, when can we get together to worship together again? When that time comes, we will be ready with a plan and the necessary products (masks, hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, distancing, etc.) to gather safely. Until then, join us LIVE on Sunday Mornings at 10:00 am for singing, 10:15 am for worship. Use this link www.facebook.com/brigchurch.org or click HERE. You don’t have to be on Facebook to join the worship. If you need a hymnal to have at home, call (609) 266-7942 for delivery! Bob Schilling is sending out the link on YouTube to see the worship later in the week… if you are not getting his email, call him at (609) 457-0728. Debbie Enderlin, Sue Clark, Gina Herz, Chris Connelly, and of course, Brenda and Liboria keep the True Spirit Coalition Pantry open and busy! Families get 5 to 7 bags of all kinds of groceries as they pull up to the pantry windows on Wednesday mornings. The Brigantine Community School has been feeding folks a lot too! What can you do to help? Refer families and individuals who are stretched by these tough times. Tell them to call the church office and talk to Brenda about getting on the list for the Pantry - (609) 266-7942. The CHURCH WEBSITE IS www.brigchurch.org. Check it for updates, announcements, and info. Don’t forget, you can reach me at brigchurch@aol.com or on my email at jrscotland@aol.com. My cell phone is (609) 457-2999 - feel free to call or text. If you are a Facebook member, find us at “Brigantine Community Presbyterian Church” and “LIKE” us! If you are alone, if you are reaching the end of your emotional energy if you are getting overly anxious or stressed out, please reach out to one another. Stay connected by phone or text or through the internet. We have a long way to go and we must pay attention to our own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. None of us were ever meant to tough it out alone! Please feel free to call me on my cell phone at (609) 457-2999! Call Jim Walker, chair of Member Care, at (609) 338-2252 - OR - call the Mental Health HELPLINE at 1 (866) 202-5357, Special prayers are needed for Beth Welsh and Betty Dillon Breeden. Stay in touch. Be safe, stay vigilant about your health AND your neighbors.
- John
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