RELIGION

Temple Beth Sholom's Rabbi Scolnic celebrates 36 years of leadership in Hamden

On Sunday, November 10, 2019, Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden, Connecticut, celebrated Rabbi Benjamin E. Scolnic and his 36 years of service and leadership to the temple and the community. In the spirit of good-natured fun, synagogue members, friends, and family roasted and toasted Rabbi Scolnic.

Pictured is Mayor Curt Lang of Hamden presenting a proclamation stating that November 10,2019 is Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic day in Hamden, CT

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.

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 860-304-9853 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 203-735-3341.

St. Michael Church is also holding all scheduled masses. For information, call 203734-0005.

St. Bridget School gets SMART Boards

CHESHIRE — Students at St. Bridget School in Cheshire, grades Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight, were generously given a grant of $85,000, awarded by the John G. Martin Foundation of West Hartford to purchase new SMART Boards for every classroom. This interactive tool has been in classrooms for over 10 years. “We are very happy with the transition to new models that are completely compatible with our iPads and new Chromebooks,” the school said in a statement,

Every day SMART Boards are used in all grades. These boards enhance the daily lessons and help students learn to read, aid in math and science computation, conduct interactive exploration, as well as view current events and so much more.

Frank M. Loehmann, Jr., President of the John. G. Martin Foundation is a firm supporter of Catholic schools like St. Bridget. “St. Bridget provides an outstanding faith based curriculum to its students. Being able to stay current in technology only enhances their learning experience and provides them with the education needed to succeed in the future,” he said.

St. Bridget School serves the students of its parishioners as well as those from over 20 surrounding communities. This year marks the school’s 25th anniversary. To learn more about St. Bridget School, go to www.stbridgetschool.org

St. Stephen’s Episcopal

EAST HADDAM — Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is revising its calendar for the remainder of Lent and Holy Week. All in-person worship services have been moved to online platforms, and all other events at the church have been moved online or cancelled, with the possible exception of the East Haddam Cross Walk.

St. Stephen’s will still hold online worship services on Sundays, including on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, at 10 a.m. St. Stephen’s holds prayer services via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and noon. See www.StSteves.org for more details on how to participate.

Below is an updated list of events through Easter: Postponed/canceled: “Big Questions,” 6 p.m., Thursdays. The Agape Feast, April 9, No change: “The Path” online Bible study via Zoom, 8 p.m., Wednesdays Online: Palm Sunday worship, 10 a.m., April 5; Good Friday Worship, 1 p.m., April 10; Easter Sunday worship, 10 a.m, April 12.

To be announced: East Haddam Cross Walk, Friday, April 10, check ststeves.org For more information about these and all St. Stephen’s events, visit www.StSteves.org.