Dear Church Family,

 

We wanted to update you on the current status of Sunday worship and facility use. Due to the increase of COVID-19 in our community and the Governor’s escalation of our region to Tier 3, we will continue to offer virtual worship on Sundays, and groups will also gather online. The church office will remain open to support our ministries. While we know that worship is absolutely an ‘essential service,’ we also know that keeping our First Pres community protected is paramount to ensuring we are all here and able to return in person when the timing is right.

 

As a health professional, I wish we had a crystal ball to know when it will be that more of us can gather in the sanctuary for Sunday worship, as some had done so recently. As you know, that will depend on many variables and mandates by our state and federal government leaders. Continuing to follow the guidelines for masking, social distancing and hand hygiene will go a long way to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus. We continue to monitor our region and take our direction from the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Presbytery.

 

What we do know for certain is that we are blessed to be able to be together every Sunday for livestream worship, share fellowship in creative ways, have Wednesday evening Zoom offerings, virtual community concerts and more.

 

First Pres is alive and well; our Elders and Deacons are doing the important work of the church along with so many committees and ministry teams! There are great upcoming opportunities for Advent and we are excited about the new ways we will worship and serve in the season ahead.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support, especially for making your pledge commitments, for 2021 as we plan for the coming year of ministry and mission. Should you have any questions, comments or would like to speak with a member of the Reopening Team, please feel free to reach out or contact the church office.

 

Blessings!

Robbie Spehr

Elder, Reopening Team