Communications of Note...
Friday, March 27, 2020 Update
Welcome Friends in Christ,
It looks as though our time of physical distancing is going to continue. The Session of the church has approved a recommendation from the staff that until the Governor gives the state of North Carolina guidance and clearance to reopen and resume business as normal, we will suspend all face-to-face meetings of FPC and in-person worship services. Also, we will no longer support posted church office hours for the staff, but will be available to meet virtually or by phone.
But physical distance does not have to mean disconnection, and we (the Staff and Session) are working hard to find ways to maintain connections within our church family. The staff has been reaching out by phone to church members, and our most vulnerable members are getting special attention. House churches can be the means of checking in on one another regularly. We are beginning to use Zoom more and more for meetings and Bible studies so that we can see one another. We will begin to share regular reflections and devotionals written by our staff and congregation over the next days and weeks, so that we can continue to grow in faith and learn from one another. While we are in this season the church scattered, our staff and Session want to offer us opportunities as a church to gather together at some important touch points in our church’s calendar.
As we look ahead to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter, we are planning to be a bit more creative than our audio worship opportunities:
A couple of more highlights to mention are:
On a pastoral note, please know our prayers go before:
We know we are all adjusting to a new norm. Yet, we are confident we will get through this season. God is with us now and God will be with us in our future.
Peace to all,
Eddie, Maren, Lloyd and FPC staff
It looks as though our time of physical distancing is going to continue. The Session of the church has approved a recommendation from the staff that until the Governor gives the state of North Carolina guidance and clearance to reopen and resume business as normal, we will suspend all face-to-face meetings of FPC and in-person worship services. Also, we will no longer support posted church office hours for the staff, but will be available to meet virtually or by phone.
But physical distance does not have to mean disconnection, and we (the Staff and Session) are working hard to find ways to maintain connections within our church family. The staff has been reaching out by phone to church members, and our most vulnerable members are getting special attention. House churches can be the means of checking in on one another regularly. We are beginning to use Zoom more and more for meetings and Bible studies so that we can see one another. We will begin to share regular reflections and devotionals written by our staff and congregation over the next days and weeks, so that we can continue to grow in faith and learn from one another. While we are in this season the church scattered, our staff and Session want to offer us opportunities as a church to gather together at some important touch points in our church’s calendar.
As we look ahead to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter, we are planning to be a bit more creative than our audio worship opportunities:
- On Friday April 3, we will have palms that can be picked up from the front porch of the church between 9am and 1pm. TAKE your palm leaf home so that you can wave it wherever and whenever you will be worshiping with us on Palm Sunday (April 5)! AT THE SAME TIME, we will have the Easter wire crosses out on the front porch so BRING flowers with you to flower the cross. We know it is a little early but we will share images of our flowered cross on Easter!
- We are hoping for a Zoom worship service for Maundy Thursday. Details of this will be forthcoming but our hope is this will allow us to take communion together, each person in their own home. This chance will bring us together with the church community in the Spirit. Our Zoom service will allow up to 100 people to attend, and we will record this service so that if you cannot participate live, you will be able to view it at another time.
- We are working on a joint video service with the Presbyterian Churches of New Bern for Easter. It will be pre-recorded so that you can watch it at any time on Easter, even at sunrise!
A couple of more highlights to mention are:
- Confirmation continues through Daewon’s leadership and the support of mentors and families.
- We thank those who have continued to donate time, talent and treasures. For those who want to know how to give in this time of separation, either mail a check to the church [First Presbyterian New Bern, PO Box 1069, New Bern, NC 28563-1069] or use the online giving option on our website [https://secure.accessacs.com/access/login.aspx].
- The Session will receive a report on our CAT congregation survey on Tuesday, March 31 from 5:30 to 8pm using virtual means. Thanks for those that completed a survey. When we are allowed to get back together, our pledge is to deliver to you the results in a report.
- This week the church purchased subscriptions for two Zoom (virtual meeting app) accounts for church use. The staff will use these for Bible studies and meetings, but members can also use these accounts for House Church meetings, PW Circles, coffee groups, committee meetings, etc. Please contact Cathy Wingfield (cathy@firstpresnb.org) for scheduling and information.
On a pastoral note, please know our prayers go before:
- our nation and world leaders as they work together to solve this crisis,
- our medical teams who are working tirelessly and some at risk as they care for us and seek to heal those sick and keep us safe,
- and for those affected by the COVID-19 virus; for those whose loved one has passed and for those who are sick.
We know we are all adjusting to a new norm. Yet, we are confident we will get through this season. God is with us now and God will be with us in our future.
Peace to all,
Eddie, Maren, Lloyd and FPC staff
"First Edition" is the name of our First Presbyterian Church monthly newsletter — a great source of information on church events, milestones, and news. If you would like to submit an article for the newsletter, please email it to Cathy Wingfield (cathy@firstpresnb.org) or deliver it to the Church Office to be put in her box. The deadline to submit an article or photo is the 3rd Friday of the month.