Church buildings are closed; online services until further notice

Holy Trinity

MIDDLETOWN — Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St., reminds residents that until further notice the building is closed and all services will be held online, at 9:30 a.m. Sundays on Facebook Live.

Services can be seen on the church’s page, www.facebook.com/Church-of-The-HolyTrinity-113449858687641/

Other services may also be listed at www.holytrinityct.org.

Faith Lutheran Church

MIDDLETOWN — Faith Lutheran Church is offering its Sunday services in a virtual format only until further notice.

Go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org to join the 9 a.m. service and for more information.

The church’s free community meal, on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., is available for takeout only.

First Church of Christ

MIDDLETOWN — First Church of Christ has closed its doors until further notice, but is offering services and activities.

Church leaders and volunteers at First Church came up with a format for online access and interaction on its website, www.firstchurchmiddletown.org/

“The service has elements of a regular Sunday church service, including an interactive bulletin, Pastor Julia Burkey’s recorded welcome, and a musical prayer by Music Minister Shari Lucas,” members said about its first virtual service, held March 22.

“The Rev. Burkey’s welcome affirmed our uncertainties in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, counseled patience and offered reassurance. To close, more than 30 members joined together with live, interactive prayers and concerns through Zoom, a virtual meeting platform.”

Elise Kennedy, a youth-apprentice at the church, said, “The virtual service felt much more personal and ... everyone could do it on their own. We could take time to think about it.”

A First Church Fellowship page on Facebook offers other ways to share chats, thoughts and pictures online. Burkey will host tea time chats on Wednesday mornings, when people can drop in and share how they're coping during the coronavirus crisis.

“For some years, First Church in Middletown has envisioned creating a spiritual home beyond its walls— a way to do church differently and to broaden the idea of church and meet the spiritual needs of our diverse community,” members said.

“That vision is now becoming real as a virtual spiritual network — church beyond walls.”

Burkey said,“We can turn our hearts toward the source of love that we call God wherever we are. It can even happen in our living rooms.”

For more details, updates and information on how to connect with a First Church virtual event, visit First Church at www.firstchurchmiddletown.org/ or call 860-346-6657.