Ad on page 2 of the Coaster, August 13, 2020.
We like to familiarize ourselves with activities in Ocean Grove, but this ad was puzzling to us. What/where is the Ocean Grove Church?
So we made some inquiries of Grovers who should know and we got mixed reviews. One said that this was another name for St. Paul’s Church.
Another said that it was the same as the Ocean Grove Beach Church and had nothing to do with the Camp Meeting. She said that St. Paul’s wanted to try another name in order to attract a more diverse congregation.
Last year, when we were inquiring about the Liquid Church, this name came up. The address of 80 Embury Ave is the address of St. Paul’s church.
On the Internet we searched Ocean Grove Church and came up with this:
Sundays
OCEAN GROVE BEACH CHURCH
“When possible, a worship service is held on Sunday mornings from May 24 to September 27 at 9 AM in the Boardwalk Pavilion, with the beach as its backdrop. The service is sponsored by The Ocean Grove Church at St. Paul’s and the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. “
We also were told that this bazaar is one and the same as the bazaar which occurs every summer in the basement of St. Paul’s.
Given the prominence of the Coaster ad, it would appear that the Church was trying to attract a large crowd. But will they be able to comply with the COVID-19 regulations for inside events?
This is what the State says: “Indoor gatherings must be limited to 25 people or 25% of a room’s capacity — whichever number is lower. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart.”
And of course that holds true for the Grovers who will be attending. The ad calls for masks and distancing, but will that be possible?
THE VILLAGERS.