Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations (UPDATED 6.26.20):
For a few more weeks, we will not gather here at our building on Sundays for worship together, and any other large group events remain canceled or postponed.. Leadership Team, at its recent meeting, received a report from the appointed COVID reopening team with the proposed date of July 12th to being gathering for worship once again, at our usual time 10:30 AM. This will depend on functionality of video live streaming as well as the continued low rates of viral disease in our community.
Even though our building and sanctuary will be “open” for worship, we discourage anyone who has potentially exposed to disease, is vulnerable, or simply wishes to protect others to stay home and participate via live stream video. Our in-person gathering is an accommodation for those who cannot view the video and/or are healthy and eager enough the to attend worship that they are willing to risk being in a group setting. We must all commit to not judge one another based on our worship choices, yet I encourage
No Sunday School classes will resume until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as designated seating arrangements, no passing of offering plates, and restricted singing. Handshake and greetings involving physical contact should be avoided and masks should be worn within the building. Please know that these are all for our collective wellness.
Expect to attend an all-church Zoom (video conference) meeting on Sunday June 28th, at approximately 11:30 AM. Login info will be sent in a separate email.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “physical distance” for the safety and well-being of the vulnerable among us. The pastor and secretary continue to be available and in the office most of the week, so please feel free to call or email as you wish. We discourage in-person visits, however. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, and pastoral visits will be minimal.
Please recognize that your church will require funds to continue basic operation of property and facility, fulfill pledged outreach giving, and maintain staff who will continue to minister whether in-person gatherings happen or not. Online giving is a simple and easy way to support your church and those it serves during this time, and it is accessible through our church website www.yorkfirst.org. Mailing your gifts and offerings to the church office is also welcome. Thank you to all who have given generously! We have been able to maintain our many outreach commitments thus far this year, and for that we give thanks!
Concerning the spread of COVID-19, here is a good resource with helpful links to other sites as well: https://covid19.brethren.org/ Be careful to pay attention to public health experts, rather than every news headline or comment from your neighbors. We must act responsibly for the well-being of all, not merely ourselves. This disease remains a real and threat to the lives of many.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Stay apart from each other in body but close together in spirit. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God’s comfort and peace be with you.