It Happened This Past Sunday

Brothers and sisters, we were separated from you for a while physically but not in our hearts. We made every effort in our desire to see you again face-to-face. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:17

These words spoken by Paul to the Thessalonians nicely sums up what we here at First Church have been thinking! And it finally happened this last Sunday!

What a joy it was to speak masked face to masked face with several church members this last Sunday as we resumed onsite inside worship. Thanks to all those who made a choice to join us! Thanks to hundreds of you who continue to be faithful in your online presence.

Onsite attendees included families, couples, and individuals of all ages but the joyful enthusiasm for coming together as one church was the same for everyone. Speaking on behalf of the clergy and staff, thank you for your patience and compliance with the safety measure protocols required.

The onsite attendance of course is small by design, but there is plenty of room with proper social distancing in place if you are interested in joining this Sunday.

You have or will be receiving an email with registration and other pertinent information. Pre-registration is required, which allows church staff to coordinate church entry and assigned seating. This requirement was put in place should there be a need to work with the county health officials for contact tracing. Masks are required inside and outside while on the church campus.

Once you are registered, you will receive an email that includes your assigned door for entry into the sanctuary and seat assignments. When you arrive at your door, church volunteers will greet you and provide assistance in locating your seats.

The Gathering will happen at 9:30, followed by Sanctuary at 11:00. Both services are held in the sanctuary. DiscipleChurch and eleven:eleven continue online only.

Please also note that Nursery and Children’s Academy will not be available, but as always, our smallest disciples-in-training are always welcome in the sanctuary. In fact, our youngest attendee this last Sunday was just three weeks old.

Special thanks to the staff team that put in many hours of thought and work in order for onsite worship to happen.

Thank you to our members who provided the enthusiasm, encouragement, and volunteer support that made it possible.

Echoing Paul’s sentiment, please know you are always in our hearts. When you are ready to join us in person, we will be ready to welcome you with a “high five” or a bump of elbows and smiling eyes!

Together thru Christ,

Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship