Second Congregational Church, UCC in Newcastle is exploring a host of new ways the community can interact spiritually and obtain vital services in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The most visible effort the church is making is by continuing to host the ecumenical weekly food pantry from the church’s Fellowship Hall. But to accommodate the need for social distancing, visitors are met “curbside” in the church parking lot by volunteers who deliver the goods. Only 10 volunteers at one time can be inside the building. In addition to supporting the Ecumenical Food Pantry, church and community volunteers work on the "backpack program" to provide food to children and their families even with the schools closed.

Many churches, synagogues, and mosques around the world have turned to conducting worship services on the internet to maintain social distancing, and 2nd Congo is no exception. Launched in early March, worshipers can attend virtually at 10 a.m. on Sundays (and other times for special services). Facebook users just visit facebook.com/secondcongo and look for the active "Live" posting, or by invitation from Zoom. Visit the church’s website at secondcongo.org for additional information.

The services are led by pastor Char Corbett from her home and other invited members interact via the social networking app Zoom to provide readings from the gospel, playing music, and singing. Minor technical glitches have occasionally lead to impromptu changes in the live program, but the joyful spirit never falters. The Palm Sunday service was virtually attended by several dozen participants locally and internationally, including Robert and Charo Breckenridge, who are well-known and loved in the community. They're "sheltering in place" in Lima, Peru.

Information on the church’s Holy Week services*** can be found on the church’s Facebook page or the church website at secondcongo.org

The church is also reaching out in other ways, including enlisting members who will pray for others in need, as well as co-sponsoring a recent Red Cross blood drive at the Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta that attracted 40 donors, after church leaders realized that the usual blood drive location at the church couldn’t meet Coronavirus spacing requirements to collect blood.

Part of Pastor Char’s busy schedule also includes reaching out to those on the periphery in the community--to ensure that the needs of folks who are especially isolated or vulnerable due to Coronavirus restrictions are met. 

“During this unique crisis,” says Pastor Char, “we are discovering new ways to reach out to the community in ways we’d never expected before. We all are. People everywhere, even those who may not think of themselves as religious, are wondering if prayer and the fellowship a church might offer them some comfort when we’re feeling so vulnerable as the virus continues spreading so rapidly around the world. How long the COVID-19 pandemic will last and how many lives it will ultimately claim nobody can say for sure. People are turning to pray--some are trying to figure out exactly how to pray because they’ve never before done it. We’re trying to meet that need.

“And we all need to express our appreciation,” Char continued, “to those who are serving at the front line of the Coronavirus pandemic--the First Responders, all of the medical professionals, food delivery people, delivery drivers, school administrators and cafeteria personnel, and to all the others who continue to give generously, either financially and other ways.”

Food Pantry Coordinator Ellen Dickens added, “a financial donation to the Ecumenical Food Pantry goes directly to supporting the local food initiative being coordinated in our area. Please consider giving. And we sincerely thank all of the donors and volunteers committed to keeping the pantry open.”

Donations can be sent to Ecumenical Food Pantry, P.O. Box 46, Newcastle, ME 04553 or newcastlefoodpantry.org

Holy Week schedule

Maundy Thursday, April 9 - 7 p.m.: A Live streamed Service of Word, Communion, and Tenebrae as we remember the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the disciples. Led by Rev Char Corbett with music by Jane Wilmot, Minister of Music and solo, "Were You There," by Sarah Highland. Offered via FBLive and Zoom (by invitation). Prepare your worship space at home with any type of bread and juice, wine or water to participate in Communion and a lit candle, white if possible. All are welcome!

Good Friday, April 10: A pre-recorded reading and meditation on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ. Offered on our website at secondcongo.org and our Facebook page at facebook.com/secondcongo.

Easter Sunday, April 12: A pre-recorded worship service of Word and Song celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Worship led by Rev. Char Corbett. Music offered by Jane Wilmot, Minister of Music and others. Offered on our website and on our Facebook page 

Easter Sunday Hallelujah Watch Party, Sunday, April 12 at 4 p.m.: Join us for an Easter Watch Party as we celebrate our Hallelujah's together! Via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/secondcongo or by Zoom invitation.

Thanks for all your help and be well.