COVID
COVID-19 or Coronavirus and Vineyard Church of Ithaca
June 1, 2022
COVID Precautions
Because of a recent COVID outbreak in the congregation, you are requested not to attend church if you have COVID symptoms such as a sore throat or new congestion.
May 28, 2022
Church Cancelled
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Because of graduation, the holiday, and a COVID outbreak the Sunday Worship Service for May 29th is canceled.
Take some time to go outside and explore God’s beauty in nature. Take some music with you and worship our great God. Read your Bible! This is a great opportunity to spend some time applying what we have been learning in our current series of messages.
May 25, 2022
Church Cancelled
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Because of graduation, the holiday, and a COVID outbreak the Sunday Worship Service for May 29th is canceled. Plans may be made later in the week. If they are, please look to your email.
Take some time to go outside and explore God’s beauty in nature. Take some music with you and worship our great God. Read your Bible! This is a great opportunity to spend some time applying what we have been learning in our current series of messages.
COVID Precautions
The church has become aware that one of the Worship Leaders in the May 22, 2022 Worship Service has tested positive for COVID. There are atleast 3 other people who attended the service who have tested positive. Current CDC guidelines suggest quarantine for five days if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for 15 minutes within 24 hours. A complicating factor is that singing increases that distance to 12 feet.
We ask that you please take precautions this week if you attended our May 22, 2022 Worship Service. You may contact a pastor or the church offices if you have more questions.
May 23, 2022
The church has become aware that one of the Worship Leaders in the May 22, 2022 Worship Service has tested positive for COVID. Current CDC guidelines suggest quarantine for five days if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for 15 minutes within 24 hours. A complicating factor is that singing increases that distance to 12 feet.
We ask that you please take precautions this week if you attended our May 22, 2022 Worship Service. You may contact a pastor or the church offices if you have more questions.
Sincerely,
Vineyard Church of Ithaca
February 2022
As of February 10, 2022 NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul has lifted the mask mandate. Tompkins County cited high cases still extant and encourages the use of masks. The church will not require masks, but requests that you take any precautions you feel necessary to safeguard your health.
January 2022
Until notified otherwise, we will continue to hold in-person services on Sunday. However, in light of the current spike in COVID numbers in Tompkins County, we ask that those who do attend, continue to wear masks and observe appropriate social distancing. Senior citizens who are unvaccinated appear to be most at risk at this point. We therefore encourage members who fall within this demographic to exercise caution when deciding whether to attend service or not. May the Lord continue to bless you and give you peace during this difficult time. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact the church. God bless!
https://tompkinscountyny.gov/health/factsheets/coronavirusdata#demographics
December 2021
Matthew 5:41- “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”
Roman soldiers had the legal right in Jesus’ day to force members of the populace to carry their packs. In essence, Jesus is telling His followers, if a member of the government forced a burden upon them that did not violate God’s law, then they should be willing to not only obey, but go over and above what they were asked to do.
In light of this principle, the elders have decided to request that individuals attending our Sunday services be masked until otherwise notified. We will also be asking people to allow for the appropriate social distancing when they choose their seating.
We recognize that masking has been a contentious issue among many Christians, and it is not our desire to cause division. Thoughtful, Godly people have come down on both sides of this issue. Nevertheless, it is our belief that as long as it doesn’t violate God’s command, we should be willing to put up with a minor inconvenience for the sake of honoring Jesus’ command and loving the broader community by helping to reduce COVID transmission. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the current outbreak in Tompkins Country will subside so that we can worship unmasked. Thank for your understanding.
In Him,
Ward Davis
(On behalf of the elders)
Please follow this link for a full text of the mask mandate.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/12/2.60-determination-12.10.21.pdf
June 2021
We as a church are following NYS guidelines as best we can. The good news is most state guidelines pertaining to the COVID-19 virus have been dropped. Yeah!!! Over the Summer we will be determining what that looks like in our “new” normal. What old practices we will resume, and what new practices we will keep. We may not get it right at first. Please bear with us.
May 2021
As of June 1, 2021 Vineyard Church of Ithaca will only be meeting in-person. To join us in-person we ask you to register in your Church Center app (ithacavineyard.churchcenter.com) or at www.ithacavineyard.org before you come. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC, certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
For those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person, we will continue to have the message posted to YouTube by 1:00 pm each Sunday. However, we are discontinuing the use of Zoom for livestream.
