Inside This Issue Stay Home, Stay Healthy… and Stay Holy! Stewarding Our Way Through Covid-19

……..…….front page The Preacher’s Post; Minister on the Move ………………...page 2 Around Our Church & Region ……….………..page 3 Among Our Folks, Outreach and Misc. News ……………… page 4 Around our Region ………………...page 5 Mission Statement; Sunday Schedule …......……...back page

Call or email us at 360.373.2444 or

hello@bremerton disciples.org

The Newsette is a monthly publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 811 Veneta Ave., Bremerton, WA 98337-1398 (360) 373-2444

Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Closed on Friday Email: hello@bremertondisciples.org Website: www.bremertondisciples.org

Facebook: (send announcements to: emilymdenis@yahoo.com)

March 2020 ~ VOLUME 66 Issue No. 3

Stay Home, Stay Healthy … and Stay Holy!

The Covid-19 outbreak has brought a lot of change to our lives, but other than shifting our ministry focus beyond our walls, it doesn’t change the fact that we are the church. Obviously, the public health situation and our governor’s most recent order completely upends our regular church calendar, but ministry is still our full-time mission here at FCC! So, here are a few things you need to know about what isn’t happening in the life of our community.

Our building is closed to the public until April 7th (unless further extended) Our church office will remain open during regular hours for phone, email, and mail All in-person gatherings and meetings are suspended until further notice Pastor Clint is working from home in accordance with the governor’s order And now we can talk about what is happening in our congregation. Worship services will continue by phone or internet using Zoom meetings (more below) Elders are discussing the physical and spiritual care of our congregation weekly by Zoom Ministry teams are meeting through Zoom – you’ll be notified if your team schedules a meeting Pastor Clint remains available by phone, text, email, or videoconference for pastoral care and

counsel You can expect to hear from your shepherd Elder soon. (If you haven’t already!) Please let us know if you’re in need of any assistance (picking up groceries, prescriptions, etc.) or are able to help others with these tasks. We know financial hardship is a possibility during these difficult times and hope you will contact Pastor Clint or your shepherd Elder if you are experiencing need. We are the body of Christ and we look out for each other! Part of looking out for one another is staying connected. We encourage you to pick up the phone and call each other. Send a card or note just to say hello. Join us for worship on Sunday mornings (more info inside!) and hang around for our virtual coffee hour with small group conversa-tions. Be on the lookout for other opportunities to stay in touch coming soon. We’ll keep you updated as we weather these unprecedented times together!

Stewarding Our Way Through Covid-19

There’s nothing quite like abrupt change to make us pause and take stock of the things we take for granted. Singing as a community. Hugging during the passing of the peace. Sharing communion in the same room. Another might be passing the offering plate. Just as we must adapt to worshiping in new ways, we need to adapt to giving in new ways, too. Fortunately, you have two opportunities to financially support our ministries. For that check you used to put in the plate, simply put it in an envelope and send it to the church office instead. We’re continuing to collect and deposit all offerings received at the church. You might also explore our online giving tools. Search for GivePlus in your smart phone app store or go directly to our GivePlus website here: http://bit.ly/BremertonDisciplesGiving. Thanks for continuing to support our ministries during these unusual times!

Pastor’s Schedule

Rev. Clint Collins Monday ~ Thursday

Office Hours 9:00am - 4:00pm

If you need to meet with the

Pastor, please call or email him to schedule an appointment.

Email:

pastorclint@bremertondisciples.org

Friday & Saturday Days Off

Sunday

Worship and Special Events

Church Phone: 360.373.2444

Church Staff

Clint Collins

Pastor

Renae Schweiger Office Administrator

Gail Gunning

Interim Music Director

Mary Boehmer Organist

Jeremy Bohnet,

Audio-Visual

Samantha Diemert Nursery

Angela Jones

Nursery Back-up

Larry Chapman Janitor

The Preacher’s Post ______ 20/20 Vision: Who Saw This Coming? If you’d told me at the beginning of the year that we would be preparing to celebrate Easter from our homes, I’d have given you the most suspicious glance I could muster. But here we are – looking at the world through our living room windows wondering what’s next. And the short of it is, I’m not sure any of us can say with real certainty. What I can say with certainty is that our ministries as church are moving right along! It’s something of a bad habit we’ve developed over many, many years that we call the building ‘the church,’ when the truth is that WE

