March 28, 2024

Seekonk Churches Endure Despite Coronavirus

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Churches have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. With their doors closed for nearly two months, many clergy have been conducting virtual services for their parishioners. “We are doing fine,” said Christopher Pfeffer, Executive Director of Faith Christian Center. “Our school (Seekonk Christian Academy) is doing distance learning and the church has brought its’ services online,” Pfeffer continued. “We don’t know when we will be able to have services on campus with people in the seats, but are planning some logistical things when we know more from our government leaders.”

Pfeffer said donations continue to come in and the church is doing what they can to help members of the community during very tough times. “Recently we felt the need to give out over 250 care bags to our immediate neighbors and some Seniors living in Seekonk. That was well received,” Pfeffer added.

Seekonk Congregational Church has been airing weekly services on YouTube and Facebook. “We record in the sanctuary with only our Senior Minister, Reverend Joy Utter, and a camera operator (practicing social distancing),” said Maria Tavares, the church’s office administrator. “Our Choir Director/Organist comes in at a different time to record playing the hymns for that service. We also have others reading scripture from home and all of these are sent to our Audio/Video Magician electronically, who then creates the service. Reverend Marilyn Ricci, who is responsible for the Confirmation program, has been reaching out to the 9th grade students mostly by email and phone. The Church Council, Trustees, and other Boards and Committees are meeting via Zoom.

Tavares said the time for reopening is still undetermined: “Since our members come from over 40 different zip codes, we will open when the Governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts lift the ban on gatherings and we will follow all the guidelines.”

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