‘Do as I Say, Not as I Do’ - Pharisees and Scribes

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, November 1, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

How many times have you been told, "Do as I say, not as I do"? This phrase is somehow embedded in our psyche, but I don't really recall ever having been told that or saying that to my children or anyone else for that matter. Nor do I remember really hearing anyone else say that. Can that be true? I think so. And as I think about it, it's one more thing that has seems to have a bigger presence than reality. And it's really one of the least useful statements I can imagine. 

We find Jesus concluding his teaching ministry with this lengthy discourse at the end of Matthew; similar in length to the Sermon on the Mount. Whereas the Sermon on the Mount began with the Beatitudes (a series of blessings), here he begins by denouncing the scribes and Pharisees. And just as he concludes a lengthy set of conflicts with the religious elite he turns to address the crowds and his disciples and... continues his attack.

And what is he saying? He’s telling the people to respect what those in authority are saying but by no means do what they do, or what they don’t do. They don’t practice what they preach. 

We have a week coming up where we’ll help determine the future of our nation. Jesus makes it clear – we have one father (creator God), one master (Jesus the Christ), and one commandment that must be obeyed – to love God’s created, even ourselves, as we are loved. 

Last week Jeremiah reported that God would write on our hearts. I pray we read, listen to, take inspiration from and comfort in the radical message to be God’s conduit of justice and rightness for the dignity of all people- to uplift all people. It's not impossible together. We will do as we are told by Jesus. See you (or be seen by you) Sunday.

Best love in Christ –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

November Youth Group

Get-together and Service Project

NOVEMBER 8, 2020

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Middle and high school youth are invited to take part in a service project at the church Sunday evening, November 8, 2020. Please RSVP below to join the group in person or complete the service project as part of the group online.

• Members, new members, friends and neighbors are all invited, but please RSVP by submitting the form below.

• Masks are required and social distancing will be implemented.

• There will be room(s) set up to accommodate the group to ensure adequate spacing and safety.

Once a month, the middle and high schoolers will come together for Youth Group for a time of fun, fellowship, and service. The Youth Group mission is to be a light through service as the hands and feet of Christ in the world today. We can do that with activities in small groups, outside, or individually with a shared mission if that’s what is best. All programming and events will be mindful of the realities of COVID at the time.

SIGN UP FOR YOUTH GROUP 2020-2021

Reformation Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

“A Mighty Fortress,” Kittel, Pachelbel

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Psalm 19

Leader:     Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the people praise God’s great and awesome name.

People:     Mighty God, lover of justice, we praise your holy name. Let us give thanks to God.

Leader:     Increase your love for one another and give thanks to God.

Hymn                                                                 

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Ein feste Burg

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.  Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.  His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.   Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is he.  Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same,  and he must win the battle. 

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.   The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him. His rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure.  One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.  The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.  Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.

The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still.    His kingdom is forever. 

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

God of many blessings, we forget all that we have.  We are shattered when misfortune strikes and fail to see anything good.  Forgive us our lack of perspective.  Remind us of all that we do have and help us to quit focusing on what we do not have.  Forgive us those times when we have been careless with your creation, careless with each other, and indifferent to the problems surrounding us.  Restore to us your grace, mercy and peace.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

Siyahamba/We Are Marching”, South African

We are marching in the light of God.   We are dancing/singing/praying

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Sermon

“Written on the Heart,” Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not.  As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:  Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow: blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Danish

Postlude                                                                   

A Mighty Fortress, Praetorius

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Written on Your Heart

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 25, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

Jeremiah was not a popular guy. He was conscripted by Yahweh for a particular purpose: to deliver a message of unrelenting judgement. The people despaired, but they were not moved to repent. Instead they heaped ridicule and contempt on God’s servant Jeremiah. They ridiculed him, beat him, put him in stocks, and dropped him into the mud of a dry well. 

But (I love conjunctions!) in the middle of the book, Jeremiah tells of Israel’s restoration – the promise of a new covenant. The passage in our text this Sunday speaks of a new covenant, a reentry into relationship that could only be achieved by God. "The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah" (Jeremiah 31:31).

Guess what – this new covenant isn’t written on tablets of stone, but on the heart of God’s people. 

