For the Sake of Greer, We Will Wait.
That is the decision your Session made on Sunday evening. As much as we might want to enter the doors of the church and join in worship together there, to do so would not be a caring act for our neighbors in this community. The COVID-19 infection rate is increasing in Greenville County. Epidemiologists tell us on a scale of one to ten, one being the safest place to be to avoid infection and ten being the most dangerous, worship services indoors is eight on the scale. Staying apart is not only to keep ourselves from becoming infected. It is to keep us from being ones who may infect others.
To that end, following the advice of our very capable COVID-19 Advisory Group led by Dr. Nichole Bryant, the Session decided to continue worship online only
until
that Advisory Group assures us that there has been a two week decline of infections in Greenville County. The Session will consider again the question of whether to re-gather in some form at its Stated Meeting on July 19. Remember, it is for the sake of Greer that we choose to wait.
In the face of this hard decision, the Session did something more. It authorized a gathered, outdoor Vesper Worship Service to be held on Sunday Evening July 19 (rain date, July 26). Put that date on your calendar. We invite you to attend this service, bringing your own lawn chairs,
especially wearing your masks
, and keeping social distance while at the service. The time of the service and the exact venue on the church property, or very near it, are being worked out. At this service we will also have our Annual Congregational Meeting where we will elect new elders and deacons. We will also welcome our Confirmation Class into church membership and introduce our newest members to the congregation. Watch for more details.
In all of this it is clear First Presbyterian Church is active, worshiping God, serving in Christ’s name in this community, caring for one another in the Body of Christ. And remember and tell everyone you know that we care for Greer, so we choose to wait to re-gather.
For the sake of others be diligent in minding the three “W’s” —
wear
your mask,
wash
your hands,
wait
at least six feet apart from others in any line or group.
This is the way we love our neighbors as our Lord has called us to do.
Grace and peace,
Pete Peery
Interim Pastor