are the church. And we have been all along. We’re still calling each other, praying for each other, running errands – or at least offering to! – for each other, and worshiping together! This is why I want to direct your attention to a handful of things. You’ll notice that this month’s newsletter is shorter than usual. It’s not a lack of information, but the reality that some of it becomes outdated quicker than we can publish it. This explains the absent calendar, which will be back next month. (I promise!) Many of our non-worship functions are on hold or in the process of moving to online/phone meetings and we will contact people directly to reconnect them with those as they resurrect in new ways during this crisis. Worship is experiencing a resurrection of sorts, too, which you’ll be able to read more about directly opposite this on page 3. We haven’t suspended worship – we’re just bringing it to your house! Another item I want to bring to your attention are the updates from the Backpack Brigade and the Foodline. While we can’t collect goods at the church at present, we can pass along your monetary donations. We’re still collecting and disbursing offerings, which you can read about on the front page. Finally, there’s that elephant in the room. What about Easter Sunday? Your Elders and I are meeting weekly at this point, and we’ve begun preparing for the possibility (likelihood?) we won’t be worshiping in person by mid-April. Lest this become a source of anxiety or grief, let me point out two things. First off, we’re a people who understands every Sunday to be Easter Sunday, so even if we celebrate resurrection a little late this year we will celebrate! Secondly, I’d remind you that we’re in good company. Every Gospel account ends with Jesus appearing to the faithful outside of houses of worship – and in some cases even as they faced their fears while shutting themselves up at home! It doesn’t matter where we are on April 12th – the resurrected Christ will find us. So, stay home, stay healthy, and stay connected in all the ways we still can. Who knows? Just like the followers on the Emmaus road, we might feel our hearts begin to burn within us and realize that Jesus is with us now! Yours on this unexpected journey, Pastor Clint

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Minister on the Move

Thanks to Covid-19, most of Pastor Clint’s movement is virtual, but here’s a look at where he’s been involved during the past month.

Mar. 9th – Webinar: Creative Worship with Zoom Meetings Mar. 10th – Webinar: Pandemic Preparation for Faith-Based Organizations Mar. 11th – Webinar: Regional clergy check-in Mar. 17th – Webinar: Regional clergy check-in Mar. 17th – FCC Elders’ Zoom check-in Mar. 19th – Webinar: Sandy Messick’s regional fireside chat Mar. 20th – Webinar: Faith Action Network COVID-19 Prep Mar. 23rd – Webinar: Creative Worship with Zoom Meetings pt. 3 Mar. 23rd – Northern Lights Regional Executive Committee (Zoom) Mar. 24th – Webinar: Regional clergy check-in – taught Zoom tips & tricks Other regular team meetings and pastoral care visits

It’s an honor to minister together as we share the good news of Jesus Christ!

Around our Church & Region ________

Serving Schedule: April 2020 Worship Leader: TBD Elder of the Month: Janet Bohnet

Your Church Calendar at a Glance

While we hope this will be short lived, here’s a quick look at the activities going on that you can join in from home! Remember – you will always use the same link or meeting ID listed in the article to the left. Weekly Zoom gatherings Sunday Worship: meeting opens at 10:00 AM, service starts

at 10:30 Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 10:00-11:00 AM, led by Gail

Gunning & Howard Bever Wednesday Evening Fellowship Time: 6:00-7:00 PM,

hosted by Pastor Clint Special Zoom events Maundy Thursday: 6:30 PM on April 9th – joint service with

Keystone UCC in Seattle The traditional Maundy Thursday prayer vigil will continue with participants praying from home. Please contact the church office to sign up for a time slot. Other events may be added if social distancing restrictions continue. We’ll update you about other opportunities to share together as they are planned!

Regional Gathering Updates

We’re sad to share that the first ever Northern Lights Regional Assembly scheduled for May has been postponed and will be rescheduled soon. However, we’re pleased to share that the in-person Youth Winter Retreat that was cancelled will now be held through Zoom on Saturday, March 28th at 10 AM PST. Here’s the information to get your youth connected:

Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/454707828 Phone number: 253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 454 707 828 Page 3

On-line Church Schedule

April 5 Palm Sunday

April 12 Easter Sunday

April 19 April 26

ELDERS C Gail Gunning S Howard Bever

C Howard Bever S Janet Bohnet

C Janet Bohnet S Edi Parker

C Edi Parker S Donna Lathrop

SCRIPTURE READER

Sandra Kortum Marva Lang Donna Lathrop Lisa Meiner

Turn that Sofa into a Worship Pew!

