RELIGION

Church offers drive-thru prayers, blessings

NORTH BRANFORD — Pastor Robin Blundon from Northford Congregational Church gave drive-thru prayers and blessings for the first time March 29. It was also the first time that the bell was rung since the new bell tower and steeple were installed in late February.

During this time of social distancing, the church will continue its drive-thru prayers and blessings for everyone at 10 a.m. every Sunday in April or until further notice or regular church services resume. Cars can enter from the driveway across from the library and then drive out onto Route 22.

To reach the church, call 203-484-0795 or visit www.northfordcongregational.church.

Palm Sunday, Easter services are online

NEW HAVEN — Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James, 57 Olive St., is offering Lent and Easter services online, including Palm Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Good Friday, noon; Easter Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

All services will be livestreamed, which means that you can watch them on your computer as they are happening, or at a later time. Access the services by clicking on the clearly-marked link at www.stpaulstjames.org, or by going to www.facebook.com/stpaulstjames/videos Just scroll past the invitation to sign up.

Parishiners can use Zoom to participate in the weekday Compline service Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. Go to https://zoom.us/ j/962885125 .

Use Zoom to access our Noonday service, Wednesdays at 12:20 p.m. at https://zoom.us/j/824248223

Temple using online app for gatherings

WOODBRIDGE — Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge, announces the following:

“Obviously, the Covid 19 virus has brought about a major change in the synagogue operation,” members said in a statement. “The building may be closed, but our community continues to gather via Zoom, a video conferencing app. The rabbi and cantor are holding services online via this medium.

Online services are being offered evenings at 6 p.m., mornings at 7:45 a.m., Friday evening 6:30 p.m. Bread and Torah. Sunday morning, 10 a.m. If you have difficulty with Zoom, call the synagogue for assistance. For information, visit https://www.bnaijacob.org/ or call 203-389-2111.

Flower sale canceled

NORTH BRANFORD — Northford Congregational Church is canceling the annual Easter weekend flower/plant sale due to COVID-19. No decision has been made about the church's Mother's Day Weekend flower sale.

For details vsit www.northfordcongregational.church or email northfordcc@gmail.com.

First Church moves to online worship

OLD SAYBROOK — First Church of Christ Saybrook has moved to online worship. “First Church understands that many in the community are isolated and are practicing social distancing,” members said in a statement. “Social distancing does not mean social isolation. First Church continues to reach and encourages everyone to practice social distancing. Please join them in worship at their on-line live worship service.”

The 9 a.m. Sunday Jazz service and the 10:30 service may be found live at www.facebook.com/firstchurchOS. On Tuesdays, join an online Tuesday morning coffee, conversation, and Corinthians.

To contact First Church of Christ Saybrook info@firstchurchsaybrook.org or www.firstchurchsaybrook.org

Church offers its help, online services

OLD LYME — Immediately after the gravity of the coronavirus became apparent, the pastors and leaders of Shoreline decided to act. Members are offering to pick up and deliver groceries, prescriptions and other essential items to area residents who are at risk of contracting Corona virus, or who are afraid to go out in public to get the things they need.

Those who live in the following 15 communities who need help just need to e-mail or call the special number provided: Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Clinton, Chester, Deep River, Lyme, East Lyme, South Lyme, Essex, Westbrook, Niantic, Waterford, New London, Salem and Montville.

There is no charge for the services, other than reimbursement for goods picked up and delivered. Being unsure of the duration of this threat, services will remain available until life returns to normal. If anyone is interested in volunteering, call the church at 860-304-9853.

If you are a shut-in, at higher risk for the coronavirus, or otherwise feel uncomfortable completing daily routines during the crisis, e-mail the Church at: SLCwillhelp@gmail.com or call 860304-9853 and leave a message.

The church will live-stream its Sunday morning services throughout the crisis at https:// www.facebook.com/ShorelineChurchCt/ & at www.shore.sermon.tv

For more information on the church, visit SLC77.com

Churches announce mass schedules

DERBY — Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish in Derby is open for private prayer.

As of now, all daily weekday masses will be celebrated as usual, due to the small number of attendees.

For information, call the church at 203-7353341.

St. Michael Church is also holding all scheduled masses. For information, call 203-734-0005.