PCL at a Glance for June 30, 2020

Inspirational Thought: I was honored to represent our presbytery at the 224th General Assembly. This assembly was historic not only because of the first virtual platform – which was hailed as a success — but also the election of the first Indigenous woman to the office of co-moderator of the General Assembly. The election of Rev. Gregory Bentley and Elona Street-Stewart will lead our denomination for the next two years with renewed energy, intelligence, and imagination. Their passion for the church and Christ’s ministry was sensed as they spoke of their hopes for the future of the Presbyterian Church. In my opinion, they were the strongest of the two other co-moderator candidates that were up for election. The theme for this year’s assembly was “From Lament to Hope.” As spoken by the co-moderators 223rd General Assembly speakers, Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and Cindy Kohlmann, was defined as lament, confession, restoration, and hope.

The commissioners at the assembly were encouraged, through different initiatives, that the church must find a voice during these uncertain times. The representatives were challenged as to how the church might do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. The 224th General Assembly called attention to racism of people of color and the inequity of poverty. We were encouraged to find a voice that would mirror Christ within our midst.

Even though the General Assembly doesn’t have the authority to tell churches to accept certain missional positions, it gives us pause to rethink our mission and the vitality of our church for such a time as this.

Until we meet again, may God’s love be with you,

Pastor Dan

Birthdays for June & July
Alexander DeFilippo – Jun 30
Allen Fossett – July 2
Gabriella DeFilippo – July 5

Anniversaries for June
Pastor Dan’s Ordination – July 2 (31 years)

Come Worship with Us This Sunday!
July 5, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
(please have the elements available)
On-line service only, starting Sunday at 10 am

This Week at PCL

  • First Thursday of every month Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service on Zoom at 8 pm, phone: 1-646-558-8656
  • Centering Prayer (noon) every Wednesday& Friday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Bible & Bagels, Saturdays, at 8:30 am
  • If you have friends who don’t have a church home, please invite then to join our on-line worship services, Bible studies and prayer service.

Worship & Other Opportunities

Facebook & Zoom

  • Facebook:  facebook.com/The-PCL-935676843185631
  • Sunday worship; contemplative prayer, Tuesday – Friday at noon (Zoom)
  • Zoom,
    Sunday Service:
    Meeting ID: 157 482 235
    Password: 84 85 69
    Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Contemplative Prayer

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 729 0137 4659
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Zoom Bible & Bagels

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 858 942 655
Password:
84 85 69
Phone:
1 646 558 8656

Zoom Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service
First Thursday of every month at 8 pm.
Zoom ID: 826 6284 2267 / PW: 820 068

Tithes & Offerings
As we deal with the shelter-in-place and are unable to meet physically as a congregation, we ask you to mail your offerings to the church office.

Livingston Light Up Night
July 1, at 8 pm, on LTV

Reading the Bible with the Lectionary
June 30-July 4, 2020

Tue: Psalms 54; 146; Numbers 22:21-38; Romans 7:1-12; Matthew 21:23-32

Wed: Psalms 65; 147:1-11; Numbers 22:41-23:12; Romans 7:13-25; Matthew 21:33-46

Thu: Psalms 143; 147:12-20; Numbers 23:11-26; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 22:1-14

Fri: Psalms 88; 148; Numbers 24:1-13; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 22: 15-22

Sat: Psalms 122; 149; Numbers 24:12-25 Romans 8:18-25; Matthew 22:23-40

PCL at a Glance for June 23, 2020

Inspirational Thought and Prayer: Recently, I was asked to be one of the speakers for Livingston Light Up Night, which is on July 1, beginning at 8:00 pm. At this time in our country when there are so many uncertainties that include COVID-19, racial tension, systemic injustice, unemployment, and mental health issues, Livingston Light Up is a voice, or light, of solidarity to support one another with respect and dignity. With the hope of bringing folks together with a simple light, and the desire to move forward with conversation that will lead to action against injustice and inequality. For my part I prayed a prayer of solidarity that I would like to share with you as this week’s Inspirational Thought. I invite you to reflect on how it speaks to you.

CREATOR GOD,

Tonight, we come together in solidarity with one voice and one heart to support each other during these times of uncertainty. we grieve the loss of those who have died succumbed to the COVID virus and for those who have watched in vigil as they slipped from this world to the next. we pray for those who have been discriminated against due to the color of their skin; or for whom they love. we pray for those dealing with fears and anxiety over how to pay bills and buy food. as a community we stand as a light of hope that will lead the way to love all with liberty and justice. may each light represent the thousand points of lights that has made our country and community strong to endure times of trouble. as your servant, Rev. Martin Niemöller, said so many years ago, but is pertinent for today:

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

May we speak out as we strive to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you trusting in your leading and guiding for a time such as this. amen.

