The First Church in Belfast, United Church of Christ, has submitted the following:

The Coronavirus pandemic is impacting us in many ways. Not only is it a health risk, endangering many but also because of the need to self-quarantine, isolate and safe-distance from one another, it is taking a toll on many in psychological and emotional ways. There is a need to intentionally seek to reach out to one another as community, to connect with each other without touch.

Inspired by a movement started in Windsor Locks and Enfield, CT, the members of Sandy Point Congregational Church in Stockton Springs are taking another approach. They decided to ring bells at 7 p.m. every evening, and after the Governor’s order to stay-at-home, they hope to continue to do so, with having those who live close to the church to do the ringing, practicing safe-distancing as they do.

Rev. Steve Alspach states, “We ring the bell out of faith, hope, and love for all who are suffering during this coronavirus pandemic and in support for those on the front lines serving the public.”

In Belfast, a number of the Greater Bay Area Ministerium churches were planning to follow the lead of Sandy Point Church and also ring their bells. Dianne Smith, of St. Francis Catholic Church, stated that they too may ring their bell. She also reported that folks in Searsport were out Tuesday night ringing bells from decks, porches and front doors.

The First Church in Belfast, UCC, whose bell rings on the hour, is inviting church and community members to “Take 5 at 5.” When you hear the bell toll at 5 p.m., they suggest that you take 5 minutes to ring your own bells or just make some joyful noise, and then observe a time of silence in thought and prayer for those suffering and all those working so hard and giving of themselves to fight this disease. Pastors Kate Winters and Joel Krueger especially invite families to engage the children, giving them a positive way to respond in this time.

Members of the ministerium are also encouraging people to participate in the national movement, #ClapBecauseWe Care, to have people come out on their front steps or lean out windows on Fridays at 7 p.m., to clap and applaud doctors and nurses and first responders, grocery and pharmacy workers and all providing essential services on the front lines of the Coronavirus pandemic. We are indeed all in this together, so let’s support one another in every way we can.