Men and women, who are the prophets who mirror the times – these times? As we saw last week, sometimes the dragon wins no matter how hard we work or how smart we are. But this week we see in the sweep of God’s narrative of love, all the way from the first testament, God’s heart yearns for us ‘while we are yet sinners’ – those who have chosen our own path. 

Strong words for this time. Let us worship the God who will not let us go!

Live-streamed or safely distanced here in the house (sanctuary) – Let us seek Jesus, be found by Jesus together.

In anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Homecoming Sunday Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Prelude Music                                                   

Voluntary in G, John Stanley

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Psalm 19

Leader:     The heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.

People:     The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Leader:     Stand in awe of God, for His law and love endure forever.

People:           O God, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight.

Hymn                                                                 

My Hope Is Built, Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

Loving God, you have given us commandments to guide us in our living.  Yet, we choose to be obedient to false gods, worshiping the whims of the moment.  Forgive us our power without compassion, our strength without gentleness.  Forgive our human weaknesses and help us to admit them.  Help us live out your commandments of love and service. In your name.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Affirmation of Faith, Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell*; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic** Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

* ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.  

** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

"Shout to the North”, Charlie Hall/ Martin Smith, 1995

Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.  You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.

Chorus:  Shout to the North and the South, sing to the East and the West. Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love.  Shout…
We've been through fire we've been through rain; we've been refined by the power of your name

We've fallen deeper in love with you.  You've burned this truth on our lips.  Shout …
Rise up church with broken wings; fill this place with songs again of our God who reigns on high; by God’s grace again we'll fly.  Shout…

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Revelation 20:1-9

Sermon

“Sometimes the Dragon Wins,” Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

The Church’s One Foundation, Aurelia

The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.   She is his new creation by water and the word.
From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

Yet she on earth has union with God, the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won:

O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally.

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Amen, Dresden

Postlude                                                                   

Psalm 19, Marcello

“Shout to the North” c. 1995,  Curious? Music UK.  CCLI #1562261, 2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Contact Card

We're glad you're here!

Please submit the form below to let us know you worshiped with us today.

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 18, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

There is a line from Fiddler on the Roof. The village has been attacked. The Jewish community is forced to load up what they can carry to escape the escalating violence. They embrace and say goodbye to friends whom they may never see again, they say to each other, “Next year in Jerusalem.” The phrase embodies their longing for home – a place that offers safety, familiarity, community, comfort. 

Many of you have asked, “When are we allowed back - back into the sanctuary in community, into the familiar that we may feel anchored, safe, encouraged in these times?” Answer: This Sunday! This Sunday we return to worship in proximity, safely distanced, masked up, together. Will it be the same? Yes. Will it be different? Yes. Will the Spirit of God be with us? Oh, yes. We will have the chance to inhale the essence of the space that has gathered and held God’s own for two centuries. 

The text is Revelation 20. The title? "Sometimes the Dragon Wins."

Folks, we have learned that the building cannot contain our ministry. The building cannot restrict our responsibility to each other or the claims of the gospel. But the building stands as a beacon for us and those who are to come who long for that which they may not even know they yearn for – the mysterious power and love of Jesus. 

So, bring your mask. Wash your hands. Come home. We will live stream the service for those unable to attend. Let’s come together online, or in the pew. See you Sunday.

In great anticipation –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Update on the repairs to the bell tower

The design/engineering phase of the project has wrapped up. The permitting materials were sent to the City of Charleston on October 2nd and applications for both the BAR approvals and building permits have been submitted. There will be a total of three separate permitted jobs. 

1. Lightning strike/fire damage structural repairs to the bell tower roof. 

2. Visual appearance repairs to the exterior of the bell tower - non-structural. 

3. Additions to the bell tower sprinkler system to allow proper operation. 

Applied Building Sciences was able to use our initial thoughts on the roofing repairs to provide a very detailed set of structural drawings to be used for construction. ABS has also provided a project manual detailing methods and materials for the crack repairs and coating of the bell tower.

Project subcontractors have been notified that we are in the permitting phase and have been updated on any changes to the original approach to construction. We are now looking to start construction in the late fall and wrap by early spring.  

Update from our General Contractor, P. Russell Smith with BuildSmith, LLC.

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The bell tower has been undergoing repairs since January 2020 as part of the vision of the Steeple Fund. Progress updates (and lots of photos) can be found here.