Until we meet again,

Pastor Dan

Anniversaries for June
Mindy & Mark Glaz – Jun 27

This Week at PCL

  • Taizé (noon) every Tuesday & Thursday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • First Thursday of every month Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service on Zoom at 8 pm
  • Centering Prayer (noon) every Wednesday& Friday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Bible & Bagels, Saturdays, at 8:30 am
  • If you have friends who don’t have a church home, please invite then to join our on-line worship services, Bible studies and prayer service.

Worship & Other Opportunities

Facebook & Zoom

  • Facebook:  facebook.com/The-PCL-935676843185631
  • Sunday worship; contemplative prayer, Tuesday – Friday at noon (Zoom)
  • Zoom,
    Sunday Service:
    Meeting ID: 157 482 235
    Password: 84 85 69
    Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Contemplative Prayer

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 729 0137 4659
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Zoom Bible & Bagels

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 858 942 655
Password:
84 85 69
Phone:
1 646 558 8656

Zoom Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service
First Thursday of every month at 8 pm.
Zoom ID: 826 6284 2267 / PW: 820 068

Tithes & Offerings
As we deal with the shelter-in-place and are unable to meet physically as a congregation, we ask you to mail your offerings to the church office.

Livingston Light Up Night
July 1, at 8 pm, on LTV

Reading the Bible with the Lectionary
June 21-27, 2020

Sun: Gen. 21:8-21; Ps. 86:1-10, 16-17; Rom. 6:1b-11; Gospel Matt. 10:24-39

Mon: Psalms 135; 145; Numbers 16:1-19; Romans 3:21-31; Matthew 19:13-22

Tue: Psalms 123; 146; Numbers 16:20-35; Romans 4:1-12; Matthew 19:23-30

Wed: Psalms 15; 147:1-11; Numbers 16:36-50; Rom. 4:13-25; Matt. 20:1-16

Thu: Psalms 36; 147:12-20; Numbers 17:1-11; Romans 5:1-11; Matt. 20:17-28

Fri: Psalms 130; 148; Numbers 20:1-13; Romans 5:12-21; Matthew 20:29-34

Sat: Psalms 56; 149; Numbers 20:14-29; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11

PCL at a Glance for June 16, 2020

Inspirational Thoughts:“By the rivers of Babylon – there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there, our captors asked us for songs and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” These verses are found in Psalm 137:1-3. It tells of when Judea was led into exile by the Babylonian Empire after the fall of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. These verses have been put to music and have been portrayed on the silver screen. The last line speaks volumes to me, “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” How indeed? Maybe this is where a lot of people find themselves these days. With all that is going on around us, we might feel like we are in a bad dream and wish to wake up. Nothing is as simple as, “let’s wait for a vaccine that will do the trick,” or, “the racial tension will ease up – just wait and see.” This is exactly where the mental state of the children of Israel was. They were longing for the good ‘ole days of worshiping at the temple in the land they called their own. At times, do we feel that we too are in a foreign land? We walk this way by faith and not by sight. In doing so, are we growing weary? For such a time as this, may we hold onto Emmanuel, “God with us” and repeat the verse in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we remember this verse, then maybe the rivers of Babylonian will be sweet instead of bitter.

Until we meet again, may God’s love be with you,

Pastor Dan

Prayer of the Week: Loving Lord, in these crazy and uncertain days. When the world, our nation, our community is on fire. We ask that you will lead us to green pastures and beside still waters to restore our souls. Amen.

Birthdays for June
Denise Geary – Jun 18

Anniversaries for June
Deborah & Robert Lindner – Jun 18

Come Worship with Us This Sunday!
June 21, Third Sunday after Pentecost
On-line service only, starting Sunday at 10 am

This Week at PCL

  • Taizé (noon) every Tuesday & Thursday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • First Thursday of every month Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service on Zoom at 8 pm
  • Centering Prayer (noon) every Wednesday& Friday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Bible & Bagels, Saturdays, at 8:30 am
  • If you have friends who don’t have a church home, please invite then to join our on-line worship services, Bible studies and prayer service.

