A Special Message from Old First
At the Old First Consistory meeting on Monday night, the Elders and Deacons made some very difficult decisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Consistory voted to suspend public worship through May 17, In compliance with the CDC (unless new circumstances allow our resumption). Tenants will no longer meet in the building, and the Human Resources Committee will work on supportive arrangements for staff who cannot come in to work.
This is a decision that causes all of us a great deal of grief, as we cherish our church as a welcoming space for communal worship. But Old First intends to continue to fulfill its missions to offer God’s word, prayer, the sacraments, and discipleship; to offer outreach, education, fellowship, and music; and to offer sanctuary to anyone seeking spirituality and hope. We will need to be thoughtful and creative to care for each other and our world as a beloved community of Jesus.
The Consistory has appointed a team to provide alternate means of worship, devotion, and care. This team is working on ways for our congregation to meet virtually for worship via digital technology, and also on reaching out to members and adherents who might have specific needs. You should hear from a member of Consistory by phone or email in the coming days, and we will share information about accessing the worship service before Sunday.
There will be many questions to resolve in the coming days, and many opportunities for service. If you have questions, comments, or ideas, please speak to the Old First member who contacts you this week, or feel free to email info@oldfirstbrooklyn.org or newsletter@