A Letter From FCPC Leadership

May 5, 2020

Dear Friends,

At our meeting on April 27, Session agreed that we are not going to open the church again until safe conditions are met.  What does that mean?  One thing is pretty clear: even if our region is moved from red to yellow in the Governor’s plan on May 8, we would still be prohibited from gatherings of more than 25 people.  We expect, as a result, that the church will remain closed at least through the rest of May.

It is hard to imagine going back to “church as usual” anytime soon.  We are going to think this through and plan very carefully as we look towards that day when the church will begin to reopen.  To help us in the process of determining the right time and the right plan, we have created a Task Force that will include representatives from Session along with medical professionals and key leaders from the congregation.  In addition to timing, just a few of the questions the Task Force will need to consider are:

• What adjustments will we need to make in the celebration of the Sacraments
• What should our choir ministry look like if we are to preserve safe distances
• How will we receive the offering when passing the plate is clearly not a good idea
• What new processes should we institute to keep the building clean and disinfected
• What changes will we need to make in our children’s ministry
• Will we continue to offer virtual worship online
• Should we discontinue ushers and greeters
• Should we require people to wear masks, and if so, should we provide them
• At what point do we allow committees, boards and other groups to begin meeting in the church again

This list is hardly comprehensive.  It is intended, rather, to give you a feel for just how complex the decision to re-open is going to be.  Please keep the Task Force in your thoughts and prayers as they move forward in the coming weeks – may God grant them great wisdom and insight.

Like all of you, we are very eager to see the church reopen.  Our highest priority, however, is the safety and health of our church family.  We will keep you informed as our plans evolve.

​

Sincerely,

Gail Harger                                          Chris Taylor

Clerk of Session                                   Senior Pastor