KEENE VALLEY — National health experts predict that the official U.S. death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic will reach 100,000 on or about this coming Monday, June 1. To mark this tragic milestone in our nation’s history, the Keene Valley Congregational Church will offer a series of events that day to remember those who have passed, give thanks for all who continue to work to support communities around our nation, and invite hope to accompany us in the journey ahead.

At 12:15 p.m. the church bell will be rung 100 times, once for each 1,000 people who have died from the pandemic. Because state guidelines prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people, the church asks that people do not attend the tolling in person but observe a silent moment of shared witness as the bells are rung. The tolling will be recorded and shared.

At 7 p.m. the church will host an online vespers service via Zoom. Through readings, prayer, images and music, the congregation will acknowledge the solemnity of the day and be in communion with God’s spirit of comfort and hope. You can join the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89872575311?pwd=ZlpuT0pVR2NxMlJhMkM3cjJ2b2M0UT09 (meeting ID: 898 7257 5311, password: 764585). You can also join by phone, dialing 929-205-6099.