Dear Pilgrim Church Family,
Greetings in the name of Christ our Savior. Another week has gone by and guess what … we’re still here praise the Lord! Governor Waltz has shifted his “Stay at Home Order” to that of “Stay Safe Minnesota”. This order states beginning May 18:
- Retail stores, mall, and other main street businesses can reopen if they have a safety plan and operate at no more than 50% occupancy.
- Restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms remain closed.
- Minnesotans may gather with friends and family in groups of 10 people or less.
Social, civic, community, faith-based, leisure, or religious gatherings are prohibited for groups over 10 people.
- Continue to follow these safe practices:
- Wash your hands often
- Get tested if experiencing symptoms
- Maintain social distance
- Wear a mask
- Stay home when able
However, it has been strongly rumored that the Catholic and Lutheran Churches are planning to re-open as soon as this Tuesday, while some churches have never fully closed. So, what is Pilgrim going to do? We are going to stay closed until there is at least a 2-4 weeks of steady decline of confirmed Covid-19 case numbers. Why? Because, if you noticed this past week there was a good dip in those numbers but a sharp spike upwards shortly thereafter. A spike that is equal to or greater than the prior week. In addition, for the most part our congregation is made up of primarily persons over the age of 60 that are African American with underlying illnesses. Therefore, making our congregation a prime target for the coronavirus, and when it would hit us, it very well could wipe out the entire congregation within 4-6 weeks based upon previous patters in Minnesota and across the nation. Therefore, when we do re-open, we will follow the steps provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, Our Insurance Company, American Baptist Churches, and the National Baptist Convention. In preparation for your return, the church will be thoroughly cleaned professionally, and sanitized regularly.
As for as our annual celebrations, let us abide by the following schedule:
- Pastor’s 16th Pastoral Anniversary, normally scheduled for this weekend, will be postponed to the fall when we can all get together.
- Baccalaureate Sunday, June 14th, 2nd Sunday of June and for our gust preacher, will be none other than with our own, Min. Stephanie Burrage, Ed.D. In accordance with Pilgrim’s Scholarship Program will honor Ahmad McGruder, Jaycee Rhodes, Makhia Shannon, Robyn Tisdale. However, I am learning that there are several others that have graduated, and the list continues to grow even as this communication is being prepared, therefore we will recognize them as well.
- Father’s Day, June 21. Please make that day special for Father’s.
- Let’s not forget First Sunday of June is coming, please prepare for the Lord’s Supper in the same manner you did for May by securing Matzo / Matzah (unleavened flat bread / bread without yeast) and 100% Grape Juice to share with your families as your remember the death and suffering of Christ Jesus.
Please study the following passages:
- Exodus 12:1-28
- Matthew 26:17-30
- 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
Yes, Christ died, but what is our mission now to our loved ones and our community? Our mission to the community while going through this crisis, is always to meet people where they are. Many people have lost their jobs, and are no longer able to leave their homes to shop for groceries or because they are ill unable to prepare meals, therefore Pilgrim Baptist Church has begun a Food Distribution Program sponsored by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and its many partners. Food will be distributed Thursdays, from 1:30pm – 3:30pm in the church parking lot. If you would like to be a “Drive-through missionary” please call your pastor (763)607-3930. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Let’s remember stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected.
Sincerely,
Charles L. Gill
Rev. Charles L. Gill
PS Please view the graphics below