Without fanfare or publicity, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development recently posted information on its website that announced that COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for Public Gatherings, including Religious Gatherings, would be published on May 20 (today). These Prevention Checklists contain regulations and prevention practices that would allow for public worship in church facilities (for 50 or fewer people) beginning June 1, 2020. This information is a change from restrictions in the Restarting Maine’s Economy Plan that limited public worship to “drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle church services.”
Following publication of these Prevention Checklists, the Church Council will consider whether the Main Street Church will proceed with plans for restarting public worship at the church on June 7, 2020 or at some later date. Some things that must be considered are:
Will the church be able to establish protocols that comply with restrictions and best practices in a timely manner;
Will supplies for cleaning and disinfection be available given present shortages; and
Do we think resuming public worship is a good idea at this time?
It should be noted that not all churches or church denominations are planning to re-open for public worship in June even if state restrictions are lifted. Some organizations are advising churches to remain closed through the remainder of the year, and even into 2021. Other churches have already re-opened, some in open defiance of restrictions. As always, the goal of the Main Street Church will be to maximize personal safety while acknowledging the importance of worship in our faith community.
The Church Council will meet via Zoom on Thursday, May 21 (4:00 pm) to consider this matter.
Weekly Meditation
Fulfilled Completely
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace. (Luke 2:29)
There have been several times in my life, unique and special moments when I felt such contentment, such completeness, that I thought to myself, “You know, if my life ended right now, I would know that it has been a good and full life in every way.” Such thoughts usually come around sunset on a perfect summer day following some delightful outdoor activity where I had been surrounded by family, good friends, and great food. Perhaps you too can remember a few times when you have felt that level of total contentment.
Maybe that’s why I so love the short story of Simeon in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 2:25 – 32). The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had actually seen the promised Messiah. On the day that Joseph and Mary had presented Jesus in the great Jerusalem temple in the rite of purification, Simeon ran into them, and immediately knew that Jesus would be that Messiah, that Savior. Taking Jesus in his arms, Simeon sang his praise:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismissyour servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29 – 32)
Let’s pray:
God of promise and fulfillment, remind us always of your great gift to us, even Jesus, the Christ, and let us always remember that gift with peace, and joy, and contentment. Our lives are indeed filled with your love. Amen.
No Neighbor Left Behind
There’s still time to help!
Our next No Neighbor Left Behind meal will be assembled and delivered to neighbors throughout our distribution area on Friday, May 29th. The menu for this meal is:
Mac & Cheese with Ham
Vegetables
Fruit
Brownies
If you’d like to contribute food items for this meal, or assist with assembly or distribution, please contact meal coordinator Ruth Anne Vagt at 326-9244. Together, we can address food insecurity on the Blue Hill Peninsula, one delicious meal at a time.
Our Sunday Worship will be recorded on Saturday, and will be posted on our Podcast site by Sunday morning. See the link below to connect to our podcast worship services.
Try Again
Next Year
In light of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Church Council has decided to suspend plans for special programming and worship services commemorating the church bicentennial on July 26, 2020.
The decision comes primarily over concerns regarding the cap on gatherings at 50 or fewer people through August 31, part of the state’s Restarting Maine’s Economy plan. Because celebration plans, including special worship services and reunion events, would certainly draw more than the limit on gatherings, these events have been cancelled. Instead, the celebration will be pushed forward one year to 2021, when the church will celebrate its “Happy 101st” Anniversary.” Meanwhile, plans will continue for recognition of the bicentennial in worship on July 26, along with special commemorative publications, articles, and keepsakes.
The formation of the Trinitarian Congregational Society was authorized on July 26, 1820, the result of an Ecclesiastical Council called to discuss conflict with the pastor of Castine’s First Congregational Society, currently the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine. The newly formed congregation met in Castine’s courthouse (now Witherle Memorial Library) without a pastor until 1828. On October 6, 1829, the newly constructed church building on Main Street was dedicated.
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Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine PO Box 108 68 Main Street Castine, Maine 04421 (207) 326-9486 info@tcpoc.org
