Beloved community,

While the city of Chicago may see partial reopenings of some services and businesses starting June 3, the NSBC building will remain closed. Religious services- along with any gathering larger than 10 people- are not included in the list of activities on the slate for reopening. While some limited daycare services will be reopening around the state, this will not apply to the nursery school located within the church, which will also remained closed for the month to come.

At NSBC, we take seriously our responsibilities to care for the lives and well-being of all members of our community. We serve a broad mix of people in our building, including individuals in a diverse range of vulnerable situations (underlying health conditions, limited access to health care, essential workers who serve in higher-risk settings). In addition, some aspects of our communal life- singing, in particular- have proven to be especially high-risk for spreading the coronavirus. In the past two weeks, churches that have reopened for worship around the country have seen high rates of infection among participants, even while taking precautions. We are closely monitoring recommendations coming from state and city officials. However, we also may decide to reopen at a slower pace than the guidelines indicate. As we contemplate resuming each of the many activities and ministries our building has hosted, we will do so with prayer, discernment, and caution.

As we do so, we will also consider the new ministries that have blossomed during this time of quarantine- worship videos on YouTube, audio devotionals, Bible studies via Zoom- which have ministered to many who could not attend our church even prior to shelter-in-place. As we move away from shelter-in-place but continue to face the threat of the Coronavirus, we will likely continue to innovate new ways of connecting safely that may bear unexpected fruit. Once we are able to safely resume old activities, we do not want to lose the spiritual support that these new ministries can continue to offer.

Please pray for and with our community as we ​continue to journey together along this road.

A note from Barbara Lacker-Ware regarding the work of our partner organization, ONE Northside:

Even before the pandemic, several of us have been concerned that for years we in Illinois have lived with underfunded public schools, lack of affordable housing, and reduced social services. Now with the onset of the pandemic, our state is looking at massive revenue shortfalls for the next year. We know our communities can't afford any more budget cuts!

This November, voters will have the power to implement a solution:  the  Fair Tax. Illinois currently has a flat income tax, where everyone pays the same rate of 4.95% regardless of income. If passed, the graduated income tax would bring in $3.4 billion every year and 97% of Illinois residents would receive a tax cut. 

ONE Northside is working on collecting as many pledges to vote YES on Fair Tax. Please take 30 seconds to sign the pledge  at bit.ly/YesOnFairTax   and be sure to indicate you learned about it from North Shore Baptist Church! Thank you!

Want to learn more about Fair Tax and get involved in winning this crucial reform? Join ONE Northside's next Fair Tax meeting on Sunday, May 31st from 3-4:30pm - RSVP here:  bit.ly/mayfairtaxmeeting

Amada comunidad:
 
En este tiempo de propagación del COVID-19 y de las ordenes que se han dado a través del país, para quedase en casa; sabemos que muchos y muchas miembros de nuestra comunidad están enfrentando dificultades económicas. El equipo pastoral desea informarles sobre los recursos de ayuda que están disponibles.  
 
NO ESTAN SOLOS – SU IGLESIA ESTA CON USTEDES
 
Si ha sido despedido o se le han reducido las horas de trabajo, por favor infórmelo a su pastor. Desde que las ordenes de quedarse en casa comenzaron, los ministros de la iglesia, tanto el liderato pastoral como laical, han provisto ayuda remota con el proceso de llenar la solicitud para los beneficios de desempleo y la asistencia suplementaria nutricional (SNAP), compra de alimentos, ayuda financiera a través del fondo de benevolencia y ayuda sobre los derechos de los trabajadores y trabajadoras. Con el Fondo de Benevolencia podemos ayudar con pagos médicos, ayuda parcial con el pago de la renta, alimentos y otras posibles necesidades.
 
El Fondo de Benevolencia es posible por las ofrendas de los domingos en la mañana y en este tiempo de crisis cada uno de los ministerios de la iglesia están buscando identificar fondos adicionales que se puedan redirigir para apoyar este esfuerzo. Juntos, estamos haciendo todos los esfuerzos para cuidad de nuestra comunidad eclesial en estos tiempos difíciles. SI USTED NECESITA ALGUNA AYUDA, POR FAVOR, HABLÉ CON UN MIEMBRO DEL EQUIPO PASTORAL.
 
RECUERDE:

1. No puede ser echado de su casa o apartamento , ni las utilidades pueden ser suspendidas durante la orden de quedarse en la casa. Su casero o propietario no le puede amenazar de echar y las compañías de utilidades han hecho público que no suspenderán los servicios y no cobrarán cargos por pagos tardíos. Esto significa que si usted no puede hacer sus pagos, usted debe priorizar la compra de alimentos y las medicinas y equipo médico sobre el pago de la renta y las utilidades.

 

1. Si usted trabaja, pero sus horas han sido reducidas o ha sido despedido, debe recibir documentos de su supervisor sobre el hecho. Si usted no recibe ninguna documentación, asegúrese de guardar y mantener por escrito toda la información de sus comunicaciones con sus supervisores. (haga un diario). Esto podría servir de apoyo legal si hubiera alguna confusión en el futuro, o si su supervisor se niega aceptar que hubo alguna comunicación verbal.    

 

1. Si usted entiende que no puede pagar su renta, por favor, infórmelo a su casero o propietario de manera escrita a la mayor brevedad. Ellos pueden ayudarle a crear un plan de pago o pago diferido. Necesitará toda la documentación de su lugar de trabajo (ver punto 2) para poder hacer estos arreglos de pago. Mantenga y guarde toda la comunicación escrita sobre este particular.

 

1. Hay muchos lugares que están distribuyendo comidas gratis. Si usted no esta seguro o segura de si puede o no recibir este servicio, por favor, contacte a un miembro del equipo pastoral. Aquí una lista de todas las escuelas públicas de Chicago que están distribuyendo alimentos: https://cps.edu/coronavirus/Pages/mealsites.aspx.

 

1. Hay muchos otros recursos disponibles, incluyendo fondos para inmigrantes indocumentados y refugiados. La Unión de Maestros de Chicago tiene una amplia lista de recursos aquí: https://www.ctulocal1.org/covid19/resources/

 
Si usted se enferma, por favor, infórmelo a su pastor. Los ministerios de nuestra iglesia están cosiendo máscaras, entregando alimentos y víveres, y preparando otras ayudas como cuido de animales, si al enfermarse usted necesitara algunos de estos servicios. A pesar de que no podemos hacer visitas a los hogares en este momento, queremos saber de usted regularmente si usted esta enfermo y poder orar por usted.
 
Si usted está en una posición financiera estable y deseara contribuir al Fondo de Benevolencia, su regalo será profundamente agradecido. Usted puede enviar un cheque o giro postal escribiendo en la línea de memo “Benevolencia” o donar con PayPal y enviando un correo electrónico a financial@northshorebaptist.org informando que usted desea que su donación vaya al Fondo de Benevolencia. Si usted no puede hacerlo en este momento, lo entendemos.
 
Finalmente, “oremos sin cesar”. Invitamos a toda la membresía de la iglesia a unirse en oración los jueves a la 5:30 p.m. donde quiera que se encuentre. Si usted desea unirse con otros miembros de la congregación para orar comunitariamente, la Pastora Kathryn tendrá un tiempo de oración por medio de Zoom a esa hora (5:30 p.m.). Pregunte a la Pastora Kathryn por la información de como entrar.
 
Amados y amadas, el tiempo presente nos llama a ser servidores de Cristo como nunca antes y como dice un himno familiar: Sister, let me be your servant. Brother, let me walk with you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
 
En Cristo,
 
El Equipo Pastoral de NSBC

​Dear beloved community,
 
In the wake of the spread of COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place orders across the country, we know that many members of our church community are facing financial stress right now. The pastoral team wanted to let you know about resources available for you.
 
You are not in this alone—your church is here with you.
 
If you are laid off or have reduced hours, please let your pastor know. Since the shelter-in-place order began, the ministers of this church—both pastoral leaders and members—have provided remote assistance with applying for unemployment benefits and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), purchase of groceries, financial assistance through our Benevolence Fund, and guidance around workers’ rights. Through the Benevolence Fund, we can assist with medical bills, partial assistance with rent payments, and food, among other needs.
 
Through our Benevolence Fund, we can assist with medical bills, rent payments, and food, among other needs. The Benevolence Fund has been made possible by your gifts on Sunday mornings, and in this time of crisis every ministry of the church is working to identify any extra funds that can be redesignated to support these efforts. Together, we are making every effort to take care of our church community in these trying times. In order to receive this support, please speak with a member of the pastoral team.
 
Please also know:
 
1) You cannot be evicted from your home, nor can your utilities be turned off during the shelter-in-place order. Your landlord cannot threaten to evict you, and the utility companies have publicly stated that they will not suspend service or charge late fees for unpaid bills. This means that if you cannot pay all your bills, you should prioritize purchasing food and medical supplies over rent and utilities.
 
2) If you are working and have your hours reduced or are laid off, you should receive documentation from your supervisor to this effect. If you do not, make sure to keep a written record of all communications you have with your supervisor/s. This will serve as legal support for you should there be any confusion in the future, or denial by a supervisor regarding a verbal agreement that was made.
 
3) If you believe you will be unable to pay your rent, inform your landlord as soon as possible. They should work with you to set up a deferral or payment plan. You will need documentation from your work place (see #2) in order to set this up. Keep a written record of all communications with your landlord.
 
4) There are multiple sites set up to distribute free meals. If you are unsure where you can go to receive these meals, contact a member of the pastoral team. A list of Chicago Public School meal distribution sites can be found here:
https://cps.edu/coronavirus/Pages/mealsites.aspx
 
5) There are many other resources available, including funds for undocumented immigrants and refugees. The Chicago Teachers’ Union maintains an extensive list here:
https://www.ctulocal1.org/covid19/resources/
 
If you become ill, please let your pastor know. The ministers of our church are also sewing masks, delivering food and groceries, and prepared to provide other assistance (like pet care), should you become ill and require these services. And though we cannot make home visits at this time, we want to be able to check in regularly with those who are ill and pray for you by name.
 
If you are in a position of financial stability and would like to contribute to the Benevolence Fund, your gift would be especially appreciated. You can do so by sending a check to the church with “Benevolence” written on the memo line, or by donating through PayPal and sending an e-mail to financial@northshorebaptist.org indicating that you would like your donation directed to Benevolence. If you are not able to give at this time—we understand.
 
Finally, “pray without ceasing.” We invite everyone in the church to join together in prayer at 5:30 pm each Thursday, wherever you are. If you would like to join your fellow church members for communal prayer, Pastor Kathryn will open a virtual prayer space via Zoom at this time, if you would like to pray with your community. Please contact Pastor Kathryn for information about how to access the call.

Beloved, the present time calls upon us to be servants of Christ like never before. As the familiar hymn goes: Sister, let me be your servant. Brother, let me walk with you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
 
In Christ,
 
The NSBC Pastoral Team

By Peggy Ann Griffin

​               Then            
Invisible, indivisible, making miserable
All classes and masses.
Unseen, unclean, mean; Covid 19.
Flexed, perplexed, vexed.
               Then
Relieved--- perceived--- achieved
The end of this undesirous virus.
 
 
Prayer for Healing
Oh God please consider the plight of this world’s population. We are the subjects of your divine creation.

Relieve us of our fears and help us to walk in truth and in your favor.

Equip us with knowledge to care for each other and to care for the earth.

Remove from us selfishness, unkindness, and greed.

Inscribe upon our memory that you are Lord and that you provide our daily need.

Give us the minds to share knowledge, resources, and great ideas.

Grant that our religious leaders be filled with wisdom to guide your flock in these times when the physical church is being tested. 

Help us to know that you are God inside and outside of bricks and mortar. Through your love we can be connected from our homes, cyberspace, or wherever we may be.

Guide leaders of nations, states, and cities to  be justly responsible to citizens and to distribute the resources of the earth in an equitable manner. Give them wisdom as they make crucial life and death decisions.

Bless educators, students, and parents in the communication of knowledge in their absence from the physical classroom.  Inspire the new curriculum with information that will be useful in problem solving and caring for people of the earth.

Undergird physicians, nurses, and all health professionals with stamina as they perform their duties.  Enable them to find the equipment and medical supplies that are needed. May your healing power circulate around sick beds in hospitals, care facilities, and homes.

Powerful God, let the visitation of your good spirit be in the scientific laboratories as a cure for this devastating disease is sought.  Guide the eyes and hands of scientists as they explore the phenomena of the matter that you created.

Bless  artists, musicians, writers and communicators in presenting truth to the world in creative ways.  Provide more means for their gifts to inspire humanity.

Bless all laborers  in the field of service: technicians, office workers,  police officers, firemen, truck drivers, factory workers, bus drivers, store clerks, delivery drivers, sanitation workers, and personnel in all professions.  Protect them as they perform their daily duties.  Bless all who have been temporarily displaced from work in finding sustenance and new opportunities.

Thank you creator for all of your blessings. Help us to be patient as our planet is being cleansed and rearranged.  We claim victory over disease and celebrate the coming of a new era.

Amen.

All of Illinois has been given a “Stay at Home Order” or asked to “Shelter In Place.” This means that through April 7 or until otherwise updated, we need to severely restrict our movements outside of our home. Here are frequently asked questions about what this means:  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/stay-at-home-order-faq.html
 
We need to restrict non-essential travel to…

• Anywhere there might be groups over 25 (some say more than 5 people)
• Non-essential retail stores
• Gyms, health clubs, etc.
• Beauty and barber shops
• Recreational places like casinos, bowling alleys, etc.
• Bars, cafes, restaurants- while some may still provide delivery or curb-side pick-up

We still can…

• Go to work, if deemed essential
• Get groceries, gas, supplies
• Keep mental health and doctor’s appointments
• Go outdoors for walks, but restrict contact with others (especially groups)

 
This type of restriction is an inconvenience, yet is extremely important in order to stop the unintentional spread of this virus. Regardless of how healthy you may be, this is crucial to protect those who are more at risk, some that you might not even be aware of their health difficulties.
 
