COVID UPDATE 14

Greetings North Bronx Family,
We trust that you and your families are well and that you continue to remain safe from the deadly effects of this virus. In so many ways it would appear as if we have come into some very uncertain times, and to some degree we have. But as we continue to process and access the events happening around us, consider this as well, and remember, our God has not been quarantined.
 

The world is not without a ruler. The program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations as well as the concerns of His church in His own charge.
-Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 753 (1889).

 

In the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we know not how to deal with, but let us not forget that the three great Powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His purpose to pass.
-Evangelism, p. 65 (1902).

 

In the annals of In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the Word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counter-play of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.
-Prophets and Kings, pp. 499, 500 (c. 1914).

 
Below you will find a few details we would like you to note.

Communion July 11:
The North Bronx SDA Church will be hosting its first virtual communion service on July 11, 2020. It will be an exciting interactive experience where members at home will be able to partake of the emblems of our Lord’s death and celebrate His resurrection power. The family will be able to follow, at home, the live church service and we will all partake of the emblems together. In preparation for this, we are asking you:
  1. To prepare and have your emblems of bread and wine ready, and
  2. Prepare and have your basins and containers ready to participate at the appropriate time. This will be a spiritual experience that you will not want to miss.
 
Graduation Celebration: July 11, 4pm:
COVID-19 has interrupted the graduation services of educational institutions leaving 2020 graduates disappointed. We understand that disappointment. The Education Department is sponsoring a virtual graduation celebration to laud the achievements of all of our 2020 graduates from elementary school through university graduate programs.

The English Ministries (Virtual) Convention 2020:
Join the English Ministries Convention July 18, 2020. It promises to be an event to remember! Mark the date and share this event with your friends. it will be live streamed on Greater New York Conference Facebook live and YouTube live. Speaker Dr. Abraham Jules, Special Address Dr. Rohann Wellington with Featured Artist Grammy Nominated J.J. Hairston. You do not want to miss this convention.
 
Church Opening:
The North Bronx SDA Church is committed to your health and safety. As such we are constantly monitoring the public health information from the City of New York, the State and the CDC. The City has slowed down its phased opening of Phase 3. To date, restaurants, theaters, museums and indoor concerts and sporting events are still prohibited in the City. Therefore, we do not deem it prudent to open our doors to the public for regular services on July 18, 2020.
 
As we consider the possibilities of reopening the doors of the building, we do realize that we shall have to adjust to a new normal and so here are a few things to keep in mind.
  • The church will be deep cleaned before and after each service
  • Temperature checks will be taken at the door
  • Social distancing and face coverings will be required at all times
  • We are asking those who may be in a high-risk category due to age, or health condition to enjoy the service at home until the city allows for full capacity with fewer restrictions.
    We look forward to seeing you soon.
 
Sabbath School Old and New:
The online version of Sabbath School has continued to grow weekly as hundreds tune in to study the Word of God. But although we are using new ways of delivering the message, we celebrate that several of our Sabbath School classes are still meeting electronically for old fashion prayer, fellowship, and study. Some classes have merged in order to further enrich the experience. Please check with your teacher for possible times when you can join your class for prayer.

Police/Community Relations:
Pastor Ariel Manzueta, Youth Ministries Director of the Greater New York Conference, along with representatives from the Bronx Youth Federation, visited the 47th police precinct in the Bronx, to express gratitude to the Inspector and the officers for ensuring a safe and peaceful Prayer March for Justice and Peace on Sabbath, June 27, 2020. Approximately 300 persons from the Greater New York Conference joined the protest and prayer march which began on 212th and ended at Philadelphia Church. The marchers were received favorably by the community, who showed support by waving, honking their horns, and some even pausing with the marchers for prayer. The Chief Inspector of the 47th precinct personally marched the entire route, facilitating traffic and interacting with the marchers.

Prayer Line:
We have all been blessed by the nightly Prayer Line Dynamic devotionals, and fervent prayer is offered to our Lord. Gather the family and join us in worship each night from 8-9 pm. Please don’t miss your blessing. Prayer line phone number: 617-793-8520.
 
Bible Study:
Do you desire to know more about the Word of God? Do you wish to experience freedom and power in your life? Have you wondered what God is saying to us during the time of the pandemic? Join the weekly Zoom Bible class, each Tuesday at 7pm. Meeting ID: 848 6949 1488 Password: 400657
 
Grief Support Ministry:
Have you experienced a loss recently? Perhaps you have lost a loved one or a job. You may be having difficulty eating, sleeping or carrying on with our regular routine. Perhaps you have questions about the love and efficacy of God. The North Bronx SDA Church offers a free Grief
Support Ministry which is open to all regardless of faith. A new group will be starting July 15, 2020, but you must register at 732-742-0347.
 
Joseph’s Storehouse Receives Grant:
The Greater New York Conference has selected the North Bronx SDA Joseph’s Storehouse to be a primary food distribution site for the Conference. The Conference Community Services Director, Pastor Biazotto, visited Joseph’s Storehouse on Friday, July 9, 2020 to make the announcement to the staff. Through a joint venture with the Northeastern Conference, Greater New York will share 20,000 pounds of food weekly. Because of our proximity and our mission, Joseph’s Storehouse will be able to secure even more food to assist with our growing need. Thank you to the Conference, and especially to the staff and volunteers of Joseph’s Storehouse. Joseph’s Storehouse continues to serve 450 families per week making it one of the largest distributions in the Bronx.
 
Support for Media Ministry:
We praise God that our worship services are reaching hundreds of people around the country and around the world. Because of your continued support, we have been able to make significant upgrades to our audio equipment. This will ensure a cleaner and richer audio experience. Please continue to support this ministry with your donations.
 
Be safe. Be strong. Be blessed.

Pastor Dedrick Blue
Pastor Clavour Tucker
Pastor Melbourne Gregory

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