Worship & Other Opportunities

Facebook & Zoom

  • Facebook:  facebook.com/The-PCL-935676843185631
  • Sunday worship; contemplative prayer, Tuesday – Friday at noon (Zoom)
  • Zoom,
    Sunday Service:
    Meeting ID: 157 482 235
    Password: 84 85 69
    Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Contemplative Prayer

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 729 0137 4659
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Zoom Bible & Bagels

Zoom:
Meeting ID: 858 942 655
Password:
84 85 69
Phone:
1 646 558 8656

Zoom Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service
First Thursday of every month at 8 pm.
Zoom ID: 826 6284 2267 / PW: 820 068

Tithes & Offerings
As we deal with the shelter-in-place and are unable to meet physically as a congregation, we ask you to mail your offerings to the church office.

Reading the Bible with the Lectionary
June 14-20, 2020

Sun: Gen. 18:1-15, 21:1-7; 116:1-2, 12-19; Rom. 5:1-8;Matt. 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Mon: Psalms 5; 145; Num. 9:15-23, 10:29-36; Rom. 1:1-15; Matt. 17:14-21

Tue: Psalms 42; 146; Numbers 11:1-23; Romans 1:16-25; Matthew 17:22-27

Wed: Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; Num. 11:24-33 (34-35); Rom. 1:28-2:11; Matt. 18:1-9

Thu: Psalms 97; 147:12-20; Num. 12:1-16; Rom. 2:12-24; Matthew 18:10-20

Fri: Psalms 51; 148; Numb. 13:1-3, 21-30; Rom. 2:25-3:8; Matt. 18:21-35

Sat: Psalms 104; 149; Numbers 13:31-14:25; Romans 3:9-20; Matt. 19:1-12

PCL News for June 6, 2020

Inspirational Thoughts: In a world that is changing there are ways for us to be grounded in our faith. As we are nurtured, we are encouraged to focus on the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with which to find our refuge in a time of storm. We are in such times. No longer are we dealing with one storm, but many. These storms are called COVID virus, economic downturn, sky-rocketing unemployment, and civil unrest. One of these would have been more than enough to deal with. How do we ground ourselves? For some this comes through contemplative prayer and meditation, a walk in the park or at South Mountain Reservation, or listening to peaceful, inspirational music. During trying times in my life music has quieted my soul and calmed my fears. With this in mind, I would like to share with you the lyrics of a hymn called “It is well with my soul.”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. (Refrain)

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! (Refrain)

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)

May it be well with our souls for our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ love and righteous. For if God is for us, then who can be against us.

Until we meet again, may God’s love be with you,

Pastor Dan

Prayer of the Week: Peace prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek so much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Anniversaries for June

Pastor Dan – Jun 1 (First day as Pastor of PCL)

Come Worship With Us
This Sunday!
June 7, Trinity Sunday
On-line service only starting Sunday at 10 am
You can access the service by Facebook or Zoom

This Week at PCL

  • Taizé (noon) every Tuesday & Thursday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Centering Prayer (noon) every Wednesday & Friday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Bible & Bagels, Saturdays, at 8:30 am
  • If you have friends who don’t have a church home, please invite them to join in our on-line worship services, Bible studies, and prayer services.
  • Zoom Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service, Thursday, June 4 at 8 pm.

Worship & Other Opportunities

Facebook & Zoom

Sunday Service:
Meeting ID: 157 482 235
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Contemplative PrayerZoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72901374659?pwd=dTIzV3VHbURaWElUN3h0OTFHdHgzZz09

Meeting ID: 729 0137 4659
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Zoom Bible & Bagels

Zoom https://us04web.zoom.us/j/858942655?pwd=elZySVZEajZJWUlkUmNWdjVJSmVVQT09

Meeting ID: 858 942 655
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Tithes & Offerings

As we deal with shelter-in-place and are unable to meet physically as a congregation, we ask you to mail your offerings to the church office.

Office Update

I am back in the office for normal business hours. Please note that the church building will still be closed to everyone except the church staff for the foreseeable future. If you need to come into the building please call and make an appointment. When you come to the office, you must have a face mask. If you do not have one, one will be supplied to you. These rules have been placed in effect for the protection of the staff and the PCL congregation.

As soon as the church becomes safe to reopen and hold services we will let you know.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented time.

Pastor Dan and the staff of PCL.

PCL Re-Opening

The Presbytery Re-Opening Task Force has scheduled two Zoom Q&A sessions to follow up on their letter which was sent on Friday, May 22. All are welcome. Please send an email to Barbara Smith at revdocbsmith@gmail.com to sign up.