During this pandemic, mental health will be an issue for many people. Boredom, stress, fear, irritability are especially likely when people are forced to stay at home and restrict movement. Pay attention to your moods and your behavior. If you are showing the basic signs of stress, do not minimize its impact. Call your mental health provider if your mood or stress impacts your daily activities for several days in a row.
Pay close attention to hidden symptoms like…

• Changes in energy, sudden drops or increases of activity and motivation, difficulty or increases in sleeping
• Excessive worries, crying, irritability, arguments, etc.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs.
• Difficulty asking for or accepting help
• Loss of enjoyment in pleasurable activities or difficulty in one’s ability to relax

 
Here are some guidelines to help cope:

• Talk about your feelings. Call a friend, therapist, pastor.
• Make decisions, not just be impulsive. More time at home can mean more impulsive snacking for example. Plan your activities and your meals. Ask yourself at the start of the day what you need to get done, as well as what you want to do. Modify as needed and monitor excesses.
• Limit certain activities. Be aware of overexposure to news and social media which can increase worrying. Limit alcohol and recreational drug use. Also monitor mindless activities or games, etc. which in moderation can be a healthy escape, but in excess can mask symptoms.
• Vary activities. Alternate between quiet and more active events. Ex: Exercise, then read, then play a game, practice yoga, meditate or pray, call a friend, do some chores, go for a walk, etc. Or have a work day then a play day.
• Other helpful suggestions can be found at: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/how-cope-sheltering-place

 
Remember, we are social creatures. As much as we may not acknowledge it, we do need people. Just because we are being asked to keep a distance from others, it doesn’t mean we need to be lonely. It is important to reach out, give assistance, check-in with loved ones, ask for support. Don’t suffer alone!
 
Dave Howser, M.Div., LCPC is a psychotherapist and pastoral counselor at North Shore Baptist Church. To inquire about services, please call Dave at (773)450-3395.

-A Message from Pastor Kathryn on behalf of the NSBC Pastoral Team

My beloved community,

We have entered a difficult and unprecedented time. In just one week, we have seen the COVID-19 Coronavirus labelled a pandemic, with restaurants and schools in the state of Illinois being ordered to close. On Monday, March 16, the federal government issued a recommendation against social gatherings over 10 people for the next 15 days. At NSBC, we will abide by this recommendation by suspending all in-person programming, including all of our traditional, in-person worship, through the end of March. As these two weeks continue, we will continue to monitor recommendations coming from the CDC and local officials, and we will keep you updated about programming.

As I preached on Sunday, physical distancing (staying home when possible, maintaining six feet of distance when away from home) is right now one of the best ways we can love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This includes neighbors we may never see or meet, but whose lives and wellbeing are dear to God.

While some limited office business will be conducted during the week, the church building will be completely closed on Fridays. If you have a pastoral care need at any time, please reach out to your congregational pastor or fill out this contact form.

While we will not be gathering in person, we will continue to connect virtually, even as we are connected in the Holy Spirit. Please continue to check Facebook for regular updates. We plan to make videos of English and Spanish worship available via YouTube on Sundays. The Karen Congregation will be posting videos and blogs, and the Japanese congregation is also discussing virtual gatherings. For questions about any of these services, please contact the pastor of that congregation (e-mail in full bio) or fill out this contact form. We also have two Facebook groups available to remain in communication: NSBC Members and Friends and Congregación Hispana de la Iglesia Bautista de North Shore.

Above all, if you know members of the community who do not have Internet access and cannot check Facebook or e-mail, please take extra care to reach out to them, see how they are doing, and make sure your pastor knows who they are and how to contact them.

Beloved, we are together in this. We are one in the Spirit, even as we pray that our physical unity may soon be restored. Please do not hesitate to reach out for anything you may need. 

Grief is a difficult process that everyone experiences at different points in their lives. It is important, when experiencing grief, to know that we are not alone.

During the month of April, Helen Ablan Vocales will facilitate a weekly grief group.  It will be an experiential, discussion-based process that will give you resources to take home with you.  The group will meet on the five Wednesdays of April (the 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29) at 7:00 pm in the Wilbur Warner Welcome Center.

Helen Ablan Vocales has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling fromLoyola University and a Diploma in Nursing from the University of the Philippines.  Coming from a Jungian persuasion, Helen brings to the group more than 60 years of experience in nursing, with 35 years of experience in psychiatric nursing