Bluff Point United Methodist Church Newsletter
May 22, 2020


 

Sandi's Corner

Dear Friends,
 
Circles are fun! We are now looking at circles a little differently. We now have "closed circles". Closed circles...circles have always been closed. Closed circles are based on the number of people you come in contact with. The tighter your closed circle, the less risk you have of getting sick or making others sick. I know this is frustrating and many of us miss PEOPLE. However, please continue to be safe, keep your circle closed, and have patience.

God loves each of us. God does not temp us. God sees us each day. God is with us every moment of every day.

As always you can get ahold of me by email - sandiperl@gmail.com, text or call 315-719-7827 or message me on Facebook.


In peace,
Sandi

PS There is more re-opening information at the end of this newsletter
Music Madness!!! A huge shout out to Ron Miller for organizing this fun event. Thank to Emmaleigh Stempien, Aimee Perry, Noah Detar, Eric Detar, Jeff Stempien, and  Elly Stempien for sharing their gifts.
Pastor Sandi is on vacation next week. Therefore, there will be no Bible Study, no kids activities, no Parents Pajama Party and no Coffee and Conversation. 
As our family members have moved or updated their email addresses Phil is continually updating our Church Directory.  Click here for the latest updates.
ATTENTION: Phil has created a set of directions to sign up for a  Zoom account.
Click here to view the PDF


There is a lot of talk about phases these days. Many of you have contacted me wanting to know if there is a plan to re-open the building. Please notice, I said re-open the building, as worship and serving has not stopped because we are not in the building. We can celebrate our service and worship!!!

Three weeks ago I put together a group to start looking at all the safety measures that need to be put into place before the building can be re-opened. This week we met with Sara Christensen, the Deputy Director of Yates County Public, and listened to public health recommendations.

While churches, as of this moment in time, have not officially been given a re-opening phase we are preparing. First, please do not get hung up on which phase we are in. If you look at the phases they are somewhat based on density. Churches have density. It would make sense we are in later phases. Also, please remember these are guidelines for all faith communities in our state, there are church communities that come together with 100's and 1000's of members each week.

Secondly, the group determined to take their guidance from the CDC, the State and County Public Health Departments and the Bishops Office.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have as we navigate through these times with our faith and hope in God.

Here are the members of the Leadership Team that are looking at how to re-open the building:

         Bill Sutherland
         Phil Pearce
         Eric Detar
         Paula Detar
         Kerry Fitch
         Stacy Wyant
         Babs Steinert
         Trish deMontfort
         Dale Bliss
          Terry Fingar

Please feel free to contact anyone with questions or concerns. Most importantly, stay safe, follow the social distancing rules and pray for guidance.
 
Music Sunday is coming!!!! Sunday, May 31is the Fifth Sunday. If you would like to participate please call Ron Miller at 315-536-2505. We are super excited to try this virtually.
Do you know of someone who needs a Prayer Shawl? Let Pastor Sandi know and we will pray over the Prayer Shawl and make sure it gets to the person who needs it. 
There are many resources available for us when we are struggling. 

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes (domestic violence):
800-247-7273

Child Abuse Hotline : 800-342-3720
UPDATE #2
The Leadership team has been meeting and has made the following decisions. Please know that the number one factor used in making decisions  is keeping everyone safe. 

Bill Sutherland measured the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Following the guidance of social distancing (using every other pew, having households that live together seated together, and keeping everyone six feet apart) we can safely seat 28 people in the sanctuary and 18 in the fellowship hall.

Following CDC recommendations we will be implementing the following:
  • everyone will need to wear a mask
  • everyone will have their temperature checked as they enter the church building
  • there will be no choir (although I am working on other thoughts)
  • everyone will be asked to use hand sanitizer when they enter the building
  • we will not be using bulletins, singing, or passing the offering plate
  • anyone over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are asked to continue worshipping through Zoom.
  • the nursery will not be open
  • children are asked to stay seated (I know this will be super hard)
  • the building will be thoroughly cleaned more often
So, the good news:
  • Bible Study groups will continue to meet via Zoom
  • Worship will continue to happen via Zoom
  • As a faith community we have opportunity to creatively continue to do the work of God
  • God never leaves us
  • God loves us
  • We are children of God
  • We were born for these moments

The Leadership team has decided that there will be no in person services or activities held in the  church before July 1st.

The Leadership team continues to meet and adjust our re-opening strategy as information becomes available. Grace and peace to all of you.

 
PARENTS! This is a time for you!. Please join Pastor Sandi and Chris Wyant on Tuesday, June 2nd at 9:00pm. Join us for some fun conversation, a deep breath and time of peace. We know these days are hard and exciting.  I will be sending you an invitation via your email Tuesday morning.
Join Pastor Sandi for coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate or a glass of water on Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:00am for a quick check in and morning devotion. Go to your Zoom app and "join a meeting".  I have sent you an invitation in your email.
You can now use your credit card to give your financial gifts to the church. Go to www.bluffpointumc.com and click on the Giving Page tab on the left hand side. You will see a donate button. It is that easy! Or CLICK HERE to go to the page.  Thank you.
Are you looking for an automatic method to give your gift to the church. Consider setting up your donation in the "bill payer" service offered by your bank. The church address is PO Box 134 Keuka Park, NY 14478. The Phone Number to use is (315) 536-0385
Tune into Zoom meetings
Old Testament Study - Monday Morning at 9:00am

Monday mornings - 11:30-12:15 - This is for kiddos fourth grade and younger. We laugh, read a book, play games and learn about our faith.

Tuesday mornings at 8:00am - Coffee and Conversation 

Tuesday afternoon  at 4:00pm - Join Anna and Noah Detar to learn, laugh and explore your faith! This is for kiddos fifth grade and older.

Tuesday evening at 9:00pm - Parents Pajama Party

Thursday - Studying Ruth- 10:00am-11:30

Thursday - Study of Jonah - 4:30-6:00 

 
Prayer requests from May 17, 2020



Laurie P. and Millie A. as they travel.
Deb Smith and her mom, Doris
Happy Mother's Day
Curt C
Karen H
those suffering from COVID - 19 - especially the children
Mathew - a friend of Allie's 
Helen S
Scott family in Indiana
Craner Family in Indiana
Sharon - Elly's Friend
Jack S
Austin
Decision Makers for Re-Opening
Kish's dad
Cancer Patients
Bill B - successful healing
Those in a state of grief
Wisdom
Celebration of Music Madness
Those with cancer
The Living Well Mission
Children who are home
Teachers
Parents
Social Distancing
Jean's grandson
Visit the Bluffpoint UMC Web Site
Visit the Bluffpoint UMC Facebook Page
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Pastor@BluffPointUMC.com

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Bluff Point UMC · PO Box 134 · Bluff Point UMC · Keuka Park, NY 14478 · USA

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