Dear Church Family,
One of the greatest treasures of our church is its people. We are strong, resilient, caring, and loving of one another. It is in this spirit that our Re-opening Team re-convened this week to evaluate the current status of our worship services in person and online, review current trends from our state and local health departments, and updated CDC guidance.
As you may already know, the numbers of coronavirus cases have been steadily increasing in the counties from which we draw membership, and health officials are projecting a possible surge around the holidays as people move their events and gatherings indoors. As we seek to find the best way to host our weekly worship services, we have concluded that the safest course of action for our entire community is to switch to online worship beginning Sunday, November 29th, and through the entire Advent/Christmas season.
Our team also discussed ways for our members to keep connected during this time when so many are feeling isolated and longing for social interaction with their beloved church family, and so we are providing a few ways for you to find connection! Our church's worship team is planning a wonderful Advent season to keep traditions we hold so dear, our sermon series entitled, The Promise of Christmas will remind us all of the Hope, Love, Liberation, and Peace of Christ. We invite you to join us for daily devotionals on Facebook Live, to volunteer with our dinner ministry or online worship by reading scripture, prayers, or Children's Time, or sign-up to lead a small group where you're sure to build new friendships and develop a deeper relationship with God. Children are invited to take part in our first-ever virtual Christmas Pageant too! We've also heard you loud and clear - you miss virtual coffee hour! We are working to bring back virtual coffee hour following our Sunday worship online - hosted on YouTube and Facebook Live.
In closing, we want to THANK YOU for being flexible and supportive as our church navigates the challenges of operating during a pandemic. We too, long for the days of warm hugs and singing together, Sunday School, and coffee hour.
Our prayers for your safety and wellbeing this holiday season!
The Re-opening Team
Vivian Nelson-Appiah, Steve & Sue Zahorbenski, Ginger Haithcox, Brad Voorhees, Daphne Williams, Abraham Gulama, Louis Diemer, Jojo Annobil, Pastor Cyndi Stouffer