The Bedford Interfaith Clergy Network has been informed that the local public health department has issued an emergency order requiring houses of worship to suspend all public gatherings, services, or other activities in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate the hard work of our public health leaders in this time, and support this decision wholeheartedly. We encourage everyone in our community to follow all recommendations and directives from our public health and other governmental officials to help us stem the tide of this pandemic, including important social distancing practices.
For residents in particular need of services:
+ We note that the Department of Health and Human Services continues to offer access to their social workers who can be reached at 781-275-7727 or (for residents over 60) at 781-275-6825. They can provide support to residents as well as help in accessing other resources that may be available.
+ We also note the Bedford Food Pantry has announced expanded operations for specific vulnerable populations at http://www.bedfordfoodpantry.org/. They are also able to accept financial donations through their website.
+ While faith communities are not able to gather in buildings for worship, many clergy and congregations are offering online worship experiences. In addition, clergy may be able to have 1:1 contact with parishioners (with appropriate social distancing), and most clergy are able to connect with members by phone or electronically.
As faith leaders, we continue to hold our whole community, and indeed our whole commonwealth, nation, and the world in our daily prayers. On our hearts particularly are those who are most vulnerable among us, including (but hardly limited to) those who are ill, our elders, those with underlying medical conditions, medical clinicians of all kinds, first responders, those with mental health challenges, those in prison, those facing hunger insecurity or economic harm from the loss of employment, and all who are anxious or fearful. Finally, we pray that our leaders, local, regional, and national, will be blessed with wisdom, discernment, compassion, and strength in the days and weeks to come.
The Bedford Interfaith Clergy Network is a gathering of pastoral leaders from faith communities who serve the residents of Bedford.
Loading ...
