Bill’s Bestowals:
“Let’s Rejoice!”
“I rejoiced with those who said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
(Psalm 122:1)
Dear Family of Faith,
I have wonderful news for you!! Our elders met this past week and have decided that we will return to worship in our sanctuary on the first Sunday of October (Oct. 4). I am thrilled! Read on for news concerning our return.
World Communion Sunday:
Since Covid entered the scene, communion Sundays have been the hardest for me. As I’m sure you know, “communion” separated from “community” is unthinkable under any other circumstance. I am so eager to be in your presence as we come to our Lord’s Table!!
Not only is the day we return a communion Sunday, it is also a day known as “World Communion Sunday.” This is the day that we recognize our connectedness with Christians in every nation! As we celebrate being back in community on this day, I hope we will have a greater degree of empathy for Christian sisters and brothers around the world who cannot gather for fear of persecution. Continue, please, to pray for them!
Era of Covid Worship Guidelines:
As we return to worship, sadly, we must follow social distancing guidelines. Your elders recognize this is not the happiest of prospects, but it is necessary.
• Family units who live together may sit together, of course, but social distancing requires that the rest of us sit at least six feet apart.
• Everyone is asked to wear masks. Masks will be provided as needed.
• Hand sanitizer will be spread throughout the room.
• Every other pew will be unavailable for use. Such pews will be marked with signs. If your favorite pew happens to be among them, please forgive us!
• The “Passing of the Peace” will be verbal only.
• Singing is actually the biggest difficulty we face with masks on. We simply have to remember: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord …!” (Psalm 100:1) doesn’t necessarily mean a beautiful noise! Three song leaders will be social distanced in the front each week. They will not have masks while singing, but will be twelve feet apart from anyone else.
• The “Children’s Message” will be done in the front as usual. The pews around the area will be social distanced, and the adults who assist with the children’s message will be masked.
• During the “Offering” the ushers will wear gloves as they bring the offering plate to you. We ask that they be the only ones to touch the plate.
• The same will hold true of the elders who serve communion.
o Since it is “World Communion Sunday,” we will have multi-cultural breads. Before worship the breads will be cubed in bite size pieces and a taste of each will be placed in bags. An elder will give you one of these bags. You may choose any piece of bread you wish to receive for communion and then take the remainder home with you to enjoy later. (We know this may be perceived as a bit unorthodox, but, remember, Presbyterians do not believe the bread and juice actually “becomes” the body and blood of Christ. We recognize these elements as a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for us that we faithfully receive “in remembrance of Him.”)
o An elder will use gloves to hand you a cup as well. You may leave these cups in the pew cup holders.
• Finally, we ask for your patience through all this! We may have to make last minute changes if unforeseen circumstances arise. If you have suggestions that would lessen our communal concern about Covid, feel free to call me at 785-320-1652.
Other Activities:
At this time we will NOT be returning to Sunday schools or fellowship lunches, but such events will be considered by our elders again following some experience with socially-distanced worship.
For those with continuing concerns about Covid:
We know some will choose not to return to worship at this due to Covid concerns. First, please know that you will be missed! Second, worship will continue to be broadcast online as it has since the beginning of the pandemic. Go to our church website (“www.firstchurchmena.org”) and hit the “sermons” tab. The most recent message will be at the top of the page.
Veteran’s Day: (November 11)
If you or a loved one is a veteran, we have an opportunity for you! We plan to put a montage of such individuals in our November 8 online worship service. To take part, please send your name, their name (if not yourself), branch of service, and a photo in service uniform to “firstchurchmena@gmail.com.”
Nativity Display:
As we are now moving toward the holiday season, we have a treat for you! Annet Forsyth has taken up the mantle to lead a nativity display. She had intended to have a large display to open to the public as we have in previous years, but Covid concerns have led us to postpone for another year.
Having said that, she is still hoping to adorn the Helen Barham room (behind the curtain at the back of the sanctuary) with a nativity display that WE may enjoy! She hopes that every family in the congregation will loan a nativity to the church for this cause. You will find the nativity submission form attached to this letter. Nativities will need to be brought to the church by the first Sunday of November. The display will be in place through the month of December.
“May the Lord bless and keep you …” always!
Pastor Bill
PS The decision to return to worship was not made hastily or without discernment. Our elders had to weigh our safety in these days of Covid against our deep need to be in Christian community. They recognize that Polk County cases of Covid are currently quite low and feel that worshipping together using the social distancing practices mentioned above should be safe, but please note: If at any time we have a sharp increase of local cases, we will return to our current system of videotaping services on Fridays at 5 p.m. so that the services may be uploaded by Sunday morning. Is such a decision is made, Pastor Bill will send an e-mail out to all for whom we have an e-mail on record. If you have an e-mail address but do not receive church updates, please e-mail him at whatseitz2c@gmail.com for inclusion.
