We are all here for each other.

No community, no person, and no institution has escaped the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. All have had to make adjustments in order to protect the health of our loved ones, friends, and the community at large.

New Garden Friends Meeting is no different. The rhythm of our Meeting’s life has been altered drastically in order to forestall spreading the viral infection.

Sunday Meeting for Worship, a practice of this congregation for more than 260 years, has been cancelled until further notice. All functions at the Meeting House throughout the week, including those by groups unaffiliated with Friends, have been cancelled as well.

While our building is closed, our community remains open and welcoming. Visit us at ngfm.org and on our Facebook page.

We will continue to look to one another for inspiration, guidance, and support. New Gardeners are learning to use their computers and mobile devices in new ways, to hold virtual meetings and keep our bonds with one another strong.

Margaret Webb, New Garden’s pastoral minister, will deliver a prepared message via Facebook at 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Marc Alley, music director, will offer inspirational music.

Karin Heller, religious education director, plans online First Day school experiences. Refer to First Day Notes, usually refreshed on Friday or Saturday, to see what’s planned for the upcoming Sunday.

The technology that enables these virtual gatherings can be daunting at first. Those organizing virtual meetings and webcasts will encounter challenges. So will Friends at home. We’ll find ourselves wondering what happened to the sound, or the picture, or both. In those moments, Quaker patience will serve us well.

Eventually we’ll all get the hang of it, just like we did with using a mouse or a smartphone.

Already our community is implementing new routines to reach out to one another, to prevent isolation and to keep our bonds of loving friendship strong. Please use this website to keep up with new developments in our community, and be sure to visit the New Garden Friends Meeting Facebook page, too.

New Garden’s organized outreach only supplements the individual efforts of members and attenders. We all play a role in maintaining the strength of our community. Reach out to that friend you usually speak with after Meeting for Worship. Send an email. Make a call. Share your Light.

Tim Lindeman
Clerk, New Garden Friends Meeting