Snow Closing Information
In the event of a major snowstorm you might decide to cancel Sunday services. Here are some tips to help spread the word about your church’s decision:
- Post your closing or snow policy on your church’s Web site
- Change your outgoing voicemail message to reflect the status of your Sunday services
- Contact the music director, organist and choir, readers, acolytes, Eucharistic ministers and others involved with the service directly by phone
Be sure to get the word out to your parishioners and any newcomers who might be planning to attend your church by announcing your closing in the media (Web, TV and radio) in your area. In the Baltimore market there are three TV affiliates that will announce church closings free of charge. Outside of the Baltimore market check with your local station for submission guidelines.
- WBAL-TV/Radio/Website: Call 410-467-3000, during business hours ask for the “snow closing desk”; after hours or on the weekend follow the prompts to the news desk, then the snow closing desk. You might have to call more than once to get through, but keep trying.
- WJZ-TV/Website: Call 410-466-1152, the snow closing desk
- WMAR-TV/Website: email spangler@wmar.com . Include a phone number and someone will call to verify your information.
Some Suggestions for When Church is Closed
For the Clergy
- Record and post your sermon online so parishioners can listen
- Post the text of your sermon so it can be read
- Get a head start on next week’s sermon
- Set up that FaceBook page or Twitter account that you’ve been meaning to get to and see how many parishioners friend or follow you
- Contact elderly and homebound parishioners - see how they are doing and find out if they need anything
- Check out the Maryland Emergency Management Agency Web site for news, tips and information on disaster preparedness
For the Laity
- Click here for the Lessons of the Day and read them to yourself or aloud with your family
- Listen to the Daily Mediations as read by the Rev. Chip Lee of the Churches of Garrett County
- Curl up with a “good book” - The Holy Bible
- Revel in the beauty of the season
- Call a long-lost friend or family member and reconnect
- Make an online gift to your church
- Put your pledge check or plate donation in an envelope and mail it to your church
- Make an online gift to Episcopal Relief and Development or another charity
- Call a homebound or elderly member of your parish and chat
