Dear Fair Streeter,                                                                                        

This letter is to share an important update the Consistory and Safe Church Team have made regarding worship while we continue to find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic. 

Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Ulster County and knowing that there looks to be no reprieve for the next several months, and out of extreme caution and safety for the Fair Street Community, we will be suspending in person worship effective immediately through the end of February when we will revisit and assess how things are in the region. We will now be worshipping on Zoom only.

We know that this is disappointing and wish that we could continue offering in-person worship, however, because we are concerned and care so deeply about the Fair Street Community, its members and our neighbors (which in this case include the healthcare workers), we know that this decision is the safest and best way to show how we love our neighbor, to stay home and safe. We are making this decision now to be distant and safe, so that we can all be together later.

Each week, we will continue to mail out the bulletin to everyone, (in addition to making it available on the website) and following worship each week, the service will be uploaded to the website’s worship page. The Zoom information will be emailed out each week with the password, and the link shared on the website. You’ll want to be sure to check in on the website and Facebook page, as well as your email. Again, if you know of someone in need of a device to remain connected to worship, please let the Church Office know and we can help set them up. 

It has been a challenging year for all of us for sure. A year ago, if anyone would have told us that we would be celebrating Easter AND Christmas online, we all would have laughed, and maybe even cried, and whatever emotion we are holding, it is ok. In this season of Advent, I have hope, hope that while things will look different on the other side, and we will all be different, we will be ok and can cling to the promise and assurance of Immanuel, God with us. I look forward to the day when we will be able to gather once again safely under one roof.  

You are all held in prayer in these days and I invite you to reach out to me if you have any concerns, questions, or pastoral needs.  

In the meantime, keep washing your hands, wearing your mask, stay home in you are able and remain safe and distant if you must go out.

May the peace of Christ be with you all today and always,

Pastor Kendra