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Please text the number 81010 with the message '@2pcchurch' to sign up for church text messages so that you are made aware of pertinent announcements and news such as this.

Our Facebook page is updated often! Find us on Facebook as "Second Pres Charleston" and make sure you 'Like' and choose 'See First' under 'Following' to be alerted with church information.

Hands of Christ Update

UPDATE: The clothes closet at Memminger Elementary is all stocked! Thank you to all who donated to help meet this need. Praise be to God!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Hands of Christ. We anticipate providing up to 2000 new school uniforms in the tri-county area during these difficult times. Although that’s only 1/5 of what we would usually supply, we are being met with virtual hugs and “smizes”— smiling eyes above a mask. In the last few weeks, we began distribution to area schools using a touchless delivery system, with inventory on hand at the distribution center at Westminster. Delivery teams are serving one school at time, with up to 40 students receiving one new set of uniform clothing. Since September 25, Second and First (Scots) have worked together to support 3 of the 7 downtown schools. We will be helping the remaining 4 schools in the coming months as they contact us.

Additional Clothing Donations Needed

We have discovered an immediate need, over and above what we have been able to provide at Memminger Elementary School on Beaufain St. The school has begun a clothes closet, and they have asked for donations of khaki and navy blue pants/skirts/skorts and polo-style shirts. Because new clothing is in tight supply, donations of used, freshly washed clothing in good, wearable condition is greatly appreciated as well.

The need is in specific sizes: Sizes 10-16 in pants/skirts/”skorts” and 10-18 in polo-style shirts, preferably white, but any color is acceptable. For boys, long pants are preferred, but shorts are acceptable. Girls can use long pants, shorts or skorts. For shirt sizes, 10-18 equates to Medium through Extra Large.

Wallingford, Westminster and First (Scots) are joining us in this clothing drive. Place your donations in the box in the lobby of the Education Building, and we will arrange for delivery to Memminger.

Thank you in advance for helping to extend the reach of Hands of Christ during this difficult time, and we look forward to returning to a face-to-face distribution at Second next year.

Tom of the Hands of Christ distribution team loading bags of clothing in Tina’s car for delivery to James Simons Montessori School on Upper King Street.

Who's Zoomin' Who?

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 11, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

Who’s Zoomin’ Who? Aretha Franklin’s  #1 album of 1985 – and a playful song about flirtation. Who would have guessed that 35 years later Zoomin’ would be utilizing an indispensable internet platform? But thank heavens I can access my iTunes account and my Second Presbyterian Zoom account – both allow me important moments for the navigation of these days.

Just when I think the news can’t get worse, a plot to overthrow Michigan and kidnap the governor is revealed, the Gulf Coast is bracing for Hurricane Delta with piles of debris from the last storm still on the corner, and the pandemic continues to rage. 

As we avoid the weekend rain, worship online and look to the 18th to return to the Sanctuary, what are we to do? The Apostle Paul writes, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” He also says, “Rejoice… Don’t worry… Pray.”

How? Together – Invite someone to watch with you. Send me a note on how you plan to approach this. Let’s talk.     

See you Sunday for Online Church –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Warming Center Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed as support for the City of Charleston's Warming Center this winter! 

From November 1 through March 20, when the temperature dips below a specified level (an estimated 27 nights), those dealing with homelessness and those who have inadequate heating will be welcomed into the center from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m.

Volunteers set up the rooms, others prepare or serve a dinner, others spend the night (two shifts), others serve breakfast, and the last team cleans up. If you might consider being part of a team for one or two weeks during those months, please fill out the form below or let Sarah Mitchell know as soon as possible.

UPDATE: We are helping with food preparation (dinners and breakfasts) the week of January 3rd - 9th. All meals are prepared and delivered ahead of the arrival of those spending the night. There are four volunteers on our team so far, and more would be most welcome!

Amazon Smile

Support Second with your shopping throughout the year!

Your Amazon shopping can give back to Second Presbyterian Church. Link your account at smile.amazon.com to "Second Presbyterian Church" and Amazon will automatically donate a percentage of eligible purchases to the church when you checkout through smile.amazon.com or connect from your phone.