Positive COVID test result:
We ask anyone with a positive COVID test to contact us immediately. In this way we can support you and your family while you are sick. We may also take additional precautions as may be necessary.
Precautions we are taking:
With updated guidelines from the CDC concerning those who are vaccinated there are things that are changing and things that are staying the same.
For those who are vaccinated:
You are not required to wear a mask. We will not ask to see proof of vaccination.
For those who are unvaccinated:
You are required to wear a mask.
For everyone:
We will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. We will continue to maintain 6 feet between people, encouraging social distanced fellowship while in the church building. Per state guidelines we are allowed to have up to 225 people in the sanctuary. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list. The use of hand sanitizer will be suggested upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Have a fever of 100.4 F or above now or in the preceding 72 hours?
- Have a cough?
- Have a sore throat?
- Have any unusual muscle aches?
- Have any difficulty breathing/shortness of breath?
- Any recent loss of taste or smell?
Children K-5th are welcome in their classroom during service. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for more information if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
Cornell Students
Students (undegrad and grad) are an integral part of the church. Cornell’s Behavioral Compact ends June 1st and the above restrictions will be all that is asked of you for worship.
If you have any questions or concerns please email angela.sorensen@ithacavineyard.org (Vineyard Administrative Assistant)
January 2021
Vineyard Church of Ithaca is currently meeting in-person and online. To join us in-person we ask you to register in your Church Center app (ithacavineyard.churchcenter.com) or at www.ithacavineyard.org before you come. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC, certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
Even while having in-person services in our building, we will continue to livestream the service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person
Positive COVID test result:
As cases of COVID climb in our area, we have decided to ask anyone with a positive test to contact us immediately. In this way we can support you and your family while you are sick.
Also, if you have attended in-person services we would like to notify any others in attendance about possible exposure. If there is a positive test for someone who has attended in-person services we will have virtual-only services the following Sunday to allow for adequate quarantine. If this happens, we will communicate our virtual-only service via our weekly newsletter, email to those already registered, and posted on our website.
Precautions we are taking:
When we meet back at the church building we will be limiting the number of people in the sanctuary so that we can maintain 6-10 feet between people. To this end we will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list. For Cornell students: we have a secondary location that will accommodate students. (see below)
The use of hand sanitizer and masks will be mandatory upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Have a fever of 100.4 F or above now or in the preceding 72 hours?
- Have a cough?
- Have a sore throat?
- Have any unusual muscle aches?
- Have any difficulty breathing/shortness of breath?
- Any recent loss of taste or smell?
We’ll encourage social distanced fellowship while in the church building, but will not be providing any food or beverages. Per state guidelines we are allowed to have up to 150 people in the sanctuary. Social distancing guidelines are being followed and children are welcome. If you find the chairs too confining, please feel free to move them to a more advantageous social distanced position.
Children K-5th are welcome in their classroom during service. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for more information if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
Here is information to join us on Sundays via zoom:
Topic: Vineyard Church of Ithaca Worship Services
Time: This is a recurring meeting on Sundays at 10:00 am
Meeting Invitation Link: https://zoom.us/j/106523959?
By phone: 646-558-8656,106523959#, #, 899701# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 106 523 959
Password: vineyard
Here is a video if you need help joining us.
Cornell Students
Students (undegrad and grad) are an integral part of the church. We value your presence and look forward to fellowship, even as COVID and Cornell’s Behavioral Compact add some complications. While social distancing and masks are required for all participants, there is a special protocol for student registration and participation. Note that just because you register does NOT mean that you will be allowed to attend service in person.
Students are allowed to worship in-person in the cafe which will receive a direct audio and video feed from the main sanctuary (attendance cap 10). If and/or when Cornell moves into the orange or red zones in-person attendance is not suggested.
Thus, for any given Sunday, students must pre-register by 11:59 the Friday prior to be considered and will be notified with a confirmation for attendance on Saturday (otherwise you will be requested to join us virtually)
1. Download the “Church Center” App and find us (Vineyard Church of Ithaca)
2. Pre-register for the Sunday Worship Service by Friday at 11:59 pm and check the box for the Cornell Behavioral Compact
3. Await confirmation for in-person attendance
4. Only if you have received confirmation may you proceed to the in-person service otherwise please respect our request that you join us virtually
If you have any questions or concerns please email either angela.sorensen@ithacavineyard.org (Vineyard Administrative Assistant) or rcy22@cornell.edu (elder/Cornell Health Officer Liaison)
December 2020
We meet for Worship Services at 10:00 am on Sundays. We are VIRTUAL ONLY through January 17th.