Dates and Time:

  • Monday, June 8, 2020 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Re-Opening our church

At our last session meeting, Sunday, May 31, the session heard the recommendation from the session’s task force to re-open the church. Following the rationale and discussion, it was recommended and voted to have the building closed to the public and in-person worship until September; this will exclude church staff and Our House, Inc. renovations. In August the task force will evaluate as we move forward. The session didn’t take this action lightly and knows that this brings disappointment, but the health and safety of our members and friends is a witness to what Jesus asked us to do, “to love your neighbor as yourself.” As the task force was meeting, a task force on the Presbytery level was also discussing guidelines for churches in our Presbytery. Until we can meet in person, we will continue to worship, hold meetings, conduct Bible Study, and other fellowship opportunities using zoom and Facebook live streaming. Following is the guidance from Presbytery which includes a theological and science discussion. 

Excerpts from an Open Letter from the Presbytery

Dear Friends –
 
We pray that this correspondence finds you well and healthy amidst this unprecedented pandemic, quarantine, and heartbreaking loss in an ever-narrowing circle of connection. 
 
Our presbytery leaders, Warren McNeill and Barbara Smith, have been in touch with congregations and clergy since the beginning of this pandemic. They have shared recommendations on church building closures based on the directives of the CDC, and the States of New Jersey and New York, and compiled helpful articles from reputable sources on the Newark Presbytery website.
 
At its May 12 meeting, the Vision Accountability Board voted unanimously to create a task force to expand the conversations around reopening our church buildings. That task force is now comprised of Rev. Dr. Barbara Smith, Elder Warren McNeill, Rev. Maria Crompton (Elmwood), Rev. Dan Martian (Livingston), Elder Carlos Monteagudo, MD, MPH (Bloomfield Church on the Green) and Elder Tia Goss Sawhney, DrPH, FSA, MAAA (First Newark). On Thursday, May 21 the task force met via Zoom for in depth, thorough conversation, the basis of which we write to you today.
 
We know that some of our congregations are anxious to return to in-person worship in your church buildings. Others have taken official steps to continue only virtual worship into September and October. Some have said they don’t feel comfortable returning to in-person worship service until a vaccine is created. We have crafted today’s letter from both theological and scientific positions – which lead us to recommend that our church buildings remain closed and worship remain virtual until at least September 12.  Why?
 
THE THEOLOGY
When the Israelites were exiled in Babylon for 70 years, by necessity – and opportunity – they found new ways to live. They did not travel to their usual wells to dip water, or to their local temple to pray. But they still dipped water and they still prayed. And when it was time to begin their long journey back to their homeland, they knew that their new reality would be far different from their past. It was in the context of that journey to a new normal that Jeremiah shared the word of the Lord, which we find in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For surely I know the plans I have for you…plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” And the Israelites did have a new normal. From the descendants of that wandering, questioning, searching crowd, we have a Savior: Jesus.

Jesus, our Lord and our Savior, told us – as recorded in Matthew 22 – the greatest commandment is to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” By continuing our quarantine long after our patience wears thin, by continuing our virtual and building-less worship, by recognizing the unintended consequences of inadvertently spreading a deadly virus that is not going away anytime soon, we are loving our neighbor. We are – as Jesus did before us – caring for the other.
 
Quite honestly, this pandemic is one of the greatest evangelism opportunities we’ve had in forever. The Gospel message is being heard by greater numbers of people tuning in to our virtual services who were not in the habit of stopping by to sit in our pews. Yes, we are sad that we can’t hear the strains of “Holy, Holy, Holy” in our usual pew. Yes, we are sad that we can’t pass the peace of Christ with our friends. But yes, we are being morally and ethically responsible. And we are also being morally and ethically responsible to the cultural diversity that is Newark Presbytery as some communities in our midst are part of a demographic that is more greatly impacted than others.
 
God is present whether we are in our buildings or not. We know that. This pandemic has given us great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we provide food to people whose pantries are bare. This pandemic has given us great opportunity to reach people we haven’t seen in years or ever – online. This pandemic has given us great opportunity to connect with colleagues and brothers and sisters across the Presbytery we might never have met – online. How will we be different after this pandemic ends?
 
But when will that be? 
 
As with everything with this novel corona virus, much is not known for certain and scientific guidance is made based on prior knowledge of other known and similar viruses and infectious diseases in general. It is not unusual for public health guidance to change based on emerging or additional scientific facts and observations on the ground. Any decisions to open up our churches and houses of worship will need to be informed by the best science that God has made possible for us to know. The following is a science primer.
 
THE SCIENCE
From a public health standpoint, the numbers tell the story. Let’s start with what we do know from the global experience of COVID-19 thus far. 
 
TREATMENT
Currently, there is NO cure and there is NO treatment for anyone becoming infected with COVID-19. There are only supportive therapies which aim at helping those infected survive their complications while their own bodies mount a defense against the illness.
 
