June 26, 2020
Small Group Survey and Worship Sign Up!
--two buttons to click!
Dear Park Hill Presbyterian Church,

Session passed a plan to reopen the church building for worship, with a potential date of August 9th, provided that the situation remains one we can handle safely.  This plan was brought by the Worship committee after much consideration (check out the July newsletter and our Facebook Page for more information on the results of our reopening survey ), and we are grateful for such a significant response from you!

We are currently in Stage 1:   Continue to offer online worship and join interested people together in groups of less than 10 for "house church" or small groups as folks are comfortable. 

House Churches/small groups would provide much needed fellowship and discipleship for those who want to find ways to safely gather before the building can reopen. Imagine gathering like a small group, circle, Bible Study, "Supper for Six," or Book Club (in this case, the book is the Bible). These groups could go through the bulletin and discuss the scripture, or watch the worship video together--or some other combination that suits your interests. Primarily, we want to empower people to meet their social and spiritual needs for fellowship, engaging scripture, and prayer in socially responsible ways that are mutually agreed upon by all members.

Presently there is already interest in a “Zoom Church,” a Porch Church, and a gathering of friends in a living room. But who else is looking for belonging in this way at this time? Below is a link to a short survey for those interested in finding a small group for this summer. This link will help us find and place those interested--so if you know this is not something you want to do, please do not click the link below-- but if you're even curious, please DO!

Stage 2:   Begin in-person worship for less than 50 people; continue Online Worship and House Church venues: potential date August 9

If we are able to worship together in August, we will begin with one service of less than 50 people, with all appropriate social distancing measures including: mandatory masks, hand sanitizing stations, at least six feet of social distancing, assigned seating (temporarily, to assure physical needs are met), temperature checks and no corporate singing. Some aspects of worship will change in how they are performed, but we are confident that this situation will enable us to try new things without the requirement that they become permanent.

When the need arises, we will offer 2 services of less than 50 people each with all appropriate social distancing measures. These services may be in two separate spaces, or the same location but separated by ample time for cleaning. Two services may necessitate new services times, but we will explore that opportunity as it arises.

In order to accomplish appropriate seating and to know when a second service is needed, we are taking reservations for worship through SignUpGenius and the church office phone, 501-753-9533. This step of taking reservations is necessary in order to avoid having to send worshipers away when we have reached capacity, and will assure that those with physical limitations are appropriately assisted. This list is not yet a guarantee; confirmation will come in a later communication. We do need to know of your intention to attend all upcoming in-person worship services, including those beyond our opening date, to assure no one is turned away after we have met capacity.
Fear not! Should this list fill up, we will consider a second worship option and begin communicating about attendance. Should this date be altered for circumstances beyond our control, we will open a new sign up for the new date, and you can remove yourself at any time by calling the church office. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please call the church office and leave a message, or contact Pastor Marie at revmariemo@gmail.com, or call 214-686-6347. Thank you for your patience and grace as we move into the future with God.

Thank you again for your faith and enthusiasm in moving forward together, both in small groups/house churches, and with regards to both online and in-person worship.

Peacefully,
Rev. Marie Mainard O'Connell