This page contains information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and how it is affecting the life of the church. It includes general information, links to GNJ Conference communications, and how church activities at DeBows are impacted. The newest information will be at the top of the page. This page will be continually updated as new information becomes available. Please review this page and the church calendar often for the latest information.
8/16/2023
DeBows continues to be fully open, using the commonsense precautions listed in the 11/27/2022 update.
11/27/2022
DeBows has successfully returned to Sunday morning worship and conducting in-person meetings and bible studies. And community groups are once again using our Fellowship Hall to conduct their activities. While COVID-19 is still active and the normal flu season is here, we are confident in returning to physical interaction, as long as we maintain commonsense precautions.
- The church is cleaned on a regular basis.
- While masks are not required, hand sanitizer and face masks are still available upon entry to the building for those wishing to use them.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as running a fever or coughing, or just have what you think might be a common cold, we ask that you please stay home and take care of yourself.
- If in doubt, use one of the readily available COVID-19 self-test kits.
- Facemasks are optional, but it is still recommended that unvaccinated people should wear one and observe the 6-foot social distancing guidelines.
- Click HERE for current official CDC Information & Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People.
8/11/2021
From GNJUMC Newsletter — COVID-19 Update: GNJ expects all pastors and congregations to follow the directives of the CDC and the governors of the states we serve. In NJ, the governor has offered new guidelines about places where vulnerable people congregate, which includes our congregations, that people are to wear masks indoors and that staff are to be vaccinated or to be tested twice a week. While at this moment the governor has indicated that it is a guideline, if we do not work together it will be a directive in September. We encourage congregations and clergy to work together and do our part in bringing an end to the pandemic. Our goal of zero infection spread of COVID by United Methodist ministries is still in place and we encourage all congregations to be abundantly careful in all of its ministries and activities. The MRC will remain closed and staff will be working remote until October. Vaccine resources can be found here, which includes a new article from USA Today.
If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as running a fever or coughing, or just have what you think might be a common cold, we ask that you please stay home and take care of yourself.
Unvaccinated people should wear a mask and observe the 6 foot social distancing guidelines.
Click HERE for current official CDC Information & Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People.
8/04/2021
Recent updated COVID-19 guidelines per the CDC & State of NJ strongly recommend the wearing of face masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings. While not a mandated requirement at this time, we ask that you use your best judgement. Our goal is to remain a healthy congregation so we can continue to worship together.
If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as running a fever or coughing, or just have what you think might be a common cold, we ask that you please stay home and take care of yourself.
Unvaccinated people should wear a mask and observe the 6 foot social distancing guidelines.
Click HERE for current official CDC Information & Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People.
6/05/2021
Effective June 6 – DeBows UMC Church Council has approved an update to its COVID-19 guidelines for indoor worship services, per recently released CDC & NJ State recommendations. These recommendations reflect the progress made in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases, due in large part to the effectiveness of the vaccine rollout.
UPDATE – Wearing a mask and social distancing is now optional for fully vaccinated people. Unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Also, people are no longer required to pre-register to attend an indoor worship service. With some exceptions, the State of NJ is not requiring proof of vaccination status and is depending on the honor system for guideline compliance. DeBows UMC will also use the honor system.
DeBows will maintain its advanced level of cleaning and sanitizing of the building and continue to offer hand sanitizer and disposable masks upon entry.
3/21/2021
DeBows has resumed the 9 AM Sunday morning outdoor worship service. Starts promptly at 9 AM and will be 30-35 minutes in length. This will be followed by the 10 AM indoor service.
12/20/2020
DeBows is suspending the 9 AM outdoor services until March. They will resume at that time, if still needed.
8/11/2020
On Sunday, October 11, DeBows will start to conduct indoor worship services at 10 AM. Wearing of masks and social distancing required.
7/1/2020
Click HERE for detailed information about the Phase 1 Outdoor Worship Services, which start on Sunday, July 5 at 9:00 AM.
6/25/2020
Starting on Sunday, July 5, DeBows will conduct outside worship at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. This service will be about 30 minutes in length. This represents PHASE 1 of the church reopen process. The online worship will continue during this time.
5/21/2020
The GNJUMC has released information and guidelines for when and how NJ UMC churches may reopen. The short answer is when the Governor issues an Executive Order saying churches may reopen AND the church in question has a detailed reopen plan, which has been approved by the Church Council. Click HERE to view the entire document from the GNJUMC.
3/29/2020
You can now attend online worship at debows.online.church. The standard worship service time will remain the same: Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. You will have the ability to replay the worship service after the first 9:30 AM presentation.
3/20/2020
A church-wide information message was sent out.
No Easter flowers will be ordered or distributed this year.
Watch for information concerning online worship.
Click HERE to view full message.
3/19/2020
New Food Pantry Distribution Process
The DeBows Food Pantry will continue to remain open on the 2nd & 4th Monday each month from 6:00-8:00pm. Due to the COVID-19 situation, a new distribution process will be implemented, starting on Monday March 23rd, so we can maintain this important ministry.
Until further notice, we will be distributing pre-packaged food by appointment only. Please call the church at 732-928-4475 to make an appointment. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
3/18/2020
Effective immediately, physical worship services and other activities using the church building are suspended until further notice. The exception to this will be the Food Pantry Ministry.
As we suspend physical activity at the church, the life of the church continues and this includes paying our bills and supporting our ministries. We are thankful for your faithful giving and encourage you to continue to do so during these difficult times. You may continue your giving by sending your offering check directly to the church or by using the church online giving feature found in the footer of the church website. It is easy, secure, and appreciated.
We are actively exploring ways to stay connected as a church family and developing methods to present online worship. Watch for more information in the near future.
Reminders:
- Along with the normal bi-weekly church newsletter, we will continue to send out special emails as needed to keep you informed.
- The special information emails go out to the people on the newsletter distribution list. If you are not already on the distribution list, you can subscribe to the DeBows newsletter using the subscription form found in the footer of the church website.
- For our members who do not have email or internet access we will communicate updates and information by phone.
The church newsletter went out today, 3/18 – click HERE to read.
3/14/2020
A church-wide information message was sent out.
The Sunday, 3/15, 9:30 AM worship service will take place.
Starting Monday, 3/16, all worship services and other church activities will be suspended until further notice.
Click HERE to view full message.
3/13/2020
Message from Pastor Denise
Click HERE to view message.
3/13/2020
The following 3 March events have been postponed and will hopefully be rescheduled sometime in the future. (3/14) Libby Prison Minstrels concert, (3/21) GNJ Food Packing Event, (3/28) ProGrasstination Bluegrass concert.
3/12/2020
Message from Bishop Schol – Coronavirus
Click HERE to view message.
3/12/2020
The GNJ “Rise Against Hunger” Meal Packing Event, originally scheduled for 3/21/2020, has been postponed. Watch for rescheduling information.