There are dozens of potential cures and treatments in the pipeline, including vaccines, antibody harvesting and infusion, and medications. But NONE of these potential treatments have been shown to be effective or safe yet. 
 
There is consensus that the best cure will likely come in the form of a vaccine. However, a cautionary note: traditionally vaccines can be very hard to develop and manufacture, and there are examples of many viruses that have proven difficult to create vaccines for, including viruses that produce the common cold and even for the virus that causes HIV.
 
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

  • 70% of all individuals that get infected with COVID-19 will have a “mild case” and eventually recover.
  • 30% of all individual that get infected with COVID-19 will develop serious complications and require life-saving supportive treatment in a hospital. These complications include viral pneumonia, blood clots, renal failure, encephalitis.
  • 1-3% of those that get infected with COVID-19 will die from their complications.
  • 30-40% of those in high risks group (pre-existing conditions such as obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes, age >60) who become infected with COVID-19 will die.
  • Populations of color and those in low socio-economic groups have disproportionately high mortality and morbidity rates approximating those in high risk groups.
  • In spite previous guidance, COVID-19 can infect ALL age groups. More serious manifestations of the virus besides the lung findings are being reported in these populations. And even individuals who end up having only mild cases are still very contagious during their illness and can readily transmit the disease, especially amongst their close contacts, to others who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill.

 
Multiple organ systems are now known to be affected by the virus, most notably the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, the brain and the circulatory system, each producing a host of serious short and long-term effects. 
 
TRANSMISSION
The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is believed to be primarily though contact with the bodily fluids (carrying virus) of infected individuals (saliva, mucus, urine, feces) and the air the individuals exhale.  Specifically, this means:

1. Aerosol are very tiny liquid particles (from saliva, mucus, toilet water) that can carry the virus and can become suspended in the air for hours. This becomes a problem in enclosed spaces where the aerosol is produced but cannot be dispersed. High concentrations of aerosol are found in ICU settings where infected individuals are intubated and need to be suctioned routinely, a process that is known to produce aerosolized particles. It is also possible to produce aerosol when a person sneezes, coughs, sings, talks or flushes the toilet.

2. Droplets are much bigger particles compared to aerosol and are also produced in high quantities when sneezing, coughing, singing and talking. They can travel long distances in high velocity during these activities. The droplets don’t “hang” in the air like aerosols, but instead quickly drop to the ground and surrounding surfaces within a few seconds to minutes. Viral particles at high concentrations can be detected in these droplets for hours to days:

  • cardboard/ paper – 24 hours
  • steel/hard plastic – 3 days
  • moist foods – 5 days

PREVENTION
Until there is a cure or effective treatment, the best treatment is prevention.  
 
It is known that the virus can be “shed” in large quantities by infected individuals who are NOT showing any signs or symptoms of the illness (i.e., asymptomatic carriers) for as many as five days prior to their becoming ill. Those individuals who do become ill and develop symptoms (most commonly fever, shortness of breath, coughing) are known to be highly infectious while they have active symptoms. Recent studies suggest that the individuals who fully recover from COVID are no longer infectious as early as one week after full recovery (even if they still show traces of virus in their bodies and still test “positive” for the virus).
 
The goal of prevention is not eliminating ALL contact with the virus, that is virtually impossible. The non-immunocompromised body CAN probably handle and effectively eliminate a few dozen (or even hundreds) of viral particles that it is exposed to at once through activation of its regular immune system. But the typical body CANNOT handle exposure to thousands or even millions of viral particles at once. It is this intense “viral load” exposure that likely leads to illness. 
 
The goal of prevention then is to decrease the viral load to individuals as much as possible. With this in mind, the pillars of prevention become:
 
Social Distancing and Mask Wearing: This will greatly decrease the chance of viral transmission through airborne contact. Studies from the 1930’s revealed that the majority of droplets travel no more than 3 feet, so the standard guidance adopted by the CDC since then for droplet-born illnesses has been based on doubling this distance to 6 feet. Much more sophisticated studies recently reveal the particle can actually travel up to 20 feet if one introduces a small amount of wind speed effects to these experiments.
 
Contact Tracing and Testing: Because of the presence of asymptomatic carriers and the ubiquity of this virus, very little in the form of mass safe reentry can be accomplished without testing and contract tracing so that new infection outbreaks can be quickly identified and contained. Until then, re-opening may be possible only with small gatherings using clearly delineated and strict guidelines designed to decrease the spread of the virus in the general population and especially to high risk groups. Please remember: contract tracing brings into question the issues of privacy and a very real concern of protection for those among us who are undocumented.
 
