Places of Worship

Houses of worship remain spiritual while virtual

By Julia Swerdin

After several months of closure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lynbrook and East Rockaway houses of worship weighed the pros and cons of reopening for live services. East Rockaway’s Bethany Congregational Church, at 100 Main St., canceled its worship services, but at press time was determining whether to hold worship on a week-by-week basis going forward.

Lynbrook’s Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, at 25 Fowler Ave., resumed its weekday Mass on June 10, holding services at 7 and 9 a.m. daily. Weekend mass, on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and noon, was also offered. The congregation will be allowed inside at 25 percent capacity, maintaining a six-foot distance at all times, and required to wear masks. Communion will be given at the conclusion of services.

Pews are sanitized between Masses, but kneelers will not be permitted for use. The church adminstration requests that parishioners bring their own missal and hand sanitizer to Mass. Side entrances will be closed for the time being, so entry and exiting will take place through the main doors on Merrick Road.

Those who are unable to attend Mass in person can still be a part of the church services. Sunday Mass is live-streamed on Facebook and can be accessed from the parish’s website or via the Catholic Faith Network. Those who wish to donate to the church can continue to mail or drop envelopes through the rectory door. An alternative way to support the parish is through the “Text to Give” program: text 032parisholpeace to (516) 271-3338. “Thank you to our generous parishioners who have financially supported our parish during these difficult times,” a message on the Our Lady of Peace Facebook page reads. “Any financial support you can give is greatly appreciated.”

Lynbrook Baptist Church, at 225 Earle Ave., also hosted virtual services during its period of closure. The church held its first in-person service on June 28. The Rev. Robert Walderman has taken several precautions in order to maintain a safe environment in the church. There is now a temperature-check area, a hand sanitizer station and an area where attendance is taken. Congregants are also not permitted in the church without masks and must sit six feet apart. The services are still available virtually, through livestreaming, for those who can not attend or are uncomfortable gathering.

The Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, at 295 Main St., has yet to return to in-person services, but its committee is weighing options with hopes of reopening soon. Temple Am Echad, at 1 Saperstein Plaza in Lynbrook, has hosted online holiday and Shabbat services, Torah study, tot Shabbat and classes for students in kindergarten through seventh grade.

Courtesy the Rev. Robert Walderman Top left photo: Many houses of worship, including Lynbrook Baptist Church, recently reopened for in-person services.

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The Donza Funeral Home has served our communities since 1984. Guy Donza has worked as a funeral director since 1958 and also serves as a deacon in his church. The Donza family includes “Deacon” Guy Donza, his wife, Marie, their son, Thomas Donza, and daughter Christine Donza, who are also funeral directors. They devote themselves full-time to their Family Owned & Operated Funeral Home. Their philosophy is “Reaching out and caring is our focus.” At the Donza Funeral Home, we are committed to tailoring the service to you and your family’s needs because we believe in honoring the individual. Any aspect of career, hobby, and personality can be incorporated. Any specific related to either tradition or religion will be honored. Any detail associated with decor, room arrangement, and service hours shall be attended to.

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