Our monthly Worship & Prayer Nights and Christmas Eve service will still be in-person. You can REGISTER HERE for our Christmas Eve Service.
Vineyard Kids will not meet while we are virtual, instead look for some special in-person events.
Zoom meetings:
Meeting Invitation Link: https://zoom.us/j/106523959?
By phone: 646-558-8656,106523959#, #, 899701# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 106 523 959
Password: vineyard
September 2020
Vineyard Church of Ithaca is currently meeting in-person and online. To join us in-person we ask you to register online before you come. REGISTER HERE. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
Even after resuming in-person services in our building, we will continue to livestream the service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person
When we meet back at the church building we will be limiting the number of people in the sanctuary so that we can maintain 6-10 feet between people. To this end we will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list. For Cornell students: we have a secondary location that will accommodate students. (see below)
The use of hand sanitizer and masks will be mandatory upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Have a fever of 100.4 F or above now or in the preceding 72 hours?
- Have a cough?
- Have a sore throat?
- Have any unusual muscle aches?
- Have any difficulty breathing/shortness of breath?
- Any recent loss of taste or smell?
We’ll encourage social distanced fellowship while in the church building, but will not be providing any food or beverages until we progress through the NYS stages further. Per state guidelines we are allowed to have up to 150 people in the sanctuary. Social distancing guidelines are being followed and children are welcome. If you find the chairs too confining, please feel free to move them to a more advantageous social distanced position.
Children K-5th are welcome in their classroom during service. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for more information if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
Here is information to join us on Sundays via zoom:
Topic: Vineyard Church of Ithaca Worship Services
Time: This is a recurring meeting on Sundays at 10:00 am
Meeting Invitation Link: https://zoom.us/j/106523959?
By phone: 646-558-8656,106523959#, #, 899701# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 106 523 959
Password: vineyard
Here is a video if you need help joining us.
Cornell Students
Students (undegrad and grad) are an integral part of the church. We value your presence and look forward to fellowshipping with you all even as COVID and Cornell’s Behavioral Compact add some complications. While social distancing and masks will be required for all participants, there will be a special protocol for student registration and participation. Note that just because you register does NOT mean that you will be allowed to attend service in person. On any given Sunday there are 4 different possibilities, and things can change at the drop of a hat.
- a) for 2-3 weeks a month students will only be allowed to worship in-person in the cafe which will receive a direct audio feed from the main sanctuary (attendance cap ~ 20)
- b) for 1-2 weeks a month students will be allowed in the main sanctuary. On these Sundays students will be responsible for worship and A/V in order to maximize the number of students who may participate
- c) when Cornell moves into the yellow zone the cap will be dropped from 30 to 10
- d) when Cornell moves into the orange or red zones in-person attendance is not suggested
Thus, for any given Sunday, students must pre-register by 11:59 the Friday prior to be considered and will be notified with a confirmation for attendance on Saturday (other you will be requested to join us virtually)
- Download the “Church Center” App and find us (Vineyard Church of Ithaca)
- Pre-register for service on Sunday by Friday at 11:59 pm and check the box for the Cornell Behavioral Compact
- Await confirmation for in-person attendance
- only if you have received confirmation may you proceed to the in-person service otherwise please respect our request that you join us virtually
If you have any questions or concerns please email either angela.sorensen@ithacavineyard.org (Vineyard Administrative Assistant) or rcy22@cornell.edu (elder/Cornell Health Officer Liaison)
July 29, 2020
To All Leaders,
As a part of our ongoing efforts to comply with NYS guidelines we are sending out some information. This is one of New York State’s Recommended Best Practices. The practice states: “Develop a communications plan for employees, volunteers, and congregants, that includes applicable instructions, training, signage, and a consistent means to provide individuals with information. Use webpages, text and email groups, and social media campaigns.”
To this end, we are supplying a cornucopia of information here. It starts with church specific information and metastasizes to state and federal resources. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all church specific links to resources and official posters that are posted around the church. State and Federal resources are provided for your perusal, but are not required to read.
Church Specific links to resources
This webpage has a historical record of what we have communicated to the church at large and when. It also has all current guidelines that we have enacted. ithacavineyard.org/reopening
What we as a church are doing in regards to NYS.