Thanks to Zoom Meetings, an application that lets us come together over the internet or by phone, we’re able to stay connected and worship together from home. (Along with other fellowship opportunities coming, too!) So, come join us as we hold worship at our regular 10:30 AM time, with the Zoom meeting available to join as early as 10:00. The link and meeting ID number listed below will work for every Zoom gathering we hold as church, so keep this info handy. If you’re new to Zoom, there is a quick setup guide to help you get started below, but feel free to contact Pastor Clint if you need some help. Let’s get together soon! Zoom link for computers, tablets, and smart phones: https://zoom.us/j/2539006523 Number for Phone users: 253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 254 900 6523 Phone Users: Dial 253-215-8782 (Tacoma number, but may be long distance). When you hear the voice, enter the Meeting ID (254 900 6523) and then hit the ‘#’ twice. You’re in the meeting! Computer Users: Click or type this link: https://zoom.us/j/2539006523. If using the first time, let Zoom download and install the app. It will connect to the meeting automati-cally. NOTE: If your computer doesn’t have a camera or microphone, you can see and hear, but won’t be seen or heart. You may also have to give Zoom permission to use them in your system settings. Tablet and Smart Phone Users: First time, download Zoom Cloud Meetings from the Apple or Google Play Stores. Once installed, you can open from your emails with our FCC Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/2539006523 or by starting the app and entering the Meeting ID (254 900 6523) manually. You may need to allow your camera and microphone in your device’s system settings.

Among Our Folks, Outreach & Other Misc. News ________

Prayers & Praises *Northern Lights Regional CC

*Margaret Brady *John Bristow

*Sandi Garrett *Eileen Hendrickson

*Sandra MacArthur *Bob Parker

*Claudia & Dean Reeder (JeDene Reeder-Back Home-Praise)

*Ardith Swartz

All A.A.R.P. Driver Safety Classes are cancelled through the end of April.

For more information, contact Ed Evans

@ 360-895-0305

Birthdays 6 – John Sampson 7 – Gary Little 8 – Michelle Dawson 14 – Emerson Denis 14 - Linda Beetz 16 – Greg Dawson 17 – Arianna Larson 17 – Aries Larson 18 – Colleen Shorrock 20 – Dakota Sampson 24 – Susan Evans 27 – Pauline Mueller

Anniversaries 1 – Linda & Ernie Beetz 14 – Walt & Barbara Lee If we missed adding your name or would like to be removed from this list, please contact us at (360) 373-2444 or hello@bremertondisciples.org to let us know.

Foodline Update Due to Covid-19, we were unable to collect and deliver donations for March to the Foodline. The Foodline continues to remain open and are making food baskets to hand out at this time. In addition they are handing out extra kids bags that they normally save for the summer months. Kim says that these are the items they are in need of: canned meats, cereals and shelf stable milks. Because of the current “Stay Home” policy, they would gladly accept donations on their Facebook or web sites. FCC Global Missions & Kimberly Faulkner, Executive Director Bremerton Foodline (360-479-6188)

Bremerton Backpack Brigade

Dear friends at First Christian, The Bremerton Backpack Brigade is still work-ing hard to feed hungry children! We just had to figure out a new way to do that during this temporary health crisis. If you would like to donate food or dollars, we will gratefully accept both. Checks may be mailed to: P.O. Box 2533, Bremerton WA 98310. Food donations can be delivered to our pantry by calling 360.471.9588 and setting up a time to meet. We need canned chicken, “helper” type boxed meals, cold cereal, boxed 100% juice, snacks, and peanut butter and jelly (please, no glass containers). Working together, we will get through this new way of conducting our lives and I believe we will come out a stronger, more connected community, for having struggled together, so determined to defeat COVID 19! Thank you dear ones, stay safe, and stay healthy. myra Myra Battin, Director, Board President Bremerton Backpack Brigade P.O. Box 2533 Bremerton WA 98319 Bremertonbackpackbrigade@gmail.com 360.471.9588

24 Hr. Kitsap Great Give Annual On-line Fundraiser

April 21st The annual Kitsap Great Give event is coming soon. The one-day event is scheduled for April 21st, but you will have the opportunity to donate to your favorite charity(s) beginning April 1st. With so many of our local non-profits having taken a hit due to Covid-19 they could use some help. If you are able, go to kitsapgreatgive.org and donate.

