Welcome
Center Harbor Congregational Church, UCC
center harbor, new hampshire
Children's Worship
Dear Friends,
Please be informed of the following changes for our worship and meeting space:
Some Q & A
The Board of Deacons and I are actively planning for when we can all be together again. In the meantime, we are paying close attention to the guidance given by the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC, the CDC and local government offices.
Worship from a Distance?
Yes! This we can do! With the many changes our community is experiencing, a daily practice of prayer, and centering is recommended as you adjust to a different way of life. For your use at home, each week we are apart I will be sending via email or regular mail a small worship service that you may find helpful for Sunday morning. (Connect to these worship folders with the buttons above). Know that as you read and practice this worship, you will be holding worship together in spirit. If you would like to receive the Sunday worship service, either by mail or email, please email with your preference.
What about Holy Week and Easter?
Because of the continuing restrictions we will not be gathering either inside or outside during Holy Week or on Easter Sunday. Know that God is present in worship even when we gather remotely. Please continue to use the worship documents above to stay in the Word and to celebrate this holy season as we might if we were together.
Other Ideas for Worship?
When we think creatively, there are ideas that will fill our spiritual wells. Remember the peace pole, placed in memory of Rob Leighley, is located in a quiet spot under the pines behind the church. If you are able to be out, walking or driving by, be encouraged to sit and pray by the peace pole. We also plan to place a cross at the front of the church for Holy Week, as a reminder to all that the church is alive and present in preparation for Easter. We hope that you will drive or stop by as you're able to reflect on this revered symbol of Easter.
Can we congregate in small groups?
This is not recommended. The virus, although it seems elusive, is real. And it is in the Lakes Region. A best practice for helping others is to avoid being together. You may have friends who are more vulnerable to the virus than you are. And you may not know that they are, or if you are indeed carrying the virus. Those with preexisting conditions, autoimmune diseases and medication to suppress the immune system are more prone to catching the virus.
Please stay home and take care of yourself and others. Also, keep up good health practices and frequently wash your hands.
Are Other Church Events continuing?
All church activities are discontinued for now. We are reaching out to other groups that meet at the church to encourage them to restrict their programs.
I am keeping my office hours on Fridays for now, but I can be available for any urgent need. Deb, our Administrative Assistant, will be in the office as needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while regular activities are suspended. Please call ahead before coming to the church on these days as Deb may be working abbreviated hours.
Finally:
Please, if you can, remember to maintain your regular offering to the church. Please send it by regular mail. Your uninterrupted support will help the church continue to make the payments it must to utilities, insurance, and to support church staff.
Please be in touch if you do receive a diagnosis of the virus, so we can help others maintain good health. I will reply as soon as I can. Your privacy is very important. Anything you share will not be shared without your permission.
Please continue to hold in prayer those adversely affected by COVID-19 as well as the many health professionals who put their safety at risk to care for others.
With you in Spirit, with blessings, grace, peace and good health always,
Pastor Celeste