NYS Safety Plan for Vineyard
COVID-19 Communications Plan
NYS Guidelines for Religious and Funeral Services
If you enter the building at any time other than for church services on a Sunday morning or other church event, you are requested to first: fill out a Symptoms Form before entering the building, second: sign in on the visitor log located in the copier room, third: sign out on the visitor log when leaving the building. This is for tracing purposes.
Symptoms Form
Official Posters that are posted around church
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RyVr9dl-PmX-56qOzb9Xl6fI-PWwdJ8B?usp=sharing
State and Federal Resources for Businesses and Entities
General Information
New York State Department of Health (DOH) Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 Website
Workplace Guidance
CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment Guidance
DOH Interim Guidance on Executive Order 202.16 Requiring Face Coverings for Public and Private Employees
OSHA Personal Protective Equipment
Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Registered Disinfectants of COVID-19
DOH Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19
CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities
Screening and Testing Guidance DOH COVID-19 Testing
CDC COVID-19 Symptoms
Angela Sorensen, Administrative Assistant
June 24, 2020
Vineyard Church of Ithaca is looking forward to the time when we can all come back together as a congregation and worship our great God together. The elders have determined that our first physical service will be on June 28, 2020. REGISTER HERE. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
We have been meeting in home groups the last few weeks. These groups will no longer meet. Instead, we encourage people to join us in person at the church.
Even after resuming in-person services in our building, we will continue to livestream the service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person
When we meet back at the church building we will be limiting the number of people in the sanctuary so that we can maintain 6-10 feet between people. To this end we will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list.
The use of hand sanitizer and masks will be mandatory upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Have a fever of 100.4 F or above now or in the preceding 72 hours?
- Have a cough?
- Have a sore throat?
- Have any unusual muscle aches?
- Have any difficulty breathing/shortness of breath?
- Any recent loss of taste or smell?
We’ll encourage social distanced fellowship while in the church building, but will not be providing any food or beverages until we progress through the NYS stages further.
The 2:00 pm Vineyard Kids services will continue on zoom. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for an invitation if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
Here is information to join us on Sundays via zoom:
Topic: Vineyard Church of Ithaca Worship Services
Time: This is a recurring meeting on Sundays at 10:00 am
Meeting Invitation Link: https://zoom.us/j/106523959?
By phone: 646-558-8656,106523959#, #, 899701# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 106 523 959
Password: vineyard
Here is a video if you need help joining us.
June 17, 2020
Hello VineyardKids Parents/Guardians …
As we begin the process of reopening the church, I wanted to make families aware of the following changes:
(1) Kids will be allowed to join in our regular services with their parent(s)/guardian(s) beginning on June 28th @ 10:00 a.m., they must sit with their parent(s)/guardian(s), and remain socially distant from others. This being said, we ask that children not be allowed to wander the church without adult supervision (this includes going to the restroom). Please have these conversations with your kids, so that they understand.
(2) All VineyardKids classrooms (Nursery – 5th) are closed until further notice, as we are working on a plan to keep things sanitized and respect the guidelines that have been given to us.
(3) VineyardKids meetings will continue online @2:00 on Sunday’s via Zoom. Please email me at amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org for the link to join.
(4) In-person meetings for K-5th will begin to resume at a later date, and this will be made known to parent(s)/guardian(s) via email.
I look forward to seeing those smiling faces and teaching them more about the amazing Lord we serve!!
Amanda Grubb
Family and Children’s Pastor
June 14, 2020
Vineyard Church of Ithaca is looking forward to the time when we can all come back together as a congregation and worship our great God together. The elders have determined that our first physical service will be on June 28, 2020. REGISTER HERE. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
Beginning June 7, 2020 we are encouraging people to meet in homes together for worship services. Below we will have a list of homes that people have volunteered to open their home for small groups to worship together.
PLEASE CALL if you might come so they can judge if whether or not they have enough space. We don’t expect a problem but one never knows.
- West Side Altmann’s and Bree’s at 253A Iradell Rd, Ithaca, 14850 315-408-2142
- Northeast Ithaca Ying’s and Davis’s are hosting a group at 115 Winston Drive, Ithaca, 14850 607-280-4634
- Lansing McKay’s at 231 Conlon Rd, Lansing, 14882 607-793-4594
- East Side Mark Pettit at 180 Hunt Hill Road, Ithaca, 14850 (716) 378-3881
Even after resuming in-person services in our building, we will continue to livestream the service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person
When we meet back at the church building we will be limiting the number of people in the sanctuary so that we can maintain 6-10 feet between people. To this end we will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list.
