First Reformed Church, Hastings-On-Hudson

As we closely follow the Coronavirus outbreak in our region, the nation, and the world, we will once again gather on Zoom this Sunday, March 29, to worship God together while practicing social distancing.

In lieu of in-person worship gathered in a physical building, we will gather spiritually and virtually using Zoom, which enables participants to either watch the service on their computers, smart phones, or tablets, or listen via any cell phone or landline, just like a conference call.

On Sunday morning at 10am, please join me for worship in one of two ways:
BY VIDEO CALL (on your computer):
Click the Link: https://zoom.us/j/454099659 (NOTE THAT THIS IS A NEW LINK, however it will continue to work for subsequent weeks)
Enter the Meeting ID: 454 099 659
The first time you sign into a Zoom call on your computer it will ask you to download the app. You can also find the Zoom app for your iPad or cell phone in the various app stores (for free).

BY PHONE:
Call: 646 876 9923
Enter the Meeting ID: 454 099 659
This works just like a regular old phone call. Dial the number, enter the meeting ID, and join us by phone.

Several of you have asked whether you can share these links — please do invite any friends who you think might be blessed by taking part.

In these difficult times, it is more important than ever to gather in (virtual) community and hear the Good News of God’s love. I’m looking forward to being with you.

In Christ,
Pastor Emily

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Thursday, March 12, the Consistory of First Reformed Church made a unanimous decision to suspend in-person worship services for at least the next two Sundays (March 15 and March 22) and move to an online format which will also be available via conference call. We’ve made this decision out of an abundance of caution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to do our part in “social distancing” and “flattening the curve.” We will re-evaluate and make a decision about future events subsequent to March 22.

In lieu of in-person worship gathered in a physical building, we will gather spiritually and virtually using Zoom, which enables participants to either watch the service on their computers, smart phones, or tablets, or listen via any cell phone or landline, just like a conference call.

On Sunday morning at 10am, please join me for worship in one of two ways:
BY VIDEO CALL (on your computer):
Click the Link: https://zoom.us/j/567947077
Enter the Meeting ID: 567 947 077
The first time you sign into a Zoom call on your computer it will ask you to download the app. You can also find the Zoom app for your iPad or cell phone in the various app stores (for free).

BY PHONE:
Call: 646 876 9923
Enter the Meeting ID: 567 947 077
This works just like a regular old phone call. Dial the number, enter the meeting ID, and join us by phone.

These are difficult and frightening times, and I am here for you as your pastor — you can reach me at the church or email me at [email protected]. Most important, though, is that we do not face this or any trial alone, but with the help of God, who made heaven and earth, and who calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In Christ,
Pastor Emily

February 26 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. As we prepare for a season of more solemnity, reflection, and preparation, I’ll be thinking of and praying for each of you.

We are not having a formal worship service tomorrow, but there will be opportunities throughout the morning to receive ashes:
-7-8am, our own Rev. Nancy Callender and I will be at the Hastings train station, in the Good Witch Coffee Bar, to provide “Ashes To Go” to morning commuters.
-Just before 9am, I’ll stop in at the Men’s Breakfast and will also visit the Nursery School to offer ashes to the staff there (at their request).
-From 9am to 11am, I will be available in the chapel (where the Chinese Community Church usually worships) to offer ashes to anyone who stops by. If you’d like to receive ashes and are available during this time, I’d be very glad to see you.

It’s a warm day today, with the promise of spring in the air — that feels appropriate, somehow. May this season bring pruning of what needs to be pruned, and germination and growth of God’s many gifts in all our lives.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily