The First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton may have had to close its doors due to Covid-19, but the church is helping people get groceries by opening its parking lot for Fresh Direct pickup. Customers can make appointments for pickup on the Fresh Direct website Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Fresh Direct began the operation on Thursday, which the Rev. Tisha Williams said is a response to an influx of people from New York City flocking to the East End to quarantine. Ms. Williams explained that since more people from the city were coming to the East End, it became almost impossible to get a delivery time slot online.
"Connecting, directing and protecting" are the three ways Ms. Williams strives to lead the Baptist community and she expressed her excitement to be able to connect the community with each other and necessary groceries in a safe, socially distanced space. As the parking lot is located just off the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, "picking up groceries is accessible from the major thoroughfare and is a useful way to use our space so long as our church doors must remain closed," Ms. Williams said.
Her one request was that the lot remain free on Sundays. This Sunday, congregants will have a socially distanced ice cream social. Free ice cream and tape on the ground to demarcate six feet will be the defining characteristics of the congregation's first gathering since March.