The use of hand sanitizer and masks will be mandatory upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Have a fever of 100.4 F or above now or in the preceding 72 hours?
- Have a cough?
- Have a sore throat?
- Have any unusual muscle aches?
- Have any difficulty breathing/shortness of breath?
- Any recent loss of taste or smell?
We’ll encourage social distanced fellowship while in the church building, but will not be providing any food or beverages until we progress through the NYS stages further.
The 2:00 pm Vineyard Kids services will continue on zoom. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for an invitation if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
Here is information to join us on Sundays via zoom:
Topic: Vineyard Church of Ithaca Worship Services
Time: This is a recurring meeting on Sundays at 10:00 am
Meeting Invitation Link: https://zoom.us/j/106523959?
By phone: 646-558-8656,106523959#, #, 899701# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 106 523 959
Password: vineyard
Here is a video if you need help joining us.
June 5, 2020
Beginning June 7, 2020 we are encouraging people to meet in homes together for worship services. Below we will have a list of homes that people have volunteered to open their home for small groups to worship together.
PLEASE CALL if you might come so they can judge if whether or not they have enough space. We don’t expect a problem but one never knows.
Altmann’s and Bree’s at 253A Iradell Rd, Ithaca, 14850 315-408-2142
Ying’s and Davis’s are hosting a group at 115 Winston Drive, Ithaca, 14850 607-280-4634
McKay’s at 231 Conlon Rd, Lansing, 14882 607-793-4594
Mark Pettit at 180 Hunt Hill Road, Ithaca, 14850 716-378-3881
See ithacavineyard.org/reopening for ongoing info.
June 2, 2020
Vineyard Church of Ithaca is looking forward to the time when we can all come back together as a congregation and worship our great God together. The elders have determined that our first physical service will be on June 28, 2020. Taking into consideration differing feelings within the congregation and guidelines from the governor and CDC certain precautions will be enforced when we meet.
Beginning June 7, 2020 we are encouraging people to meet in homes together for worship services. Below we will have a list of homes that people have volunteered to open for worship together.
Altmann’s and Bree’s are hosting a group at 8354 Main Street, Interlaken
Ying’s and Davis’s are hosting a group at 115 Winston Drive, Ithaca
Even after resuming in-person services in our building, we will continue to livestream the service for those who don’t yet feel comfortable meeting in-person
When we meet back at the church building we will be limiting the number of people in the sanctuary so that we can maintain 6-10 feet between people. To this end we will be requesting people register if they want to come to worship services. There will be greeters at the door with a registration list.
The use of hand sanitizer and masks will be mandatory upon entry to the building. You will also be asked if:
- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Been in a room with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test?
- Had a cough or runny nose?
We’ll encourage social distanced fellowship while in the church building, but will not be providing any food or beverages until we progress through the NYS stages further.
The 2:00 pm Vineyard Kids services will continue on zoom. Please contact Amanda Grubb, amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org, for an invitation if you would like to participate.
These are all the things we are asking you our congregants to do. Please know that in addition to these precautions we are maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules and making sure everything is sanitized regularly. We trust that you are experiencing the Lord’s peace during this difficult time. Please let the church know if you have any needs.
May 20, 2020
We will have our first in-person service with precautions on June 14th. More information will be coming. REVISED Sunday, May 24th – Governor made gave more guidelines this week and it looks like we may not have in-person services until closer to July.
May 13, 2020
Hello VineyardKids Parents/Guardians …
Due to the current “stay home” initiative that is in place,
VineyardKids will be meeting weekly for an interactive Zoom meeting. Sunday’s @ 2:00 pm your child can join the class with us …just download the “zoom” app and send me a quick email so I can send the meeting link your way … amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org.
I look forward to seeing those smiling faces and teaching them more about the amazing Lord we serve!!
March 25, 2020
Hello VineyardKids and Parents/Guardians …
Well, seems like we will be spending a great deal of time at home for the next month(s), but I wanted to encourage you all to take this time and think of it as a GIFT!
I don’t know of a time when the WHOLE WORLD was forced to “slow down!” We live in an age of constant distraction, and it’s time to “relax” … put your electronics away for a few hours, ignore the news for a day or two, breathe, memorize scripture, let the Spirit of God comfort you and give you His peace (you know, the one that “surpasses understanding” – Philippians 4:6-7)!
Trust God! Read scripture daily! Pray daily ! Love your neighbor! Teach your children to do these things – read scripture together, pray together, love together …
Here are some changes that are taking place during this time of limited contact with one another: – We will not be meeting in person – VineyardKids will be meeting LIVE on Sundays @ 2:00 pm weekly for an interactive lesson on “Zoom”. To join the class, download the “zoom” app and send me a quick email so I can send the meeting link your way … amanda.grubb@ithacavineyard.org.
March 20, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
May Our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus keep you in Their perfect peace during this trying time. Vineyard Church of Ithaca would like to invite you to join us for a virtual time of worship together this Sunday at our usual time of 10:00am. Thanks to the hard work of Robin, Angela, Mike, and others we’ve arranged for the entire service (including worship, sermon, sharing time and communion), to be streamed live. You can join us through Zoom. This is a free service and will not cost you anything. We are using Robin Ying’s account so you will see his name when logging in.
For those with Zoom, the meeting ID is the easiest way to join us because it will take you straight into the video call. However, for those without Zoom, please use the following link as it is easier, since it will direct you to Zoom online. It is recommended that people who can download Zoom do so and then just login to the service through meeting ID.
Topic: Vineyard Virtual Service 3/22
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Meeting Invitation Link: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/8847596532
By phone: 646-876-9923, 8847596532#
Meeting ID: 884 759 6532
Here is a video if you need help joining us.
Mike and Marsha Heisler have made their home available for those who would like to worship together with them Sunday morning. All are invited. They live at: 221 Asbury Rd, Lansing, NY 14882. Mike’s cell# is: (607)227-6791. Please call to let them know if you plan to join them.
We will be sending out regular updates by email through our newsletter, and posting them on our website. Please make the church aware of any needs that you have. God bless!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit…” -Romans 15:13
March 18, 2020
Hello VineyardKids and Parents/Guardians …
This morning as I read the book of Jude, I was reminded that time is in God’s hands and we should praise Him …
Jude 4:25, “All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
I want to say from the depths of my heart, continue to praise and seek the Almighty God and you will find peace in this circumstance and every other circumstance to come.
Trust God! Read scripture daily! Pray daily ! Love your neighbor!
Teach your children to do these things – read together, pray together, love together …
Here are some changes that are taking place during this time of limited contact with one another:
- We will not be meeting in person
- Recordings of weekly video bible lessons for kids will be posted online, so be on the lookout on our Facebook Page and/or YouTube Channel
- Curbside craft projects in individually wrapped bags for anyone who is in need of some simple and fun entertainment! Bagged items will be brought to your vehicle. No one will need to get out of their car and come to the front door or enter the church. Pick up will be Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00p.m., starting Thursday, March 19th. Call or text (518) 335-0698 when you are on your way or have arrived at the church. Craft projects will be prepared with sanitized hands and using gloves.
Amanda Grubb
Family and Children’s Pastor
March 17,2020
Hi everyone!
I hope that you all are well. We’re sending this message out to the congregation in order to let you know what we’ll be doing as a church to respond to the current situation involving the coronavirus.
From the best available information that we have it seems that by the end of this week the local health department will have a better idea as to just how serious the situation is in the Ithaca area. Until that time, I believe that one way we can love our community is to limit public gatherings and so help slow the possible rate of infection or “flatten the curve” and so prevent any potential for our local health care system to become overburdened.
Because of this, the elders have decided that this coming Sunday, March 22nd, rather than holding our usual public service, we will be livestreaming our worship, sharing and message. Instead of coming to the church building, therefore, we are encouraging you to gather on Sunday morning in small groups and participate through livestream. We will be posting and emailing the list of sites for these meetings later in the week, when it is finalized.
We will be using Zoom to livestream our Worship Service. We’re going to do our best to make this an interactive experience. Information on how to log-in can be found at our website.
Whether this is an overreaction I hope will be made clear by the end of this week. At that time, the elders will evaluate the situation and decide whether we go back to public worship (while taking certain precautions) or whether we continue livestreaming Sunday gatherings. At some point, I believe that we will just need to get on with life and not allow circumstances to prevent us from continuing to meet together and worship God.
