We continue to make adaptations in our ministry due to COVID-19. While we are at a distance from one another physically, we know that we are Together in Spirit.
Worship
Join us Sunday morning at 10:15 am on Facebook or YouTube.
| Dear Church Family, At their stated meeting on June 23, the Session unanimously approved a recommendation from the Healthy Church Team that we extend online only worship on Sunday mornings, indefinitely. We all long for the day when we can gather for in person worship in our sanctuary safely. However, the Session feels that we are not there yet. Our primary concern is the safety and health of our congregation, and our community. In our congregational survey, a significant majority of the responses to the question, “What things should drive our decision about when to resume meeting in person on Sunday mornings?”, included a need to see COVID-19 cases in our community on the decline, low, or under control, along with overall concern for the safety and health of our members of all ages. Right now, there is not a decline of cases in our community. In fact, the numbers continue to rise. Public health officials anticipate that the peak of cases is still ahead of us. For this reason, the Session chose to extend online only worship on Sunday mornings “indefinitely”, rather than set a particular date, and then have to revise that date yet again. We know that indoor gatherings for worship create risk, even with precautions. So in an abundance of care for one another, and with a concern for safety, we will wait to set a date for a return to in person worship in our sanctuary. In the meantime, the Healthy Church Team will be meeting every two weeks to consider closely the COVID-19 situation in our community. The Session continues to meet twice a month (and more if needed), and will receive regular updates and recommendations from the Healthy Church Team. Also, recognizing our need for connection, the Worship Committee is discussing having occasional, brief outdoor evening vesper services in the coming weeks, as an opportunity to gather in person at a distance for scripture, prayer, and fellowship. Let us encourage one another along this journey, as we continue to care and to serve as the Body of Christ. Grace and peace, The Session and the Healthy Church Team The Session: Amanda Coleman, Lance de la Rosa, Susan Fraser, Roy Horan, Tina James, Jenna Solomon, Nathan Adams, Janet Atwood, Brad Kingsley, Pam Ramaker, Clark Tedrick, Krystle Foster, Linda Freeman, Harry James, Sarah Semrow, Cheryl Wright; Pastor Katie Cummings, Pastor Georgia Senor; Clerk of Session, Virginia Breshears The Healthy Church Team: Roy Horan, Cheryl Wright, Nathan Adams, Harry James, Sarah Semrow, Josh Johnson, Pastor Katie, Pastor Georgia, Z Cooper |
Pandemic Response Fund
Contributions will be used to help…
Households and individuals within our church family
Needs that arise within the local community
FPC partner organizations If you need assistance…
For confidential needs contact Pastor Georgia
For all other inquiries contact Clark Tedrick at [email protected]
Youth
Join us on Sundays from 4-5:30pm for Youth Group! Meet on the north field at church for fellowship, games, and Bible study. Bring a lawn chair, mask, a snack, and something to drink. Hope to see you there!
Children
J St. Kids (k-3rd grade) and Club 456 (4-6th grade) are meeting virtually at 1:00pm on Sundays via Zoom for check in, Bible story, and music. There is an “At-Home Kit” for hands on crafts and family activities that accompany each week’s Bible story.
Adults
Adult Faith Formation (similar to Sunday School) is currently taking place on various Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Watch for more information in each Friday’s eBlast.
- We are currently discussing movies related to issues of race and justice as they impact our faith.
For more information, and to get the Zoom instructions, email Pastor Georgia at [email protected].
Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry is operating as a drive-thru. Guests remain in their cars while church volunteers using safety precautions (masks, gloves, and sanitizing between each delivery) bring their food. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please come to the Food Pantry during our operating hours (Saturdays, 9:00–11:00 am), with something (a utility bill, etc.) that shows that you are a resident of Benton County. You can line up in your car in the south parking lot, and Food Pantry volunteers will assist you.
If you would like to volunteer, please use our new Sign Up Genius to register your volunteer dates. That way we can make sure we have no more than 10 people in an area (with distancing) at a time per CDC guidelines. Youth are welcome to volunteer and should sign up on the website as well.
Sign up for volunteer roles below:
Greeter (1) to greet clients in their cars and pass out clipboards
Loaders (2) to load food into car trunks
Sanitizer (1) to clean carts and clipboards after each use
Cart Fillers (10) to work in Fellowship Hall to fill carts with food