Proper Hygiene and Food Handling: Since food is to be ingested, proper food handling practices are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
 
The virus is known to require three types of molecules to be infectious: RNA, proteins, and lipids. High heat or alcohol can denature (destroy) proteins and RNA. Cooking foods at temperatures above 160 degrees can effectively deactivate the virus. Using sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol for surfaces that cannot be heated or washed is also effective. Lipid molecules are essentially “fat” molecules that can be effectively destroyed or contained using grease cutting soapy water. Washing objects with soapy water ends up being a very effective and readily available method to deactivate the virus.
 
Proper Hygiene and Cross Contamination: The CDC guidance continues to be to wash hands thoroughly and frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water, or when this is not available, sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. This is intended to decrease the viral load that an individual may introduce into their bodies without knowing when they touch surfaces containing droplets with the virus and then inadvertently touch their mouths, eyes or nose – common entry points for the virus. 
 
Very recently, new guidance from the CDC based on new scientific evidence suggest that the virus may not be as infectious from surface contact as previously believed. This data is evolving, and the CDC still says it is possible to contract the disease through cross contamination and are therefore still advising frequent hand washing. 
 
Until the science is clear, we must be meticulous about avoiding cross contamination. That will mean disinfecting or washing high touch surfaces or objects frequently, so that “contact” doesn’t happen inadvertently over time (example: once every four hours in work places). Importantly, glove wearing is ONLY effective as long as the gloves remain uncontaminated. Once a glove touches an infected surface, it too will become the cause of cross contamination and should be discarded. 
 
CURRENT STATUS
Based on the facts above, prior to the lockdown the US was on track to experience between 1-3 million deaths from COVID-19 as the pandemic swept unhindered across the country. This unspeakable tragedy has been largely averted (or perhaps only delayed) by the sacrifice and efforts of everyone staying at home and keeping social distance. But in spite of these measures, we have surpassed 100,000 plus confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and that number will unquestionably climb and accelerate again as we remove the only effective barrier – the lockdown – that we have at our disposal to slow down the spread of this disease. (As a point of comparison, the influenza virus causes 30-60,000 deaths per year – a large number yes- but WITHOUT having to institute a lockdown).
 
When we as a society begin to reopen, it is clear that the death rates will again mount and our healthcare and economic systems will be additionally strained. There is nothing that has fundamentally changed in our society and communities, from a medical and public health perspective, compared to when COVID-19 first entered our community. Our bodies are still as vulnerable. The disease is still as highly infectious and lethal. 

We are more aware and informed, yes. And that is a good thing. But we are also showing signs as a society of becoming emotionally fatigued and depleted, and possibly reckless because of it. There will be unquestionable short- and long-term consequences of the social isolation, social distancing, and economic hardships that we are still only beginning to understand and grapple with. No question. But Jesus’s commands that we address basic life and death issues ahead of all else.
 
CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUMMARY STATEMENTS
We cannot open in the short-term. Why?

  • Large gatherings and faith-based services are not yet allowed — it’s the law of New Jersey and Newark.
  • Even the small gatherings that will soon be permitted under eased restrictions may be rescinded if COVID cases increase due to the eased restrictions.

If eased restrictions go well and COVID cases don’t increase, large gatherings and faith-based services might be allowed by July 1 or thereafter. But we should not open then. Why?

  • COVID cases “not increasing” is not the same as COVID not being in our community — COVID is in our community and will continue to be in our community for the foreseeable future.
  • Many of our members, including our elderly members, are particularly vulnerable to COVID
  • Our worship traditions (e.g. passing the peace, singing) and worship spaces (e.g. poorly ventilated bathrooms, less the rigorous cleaning) are conducive to virus transmission. To sing a joyful noise could literally kill someone.
  • It only takes one person to make many people sick — a person who may not have any symptoms him/herself.
  • Churches should preserve and not endanger health and life.

We will need time beyond July –

  • To ascertain that COVID cases are not only not increasing, but continuing to decline in our community, hopefully to near zero — this requires that we wait at least 30 days after large group gatherings are allowed.
  • To make changes to our worship traditions, cleaning processes, and even physical buildings to reduce the chance of virus transmission.
  • For our congregants to gain faith that they can join us for worship without fearing for their lives.
  • The time and care that will be involved for church leaders to develop policies, communicate those policies, and develop action plans to enforce those policies.