I appreciated Thomas Flood’s exhortation on Sunday for us to not let our faith in our Heavenly Father be overwhelmed by fear or anxiety. God’s people through ages have often faced difficult times and indeed Jesus reminded us that in this world we will have suffering. What matters is how we respond to that suffering. Will we respond with fear, or with confidence and trust in our heavenly father and love to those around us? This is a wonderful time for us as the Church to be salt and light to our community and be a visible example of the hope and life, that can be found in our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Him,
Ward Davis
March 14, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I know many of you are wondering whether we will be having service tomorrow. After prayer and discussion, the elders have decided that, for those who feel comfortable doing so, we’ll have a simplified service tomorrow while taking precautions to limit risk(masks, gloves, social spacing, etc.).
That having been said, we want you to know know that if you have any concern, please stay home. We don’t want anyone feeling pressured to come (even if you are a volunteer).
At the same time, we recognize that there may be some members of the congregation who are feeling afraid and may need to meet and be reminded that God is still there. The elders want to be there for those people and so we plan to be at the church building tomorrow at 10:00am.
We certainly don’t want to take foolish risks, or serve to spread the virus. We hope that by meeting tomorrow that we’re not doing this. The elders will be meeting after the service to discuss whether we plan to continue with public services.
As we look ahead at the upcoming weeks and the possibility of widespread disruption of our lives’ normal routines, it’s important for us to remember that whatever comes, we have a heavenly Father who loves us and who will walk through our trials with us. We also have one another.
Please be sure to communicate with one another about any needs you might have. If you are a member of a kinship, please be in touch with your kinship group leader and the other members, whether your group decides to continue meeting or not. This is a time for us to pull alongside of each other and obey the Bible’s commands to care for one another and bear one another’s burdens.
If you have any needs, physical or spiritual, please let me, or one of the other elders know. The best email to reach me at is: edwarddavis68@gmail.com. The elders as a group can be reached at: leadership@ithacavineyard.org
As of now, we will be recording the Sunday morning service and ensuring it is posted online to our YouTube page by 1:00pm.
In Him, Ward
March 12, 2020
Please know that we are taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously. Sunday services and kinship groups will not be cancelled.
We encourage hand washing regularly when meeting for church functions and considering your personal health before joining activities
March 22nd will be the last student shuttle from Cornell for the semester. The 70 and 72 buses still run and should have enough space for students who need to get to and from church.
Beginning March 15th we are encouraging certain actions.
- Hand sanitizing gel will be available at the entrance to the church. Everyone is encouraged to wash their hands often.
- We discourage handshakes and hugs of greeting. Also, precautions should be taken when praying for someone.
- It is suggested that tithes & offering be given online. If you would like to give a physical offering there will be buckets at the front of the church and the box on the back wall by the doors.
- We have individual servings for communion. However, these will not be gluten free like our normal communion. If you would like gluten free communion, please let us know and we will prepare a serving for you. Communion will next be on March 22nd.
Again, these actions are fully voluntary based on your own judgement.
Once a case is confirmed in Tompkins County we will ask that:
- Everyone use hand sanitizer when entering the building.
- No handshakes or hugs of greeting. Also, precautions should be taken when praying for someone.
- Attempt to stay 3-6 feet away from other family groups.
- If you are coughing, please stay home and enjoy the message on YouTube Sunday afternoons. Alternatively, please wear an N95 equivalent mask. Unfortunately, we do not have the rights to post copyrighted songs. So, we cannot post the worship sets each week, only the message.
- Cafe volunteers will serve all food and beverages.
More precautions can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.
A map charting reported cases of COVID-19 can be found at https://www.healthmap.org/covid-19.
The New York State coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-364-3065.
Cornell Shutdown
More concerning than the precautions planned to take if COVID-19 is found locally, is the local impact of Cornell shutting down physical classes. There will be some students looking for local housing because they cannot leave, or it is safer if they stay in Ithaca.
Some of these same students will be looking for jobs as their on-campus jobs will disappear. In addition, there may be staff from Cornell looking for jobs. We expect an increase in requests for help as a church. If you would like to give to the Community Care Fund this would be a great time to do so.
We do not want to cultivate a culture of fear, even as we implement some precautions. If you find yourself being consumed by thoughts of fear, please email prayer@ithacavineyard.org so that we can pray for you. Also, if you or your family is effected by COVID-19 please email prayer@ithacavineyard.org so that we can pray for you and help in any way possible. Pastor Ward Davis is also available to be contacted at edwarddavis68@gmail.com with any concerns you may have.