September 11, 2020
Grace and peace to the dispersed saints of FPC Pottstown:
Normally this week we would be gearing up for one of our big Sundays at the church: Rally Day in the morning and the Deacon’s Church Picnic in the afternoon. Obviously neither is possible this year because of Covid19. With regards to the picnic, we will continue searching for ways we can safely gather for fellowship, at least in smaller numbers as we did at the ice cream socials this summer.
Although there will be no Rally Day this year, and we don’t know when in-person Sunday School will resume, spiritual formation must happen, in one form or another: “Quarantine can’t stop us!” This past Wednesday, Sept. 9, Music and Recreation began without the music. This Sunday, Junior and senior high Seekers are kicking off the program year with parents and advisors, making s’mores outside on the church grounds (see below). With both Music and Rec and Seekers, a special effort is being made to have time for Bible stories, conversations of faith, service, and prayer, along with the fellowship of hanging out (socially distanced of course). For younger children, the Spiritual Formation Committee and Jaylee are exploring options for some variation of “Young Children and Worship” and childcare for those families who attend worship. Until then, the Community Room is reserved if families would like to move there during the service to have a little more space for their children-- the service can be heard in that room. Spiritual Formation and Jaylee are also exploring ways to send Sunday School home – so stay tuned.
At each baptism, we as a congregation promise “to support and encourage this child and these parents, by prayer and example, by nurture and fellowship, to the end that we may mature as faithful Christians.” Those promises stand even in the midst of pandemics. We know that there is a lot on parents’ plates these days with in-home learning and jobs. If there are any tangible ways that we or Jaylee or the Spiritual Formation team can support you as you try to keep your baptismal promises to your children in these challenging times, please let us know. We are in this together and we will continue to find ways “to grow deeper in Christ so that we can reach farther in love!”
We are grateful we have begun in-person worship on Sundays – even with masks, the reverence of the sacred space and the presence of the community of believers nourishes our souls. You will see some notes on in-person and online worship below. On Sunday, October 4, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper in an outdoor vesper service– this time at 5:00 p.m. since the days will be getting shorter.
And don’t forget, our wonderful library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for self-service.
Adult Spiritual Formation: Praying the Scriptures Circle (zoom), Evening Bible Study (Zoom), and Sisters of the Way Bible Study (in-person) Returning
“Praying the Scriptures” (or Lectio Divina) meets on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month at 7:30 p.m., beginning September 15. Touch base with Kerry for the Zoom link.
The Evening Bible Study zooms on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month at 7:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 22. As with the Lectio circle, we will look at an upcoming sermon text. Check with Carter for the Zoom link.
Sisters of the Way is gathering Thursday and will discuss where and when they might meet going forward. Look for more details in next week’s letter or check with Kerry.
This Week’s Calendar
Please note: the church building is open for essential purposes. If you need to get into the building, please call Marie ahead of time to make sure someone will be there, and the coast is clear.
Saturday, September 12
10AM-Noon – Neighborhood Clean-up Competition
Join partners from Hobart’s Run as we spread out through our church neighborhood to fill more trash bags than teams in Reading! Meet at the church. Trash bags, gloves, coffee and donuts provided.
Sunday, September 13
9:30AM – Worship in the Sanctuary
Pre-register online. The service should be posted on the church’s YouTube channel a little after 10:30. Note if you join us online: we now have a camera installed in the sanctuary as a more permanent solution for providing services online. Due to the supporting software, the first 8-10 minutes of the video may be a message and not the worship service. You can fast forward until you see the sanctuary appear to get to the beginning of the worship service.
6-7:30PM – Junior and Senior High Seekers/Parents Kick-Off
Join us Sunday September 13th from 6-7:30 in the North Lawn (lower parking lot) for our annual Parent/Youth Seeker Kick off. Gather round a fire pit for some conversation and of course, s'mores! RSVP to [email protected].
Tuesday, September 15
7:30PM “Praying the Scriptures” – check with Kerry for the Zoom link
Wednesday, September 16
4-5PM – Music and Rec! on the church grounds
7:30PM – Session meeting via Zoom -- watch email for link
Thursday, September 17
9:30AM – Sisters of the Way Gathering on the North Lawn
Bring a mask and a lawn chair and catch up with one another.
5PM – Community Meals
The Community Meals crew could use one or two people to serve in a rotation. We begin at 4:00 and are finished by 5:30. Talk with Kerry
6:30PM – Handbell Rehearsal
Sunday, September 20
9:30AM -- In-person Worship – Confirmation Sunday
Pre-register online since the number of spaces is limited because of social distancing. At last, our confirmation class disciples are able to profess their faith in worship and be received into adult membership! We hope you can join us in person or online for this very special service.
LOOKING AHEAD: Sunday, October 4 - Outdoor Vesper Communion, 5PM
The summer service was so full of grace. Now that we’ve figured out how to do it, let’s gather again in the Peace Garden and Prayer Labyrinth in the beauty of autumn. Bring your mask and lawn chair.
LOOKING AHEAD: Monday, October 12 – Blood Drive, 2-7PM
Miller Keystone has implemented safety precautions according to CDC protocols to insure you a safe donation experience. The need is great during this pandemic as well as heading into the fall. Donors will be accepted by appointment only to insure safety. Appointments can be made by calling the church office at 610-326-0620 or email Dawn at [email protected]. You can also Register Online with Sponsor Code 4342 at www.GiveaPint.org. If you have specific questions regarding the safeguards in place, please contact Dawn. Thank you for your support.
Covid-19 Emergency Fund
The Covid-19 Emergency Fund is available “for church members to help in an emergency with basic essentials (for example, food, shelter, utilities, health care, work transportation) where the effects of Covid-19 have impacted that individual/family’s ability to cover those expenses.” If you would like to request a grant, simply send an email or letter to us. We, in turn, will share the requests anonymously with a team designated by Session to make the decisions. We will not participate in deliberations or decisions regarding the grants. No minimum or maximum amount for the grants was set by the Session – it will all depend on the number of requests and the amount of money available.
Mission Partners - Living Waters for the World - Honduras
Grace and peace,
Kerry and Carter
