Dear Friends in Christ,

A new season is upon us, and as the COVID-19 crisis and the Delta variant continue to threaten the well-being of our communities, it is in the best interest for all of us to proceed with caution and care.

It is the official recommendation of my office — for our ordained ministers, lay leaders, and congregations — to continue monitoring and following the Considerations for Communities of Faith from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). While this information remains the same and has not changed in the past few months, it is still accurate and relevant.

Since we cannot be certain that everyone who enters the doors of our congregations is vaccinated, it is crucial that we continue to follow these practices:

• Require masks for all in-person gatherings.

• Worship outdoors whenever possible.

• Enforce social distancing.

• Have sanitizer available for all congregants and encourage its use.

• Require masks for those singing.

Please also recommend that all members of your congregation and community get vaccinated, unless otherwise advised by a physician.

Further guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated can be found here. For congregations based in N.Y.C., please note that churches are excluded from the Key to NYC vaccine mandate. However, since there may be those who are not vaccinated in our communities, it is in everyone’s best interest to proceed with a great deal of prudence.

Let us remember that the well-being and safety of all our members is the priority of our mission, upholding the Gospel. While we continue to traverse this pandemic, let us remain attentive and informed as we continue to be Church TOGETHER. We commit to staying up-to-date on the guidelines from the CDC and New York State, and keeping you informed.

As I mentioned before, we are grateful for your ministry, compassion, thoughtful decision-making, and educated leadership during this crisis. We know how difficult it is to provide worship, pastoral care, and other enriching experiences at this time with such physical limitations, but I can say with gratitude and joy that we are witnessing the work of God in each of our congregations and the work you do.

May we continue to be Church TOGETHER!

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Paul Egensteiner

At Abiding Presence, we depend on the generous support of members and friends for our ministry. Did you know that you can contribute through our online giving program? Visit this page for more information.

You can also choose to have your contribution sent directly from your bank as a one time, or a recurring contribution saving you time and postage. Simply add the congregation’s name and address on the “add payees” page of your online banking site, and your bank will send a check directly to Abiding Presence. As a benefit to the Church, it helps provide an even cash flow throughout the year helping the church more effectively and easily meet budget goals and manage expenses. 

Thank you to those who have been mailing in their offering envelopes while we have not been able to meet for worship! It is greatly appreciated since our bills must still be paid during this time. We appreciate your faithful support of our Parish. 

Sanctuary Candles, Candles of Grace, Altar Flowers and Communion Elements may be dedicated each week. The dedication may be “In Loving Memory of...” or “In Honor/Celebration of...” and will be shown in print in the bulletin of the Sunday you requested.

Altar Flowers -$40.00

Candles of Grace - $20.00

Sanctuary (Vigil) Candle - $15.00

Wine and Bread - $15.00

Please email your request to nicholas.debbie@yahoo.com or call the church office at 631-269-6454 ext.11.

Through a generous memorial gift from one of our families, we have established a fund to install air conditioning in Good Shepherd Hall. Having air conditioning in our fellowship hall (the only area of the church not currently with air conditioning) will make its use during the summer months more pleasant for us, and will enable outside groups to rent it for events during those hot months. A generous donor has made a pledge to match up to $5,000 of additional gifts made to the fund. Gifts to the fund may be made in memory or honor of loved ones, or just to the glory of God. Online contributions can be made here.