Of all the things I miss in this COVID-19 season, Wednesdays@First is right there at the top of the list. It was typically full, with great food, and what Dr. Sinclair Ferguson used to call “a wee wordie!” That all came to a halt seven months ago. But it is time to attempt a re-entry, and we have been given the green light for the first Wednesday in November. We plan to have three in November and three in December. Of course, we will have to have all the usual safety guidelines which will limit the number in Jackson Hall to around 60 people. Initially, at least, we will need to have an online registration. And we will limit how many chairs to a table. And Chef Rich tells me that the food will be served by his staff. We will also strongly recommend that you wear a mask entering, leaving, and when you are finished eating.

Speaking of registration, the Session has agreed to do away with it for Sunday worship and Adult Sunday School classes starting November 1. There will still be registration for children and nursery at this time. I suggest that, if you want to guarantee a seat in the Sanctuary, you may need to think about coming a little earlier. If you arrive and the Sanctuary is full, you can join others in the Family Life Center. There will still be social distancing, and we strongly recommend that you wear a mask during the worship service. We will closely monitor this change and will make adjustments if necessary. Slowly, but surely, we are carefully navigating a way back to normalcy. Please continue to pray for our dear congregation in these testing times.

Did you know that many of our adult Sunday School classes are broadcasting their class virtually each Sunday? You are welcome to join these classes if you are unable to join in person. Below is a list of the classes, their topics, and a contact email. These contacts can let you know how you can join in each week. We still hope that you will join us in person when possible! 

On October 31, Couples in Action (CIA) will gather at 5:00 p.m. for Autumn on the Farm at the home of Bill and Donna Resseguie (659 Wood Branch Ln., Ridgeway, SC 29130).

Chef Rich will provide supper followed by s’mores and singin' 'round the fire. Bring jackets, lawn chairs, and flashlights.

Please make reservations by October 27, via the app or by calling (803) 799-9062, Ext. 550. Cost is $16.00 per couple and can be paid through the app by selecting the CIA fund and including "Autumn on the Farm" in the memo line.

Please join us on November 6-7 for "God For Us." Our speaker is Abby Hutto, Director of Spiritual Formation, at Story Presbyterian Church in Westerville, Ohio. The conference is also available to livestream. Please register on the church website or app if you plan to attend virtually or in person.

Conference fee is $5.00; college students are free of charge. Scholarships available. If the cost of childcare will prohibit you from joining us this weekend, please contact Marie Louise Bowers at mlbowers@firstprescolumbia.org.

Friday, October 30 - Online Video Release

The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in gratitude for the life of Duncan F. Breckenridge, Jr. (November 5, 1931 – November 16, 2019) by his wife, Miriam. 

Christian sympathy is extended to:

Sarah Smith on the death of her sister, Barbara Jeter, on October 19.

Items for Church Family?

Contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.