JUST BECAUSE WE CAN DOESN’T MEAN THAT WE SHOULD
While we are likely to have insurance coverage should we open sooner rather than later and someone dies, we don’t want either the moral responsibility or potential years of litigation. Barbara has been in touch with our insurance agent – Brown and Brown. Richard Rhinehart, Vice President Religious Organization Team, writes – “In the event the church reopens & someone comes down with COVID-19, suit could possibly be brought by that individual. The church board, ultimately, is the decision-making body of the church & therefore, the ones making the decision to reopen in the first place. The Directors, Officers & Trustees liability portion of the package policy will respond to this particular suit since the claim would be viewed as a “wrongful act” on the part of the board. The policy will respond for both defense as well as any judgement rendered up to the policy limit.”

SO WHAT CAN WE DO? LOTS!
We already are building virtual communities as we gather with our local congregational communities for Sunday coffee hour. The presbytery offers a weekly Zoom happy hour on Wednesdays at 5:00 pm. One congregation watched a movie together. Others are doing their prayer meetings and Bible Studies via zoom – and having a higher turnout! Another church has a sacred music hour on Sunday evenings – you can sing along at home! Just because you can’t gather in the same space doesn’t mean you can’t be face to face! The leadership of another church regularly reaches out to every member to ask if they need assistance, to give encouragement, and to pray. And when needs are identified, they literally deliver. 
 
You are already doing a great job with virtual worship! How about teaming up with worship and give your pastors a bit of a break? For instance, Central Montclair and Bloomfield already have a relationship with Holy Week services.  One-week David Noble preaches and the Bloomfield congregation tunes in. The next week Ruth Boling preaches and the Central congregation tunes in. What if 12 different congregations worked together for the summer and each took a week? 
 
Camp Johnsonburg has put together Camp in a Box. What if a group of churches got together virtually and shared VBS?  
 
If nothing else, this pandemic has made real the fact that our virtual presence must continue. Take this time to upgrade your technology – audio and video. 
 
Start thinking about Stewardship and your 2021 budget.
 
Make plans for the Fall/Winter that don’t require you to be in person. Since this situation is always in flux, the chances are very real that we may be away from our buildings much longer than we currently anticipate, or may reopen only to have to close again.  

We leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians [2-3b-4] – “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” 
 
Faithfully,
 
Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Smith
Transitional Director of Presbytery Ministries

Elder Warren C. McNeill
Stated Clerk
 
Rev. Maria Crompton
Elmwood United Presbyterian Church 


Elder Carlos Monteagudo, MD, MPH
Bloomfield Church on the Green
 
Rev. Dan Martian
Presbyterian Church of Livingston

Elder Tia Goss Sawhney, DrPH, FSA, MAAA
First Presbyterian Church Newark

As all are aware, the COVID-19 Pandemic and Stay in Place Orders have had an unimaginable impact on our economy. Unfortunately, the shut-down, lay-offs, furloughs, and business closures have affected many in our local community and beyond. In Livingston, Neighbors Helping Neighbors has been helping an ever-rising number of families in need. Their counterparts at food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Northern New Jersey are experiencing an unprecedented demand that they just cannot meet.

Working with Neighbors Helping Neighbors and other groups, including the Livingston Clergy Council, the Membership of the Livingston Fire Department is organizing food donation drops that will be held once a month for the foreseeable future in an effort to ensure that supplies never run out. We are certain that our community will rise to the occasion and help. Most everyone can pick up a few extra items at the supermarket while shopping.

Please join us in this effort! Our initial collection dates and times are listed below. To ensure the safety of all, residents will be able to pull up, unlock the trunk, rear hatch, or rear doors and the donations can be removed without anyone exiting their vehicle.

Saturday June 6th    11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Sunday June 7th      11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Livingston Town Hall

357 South Livingston Avenue

All donations should be canned/boxed non-perishable foods. Some popular suggested items are listed:

CerealCanned
Fruits
Apple SauceOatmeal
Peanut ButterJellyTomato SauceKids’ Snacks
Baked BeansCanned VegetablesRiceGranola Bars
Canned ChickenChicken Noodle SoupCanned SoupBreakfast Bars
Laundry DetergentMac and CheeseDish DetergentNapkins
Paper PlatesPlastic UtensilsBoxed PastaWater/Soda

Together, we can help others get through this difficult time…..

