Life of the Church
SUNDAY MAY 10, 2020
Announcements
Gospel Conversations During the Coronavirus Crisis
MON, MAY 11, 8:30-9:30 PM. In this time of social isolation, we’ve shifted so much of our communication with friends, neighbors, and colleagues online. Join us as we learn how to be intentional in deepening relationships and pursuing conversations about Christ’s saving grace. Questions? Contact Amy Van Ermen.
Online Christian Education Classes
Asia’s Churches: Then and Now
Sundays, 9:45 AM–10:45 AM (APR 26–MAY 17)
Instructor: Julian L.
Join us for an interactive, Bible-based discussion and prayer focused on issues Asia’s churches faced in the past and today. Email Julian for online class access.
Study of the Prophet Micah
Sundays, 9:45 AM–10:45 AM (APR 26–MAY 17)
Instructors: Elaine and Perry Phillips
Join us as we continue studying the writings of the prophet Micah and its application to our life today. Email Kristen Sabella for online class access.
From Suffering to Hope
Sundays, 5:30 PM–6:30 PM (APR 26–MAY 17)
Instructors: Michael and Tracy Balboni
Through biblical and theological reflection and discussion, the course examines the nature and meaning of suffering, and our path toward hope. Email Michael for online class access.
Online Giving
Giving towards the Ministries & Operations (M&O) budget is currently lagging behind last year by 2%, though the 2020 budget assumes a 14% increase in gifts from last year. For Missions the situation is somewhat better with giving ahead of last year by 5%, but with an assumption of 10% growth this year. Please remember that all gifts to Missions must be specifically identified as a Missions gift. The Deacons Fund balance continues to be robust.
Being a Neighbor during Covid-19
Find local opportunities to help our city even when we’re six feet apart! Updated regularly. An example of some urgent needs:
Thursday Night Outreach (TNO) is one of Park Street’s own responses to the needs of our vulnerable neighbors on the street, and their work continues during this crisis. They are in need of more volunteers as they work to expand their hours to Saturdays. Contact the TNO team to find how you can support their ongoing efforts!
We are grateful that God has provided 12 volunteer team managers to organize Park Streeters in meeting many of the needs in our communities. Please consider joining one of the forming teams!
A neighborhood church’s food pantry is in desperate need of groceries (East Boston).
Find many more opportunities at the link below. Additionally, if you know of other community-based needs, please email Kimberley Morrison.
Community
In case you missed it: the Sunday Night Band
Park Street’s Sunday Night Band presents Kirk Franklin’s “My World Needs You.” Please listen and share with others who may need some encouragement during this time!
Liturgy of Morning Prayer
Join Nathan Skinner at 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, for our liturgy of Morning Prayer: a historic form rendered in contemporary language. We will read scripture and recite psalms and prayers together for a nourishing start to our day.
Evening Fireside Chats
Every evening (Mon – Fri), from 7:30PM – 8:00ish cozy up and join our open group for a devotional, prayer, and fellowship. Each night we’ll be joined by an Elder as they share a message of hope and faith.
Resources
Caring for the Vulnerable
CARE FOR THE VULNERABLE RESPONSE DOCUMENT
Questions or ideas? Email the Care Team!
Small Group Resources
We believe that no one should be alone during these times of increased anxiety and physical isolation. If you find yourself on this journey without a support system, we desire to connect you with people who can walk beside you through virtual community. Please fill out this form at the link below and let us know how we can contact you.
Park Street Church staff and leaders are working to equip our small groups with resources to help them stay connected to each other’s spiritual, physical and social needs. If you have specific questions about your small group, please contact Pat Chen. Learn how to setup remote meetings.
Prayer & Praise
Pray for the Congregation
- Sing praises of his name, the Lord among the nations (Psa. 18:49);
- Know your identity in Christ and live as children of Light (Ephesians 5:8);
- Carry each other’s burdens and embrace personal responsibility (Gal. 6:2,5);
- Seek revelation of God’s glory amidst personal trial and suffering (2 Cor. 4:17).
Pray for the People
- Praise and thanksgiving for the birth of Daniel Zechariah Dukes, son of Patrick and Lauren;
- For missionaries near and far, working more fervently and creatively now than before, sharing Christ with many individually through technology;
- For church elders and staff leaders, Godly wisdom in conversations of how to reopen the church when the lockdown eases;
- For parents who are homeschooling children, God’s love, grace and patient understanding between stressed out spouses;
- For each person, opportunities to withdraw from the pressured experience of pandemic life, to seek and experience renewal;
- For the furloughed or unemployed, help from above to alleviate financial, emotional and spiritual suffering;
- For business owners and families, perseverance and hope while awaiting customers and help to pay employees and expenses;
- For food industry workers; good health and resilience to handle anxiety as food service adapts during pandemic;
- For families unable to visit loved ones in hospitals, effective communication with health and spiritual care teams;
- For residents of extended care facilities, God’s protection, hope, courage and healing;
- For those suffering from Covid-19, effective care and God’s healing and comforting presence;
- For those grieving loss of various kinds, comfort of God’s presence and sustaining hope for all yet to come;
- For those struggling with fear and anxiety, gratitude for God’s forgiveness, love and mercy; and trust in the promise God is close to the brokenhearted;
- For healthcare professionals, divine help and hope to meet extraordinary physical, emotional and spiritual needs;
- For researchers responsible for combating Covid-19, divine inspiration, guidance and focus to sustain the work.
Pray About the Pandemic
- Cessation to the spread of the SARS-Cov2 virus;
- Wisdom, humility and effective leadership of elected federal, state and local officials;
- Collaboration of nations to meet unprecedented supply demands and coordination to mitigate human suffering.