To connect your mobile account to Amazon Smile:

Open your Amazon App > go to Settings > click AmazonSmile > Turn On. If this doesn’t work, within the Amazon app, type ‘Amazon Smile’ in the search bar and it should give you the option for a one-click activation.

The One Thing

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 4, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

The last few weeks our scripture has shuttled us from the First Testament to the New. We leaned into forgiven–ness, then accompanied a petulant Jonah to Nineveh by way of the belly of a God fish, then to Rome where we were urged to look beyond our rotten circumstances to the future, in patience and with hope. And today we find ourselves at Philippi. Paul pastors the people through emissaries and letters. He has learned of shady characters – dogs, evil doers, enemies of the cross – moving in to co-opt the message. They insist that men follow Jewish custom if they wish to be a Christ follower, but Paul says ‘no!’ He gives his Hebrew creds then he qualifies his past. He qualifies the architecture of his identity and renounces anything that may have held him captive and away from his pursuit of purpose, of fulfillment, of life – of Jesus. 

We find ourselves again in a ‘liminal space’ – not here, not there, not yet.  Paul shows us how to recognize and navigate this moment, this movement that will reveal our hope. 

Tune in. Bring some bread. Bring some wine. Bring a willing spirit and be healed. 

See you Sunday for Online Church –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

In-person Worship

A reminder as you consider coming to worship in person any week:

If you are experiencing one or multiple of the following symptoms, we invite you to enjoy our online service in the comfort of your home:

• Fever at/above 100.4 degrees

• Incessant dry coughing

• Loss of taste or smell

• Fatigue

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or pressure

• Find more symptom guidelines at cdc.gov

INDOOR WORSHIP SERVICES

All attending the service will be required to wear masks, with the exception of children 3 years of age and under. Childcare will not be provided. Ushers will show attendees to their seating area. Attendees will remain in their seating areas to the maximum extent possible and attendees will be highly encouraged to fill out an informational insert with a method of contact (e.g. email address). Giving is encouraged online or via text, but there will a place designated for tithes/offerings to be dropped that can be utilized either before being seated or after the conclusion of the service. Attendees will pick up their own bulletins on the way into the service. Hymnals/bibles/reading materials will all be removed from the pews. Liquid hand sanitizer will be available upon entry. Sanitizer wipes will be available in the pews.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will there still be online church?

-       Yes. In-person Sunday services will now be available, but online church will continue.

What is the maximum occupancy we will be allowing at service?

-       Both the COVID Task Force and Music & Worship committees don’t foresee a maximum occupancy issue arising, especially given the number of church attendees before the outbreak occurred and the sheer size of the sanctuary. This does NOT preclude ushers from turning people away should a massive number of folks show for the indoor services. If this does occur, the COVID Task Force and Music & Worship committee will immediately thereafter begin exploring the exact number of occupants the church can safely admit.

Are there any criteria (i.e. positive case number spike) for suspending service and going back to strictly online recorded worship?

-       Not at the moment. Again, this does NOT preclude a suspension from taking place. Local positive COVID cases will certainly be something the COVID Task Force will continue to closely monitor, and the committee will be vigilant and swift with its recommendation to suspend service if a spike in positive cases occurs.

What sort of cleaning regimen will take place following an indoor service?

-       Pews, high contact surfaces, and bathrooms will be cleaned after each service. Disinfectant wipes will be strategically placed throughout the sanctuary so that high contact surfaces, including doorknobs and handrails, can be disinfected after each use.

What happens if a positive COVID case in the congregation is discovered following a service?

-       Cress will emphasize to the attendees during the service that if they so please, they can fill out a contact card to let us know they worshiped with us that day. If a church attendee tests positive for COVID and contacts the church, their identity will not be revealed to the congregation, but attendees from the affected service who provided their information will be contacted. The church office will send out emails to folks who filled out the contact cards, letting them know that someone who worshiped with them on that particular Sunday has tested positive.

Medical Missions Live

A Unique Perspective on Global Missions

The guest this week is Doug Fountain, Executive Director of CCIH, Christian Connections for International Health, a Washington DC-based organization. CCIH works to connect a network of Christian agencies and individuals in the global health field to share ideas and best practices, pray together, join in fellowship and form a collective voice to speak up for those without a voice. 

This is a discussion you do not want to miss. Join on Tuesday night October 6, 2020, at 8 pm. More info here →