PCL News for May 24, 2020

Inspirational Thought: Today, I read an article from Pew Research stating that people are praying more during the pandemic. Some people are praying for strength to get through each day while others are praying that the virus will be short lived. No matter the type of prayer or the manner in which it was spoken, people need a foundation in their lives; and, I can’t think of a better way to seek what we need from the Lord, than by prayer. Countless prayers are sprinkled throughout the book of Psalms ranging from assurance to seeking hope and strength during tumultuous times. Prayer is talking with God about what we are feeling, what we desire, or hope for. Prayer often times is for another’s well being as well as our own. According to medical research, prayer helps us to release those bottled up feelings that would eat away at us. Prayer can bring wholeness to a patient in amazing ways. No wonder the Apostle Paul recommends praying without ceasing. When we do this we are talking with God throughout the day with what is on our mind and deep within our spirit. My friends, it’s time to pray.

Until we meet again, may God’s love be with you,

Pastor Dan

Prayer of the Week: O Lord, lead me and guide me upon my way. For without your tender care on my life I would be like a ship tossed about in the sea of life. I ask that you will calm my anxious spirit and bring peace to me and those around me. May I be an instrument of your peace as I live in your presence this day and every day; through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Come Worship
With Us
This Sunday!

May 24, Seventh Sunday after Easter
On-line service only starting Sunday at 10 am
You can access the service by Facebook or Zoom

  • Taizé (noon) every Tuesday & Thursday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Centering Prayer (noon) every Wednesday & Friday on Facebook & Zoom.
  • Bible & Bagels, Saturdays, at 8:30 am
  • If you have friends who don’t have a church home, please invite them to join in our on-line worship services, Bible studies, and prayer services.

Worship & Other Opportunities

Facebook & Zoom

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/157482235?pwd=UDhoYkFoWFFNbjRQWVBBV1V3L2hjdz09

Sunday Service:

Meeting ID: 157 482 235
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Contemplative Prayer

Zoom
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72901374659?pwd=dTIzV3VHbURaWElUN3h0OTFHdHgzZz09

Meeting ID: 729 0137 4659
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656


Zoom Bible & Bagels

Zoom

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/858942655?pwd=elZySVZEajZJWUlkUmNWdjVJSmVVQT09

Meeting ID: 858 942 655
Password: 84 85 69
Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Tithes & Offerings

As we deal with shelter-in-place and are unable to meet physically as a congregation, we ask you to mail your offerings to the church office.

Pentecost

Special Offering

Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit remains with us, connecting us with the church of the past, continuing to inspire the church of today, and pointing us to the church of the future.

By giving to the Pentecost Offering, we are nurturing the faith of those who are the church to come – children, youth, and young adults.

40% stays with this congregation to develop and support programs for young people in its own church and community.

25% supports Young Adult Volunteers (YAV) serving in communities around the world, and growing as leaders through transformative Christian service.

25% supports Ministries with Youth to help guide our youth by uniting them in Christ and lifting them up as leaders and messengers of God’s word.

10% is devoted to children at risk to improve education and provide safe havens.

Please mail in your offering before Sunday, May 31, 2020.

We are here for you! Please join us.

“Managing Anxiety and Stress”

We’re all watching headlines and wondering what’s going to happen next. The uncertainty is brutal. Chronic stress, left unchecked, can dampen our immune response. One of the most powerful ingredients for stress reduction is calm, caring emotional support.

Please join us Mondays at noon on Zoom for our ongoing, no-cost support group, facilitated by Eva Silver, LCSW, Cert. Psya.

Please register by email to Lori at events@acapnj.org. Once you register you will receive the zoom call in information.

Talking really does help.

A Time to Laugh

With the stress we all are dealing with these days we need to pause and laugh a little.

Hymns for Everyone:
  1. Dentist’s Hymn – Crown Him with Many Crowns.
  2. TV Weatherman’s Hymn – There Shall be Showers of Blessings.
  3. Golfer’s Hymn – There Is a Green Hill Far Away
Politician’s Hymn – Standing on the Promises
  5. Optometrist’s Hymn – Open Mine Eyes That I Might See
  6. Contractor’s Hymn – The Church’s One Foundation
  7. IRS Hymn – All to Thee.
  8. Gossip’s Hymn – Pass It on
  9. Electrician’s Hymn – Send the Light
10. Plastic Surgeon’s Hymn – Face To Face.
11. Aggressive Driver’s Hymn – Pass Me Not
12. Lost Traveler’s Hymn – I Wonder as I Wander

If you want to speed on the highway…sing these hymns: At 55 mph – God Will Take Care of Me
At 65 mph – Guide Me O Though Great Jehovah
At 75 mph – Nearer My God To Thee
At 85 mph – Nearer Still Nearer
At 95 mph – This World Is Not My Home

Memorial Day

May we pause for a moment to remember our fallen heroes,
who dedicated their lives to our country.
May all those brave men and women never be forgotten.
Wishing everyone a blessed Memorial Day.