Dear Friends in Christ,

What does it mean—right now, amidst fears of a global pandemic—to be church?

It means hearing God’s call to respond with faith, intelligence and love to the spread of coronavirus in New York City. It means making clear-eyed decisions that address this public health crisis without giving in to fear. It means standing against the racism and xenophobia that fear gives rise to.

We told you last week about the stepped-up precautions we are taking to keep the church clean and all of us healthy. But we haven’t stopped there.

We are preparing to help the most vulnerable among us. For example, we stand ready to make Meals on Heals deliveries to anyone who needs to stay at home during this time.

We are continuing to raise awareness among everyone who passes through this church. We have created a flyer with important information about the coronavirus, standard precautions we should all be taking, and how we are responding as a church. We are sharing this with our tenants, renters and visitors. You can pick up a copy this Sunday, or download it here.

We are making sure, should the situation get worse, that we will be ready. For instance, we have plans in place should the church need to close temporarily while this outbreak continues.

These responses are part of the way we are answering the question, What does it mean to be church right now?

Things around Fifth Avenue Church are different this week. And yet, they are very much the same. We are still seeking, as we do day in and day out, to be Christ’s thoughtful, engaged and compassionate people. We are stepping out our doors everyday as ambassadors of the God who loves this world, even (or perhaps especially) when it is feeling sick. 

One more thing: If you were in worship this past Sunday, you learned from our executive pastor, Charlene Han Powell, how to share a “touchless” sign of peace with your neighbor. If you missed it, you can catch up here.