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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020
their Front-Line stories as toLd to our reporters Michaelle Solage SolageS gertrude nation elMont Valley StreaM PaStor, grace united MethodiSt church Valley StreaM
aSSeMblywoMan, new york State 22nd diStrict
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s a lifelong resident of Elmont, it has been my honor to be able to give back to the community that has embraced my family and heritage. The Covid-19 pandemic has deeply impacted every aspect of our lives. I have seen and felt the struggles of our communities, as they lost all sense of normalcy. The fear and anger felt when everything they have worked hard to achieve just vanishes. It is extremely difficult and completely frightening. Yet, even during these unprecedented times, we have shown that we are more than capable of uplifting one another. My staff and I have worked to coordinate resources to ensure that services are being provided to all constituents in our district. It was humbling to work with members of the community, faith leaders and local organizations to help empower our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need. Although we have seen the exhaustion of front-line workers, tackled food insecurity in our community and felt the pain of loss, we have also seen the generosity, compassion and humanity of our communities. That spirit of resiliency will live within me. This type of unity is key to the path forward through the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ertrude Nation started working as a pastor in 2008 and began as the pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Valley Stream in 2015. “The pandemic has really affected me in ways I haven’t imagined,” Nation said. “There is a lot of sickness, fear and stress that I hear from church members, family, friends and colleagues.” For Nation, she said that exercising faith in God during this time has helped her to do her job. Even though most of her pastoral work has been done from home during the pandemic, she said that she finds that she is handling more telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp communication and Zoom meetings than ever before. She also said that she finds herself relying on other church members to help facilitate the needs of the church during the pandemic. “I ask congregants to reach out to other members, especially the elderly, who might need someone to get them food from the store or they might need a call if they are alone,” she said. “During this pandemic, I am growing and focusing on my congregation, my ministry and on keeping people connected because that is important.” Despite the ability to interact virtually, Nation said she still misses her job before the pandemic. “I miss seeing the people and talking to them in person,” she said. “I miss greeting my church on Sunday services and fellowship time after church.”
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