Thank you!

Page 4

Around Our Region _________

REFLECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY (in the midst of a pandemic) A moment with Transitional Regional Minister, Sandy Messick

“Closing of churches because of the influenza epidemic has not left Milwaukee pastors with any surplus of leisure on their hands, according to statements by several of them. More time given to pastoral calls, efforts to encourage home worship and attention to sick calls.” Milwaukee Journal, Oct. 20, 1918 “Pastors of churches might arrange for Boy Scout Organizations to call at the homes of their membership from 2-4 o’clock Sunday afternoon and receive the regular church contribution and at the same time distribute Sunday school literature.” Indianapolis Star, October 25, 1918 “Rev. Graham Frank, pastor of the Central Christian Church…urges the members of his congregation to observe the day as one of prayer, and to co-operate with all their power to bring the influenza epidemic to an end.” Dallas Morning News, Oct. 19, 1918 Just over 100 years ago, churches were faced with the challenge of how to connect when they couldn’t worship together in person. During the Influenza epidemic of 1918, pastors and congregations did their part to stop community spread by practicing social distancing (I don’t think they called it that) while continuing to care for their members and communities. They had to get creative about how to continue the ministries of the church; for instance, sending the Boy Scouts door to door to collect offerings and distribute Sunday School literature and encouraging congregants to continue to observe Sunday as a day of prayer and worship at home. Today, we are once again faced with the challenge of being church when we can’t physically be together in the church building. But unlike 1918, we have new options for connecting and supporting the life of the church when we can’t be present face-to-face. Our congregations are gathering virtually through Facebook Live or Zoom. They are pre-recording worship and posting on websites, and continuing Bible Studies through conference calls or videoconference. Our congregations are continuing to care for their neigh-bors by turning community suppers into take-out cafes. And again and again, I’m hearing pastors and lay leaders share ways they are staying connected with the most vulnerable. I’m grateful to say we are rising to the challenge of this new day. We don’t know how long this situation will last. My hope, shared with many others, is that by making early decisions to halt large gatherings and get some physical space from one another, we can slow the spread of COVID-19. We won’t know for a little while if our efforts are working or are enough, and more restrictions may be necessary. We are in a time that requires patience, and flexibility, and creativity. These are qualities that are hard to come by when we are anxious, and yet we find ourselves in an anxious time. I encourage you to take care of yourselves in this time of uncertainty. Find ways to replenish your spirit, be it joining in with a virtual worship gathering, finding some quiet time for reflection and prayer, or getting outside for a walk in the neighbor-hood or in nature with one or two others. Find ways to connect with loved ones. If not in person, by phone or video conference or text. Treat your body well. Eat healthy food, practice quality sleep habits, wash your hands (Had to get that part in). And cultivate grace. For yourself. For others. For the situation. Support your pastor and your congregation. Our Northern Lights pastors are amazing. They are taking this challenge of creative worship and offering extraordinary leadership. Please offer them your encouragement. Remind them to care for themselves while they care for and with you. Continue to support your congregation financially. Many congregations have the option of giving online. Remember that the bills don’t stop just because we can’t worship together. The region is providing a way to give through the regional website and designate to your specific congregation. Continue to pray for your communities and members and help your pastor stay in touch with the most vulnerable in the congregation. God is present with us. God’s love and grace surround us. God continues to uphold us through this and all trying times. “Do not fear; for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. Grace and peace, Sandy

Northwest News

Articles included in Around Our Region are taken in full or in part from the Northern Lights Reflections Newsletter and other regional sources.

Page 5

“First Christian Church is a community of believers seeking to share the Good News of God’s redeeming love through Jesus Christ with all persons, through care of and service to the congregation, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the world.”

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SUNDAY SCHOOL - ALL AGES POSTPONED WORSHIP 10:30 AM FELLOWSHIP TIME 11:30 AM

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