Dear Friends in Christ,

Peace to you this Thursday afternoon. This Sunday, after 59 weeks, we will regather in the sanctuary for in-person and livestream worship. We will do so because of the marvel of both old and new technology.

The "old" technology we're utilizing is the air exchange system installed many years ago in the days before air conditioning. It is quite efficient - functioning like an attic fan, pulling outside air in and out at the rate of six full air changes per hour. The "new" technology we're using - in addition to the amazing gift of COVID-19 vaccinations - is new cameras and livestream equipment and the platform of YouTube, unthinkable only 20-25 years ago.

Because of this blend of technologies and the hard work of many people, this Sunday, April 25, at 10am you will have two ways to worship with us: (1) join us in the sanctuary in-person or (2) tune into the livestream on our church's YouTube channel. If you are unable to join us for worship right at 10am, you will be able to watch the service online (via YouTube) anytime after that as well.

On Saturday evening, we'll send out our regular church email with a link to the livestream service (which won't be available until 9:45am on Sunday morning), a link to download the worship bulletin and a link to the pre-recorded family worship service (available to view immediately).

Below is a video orientation I've just recorded to answer some of your questions and get a sense of the flow of the worship service on Sunday. We've also included a list of guidelines and protocols below for those worshipping in-person in the sanctuary. Please reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. We are committed to keeping everyone safe and finding fresh and creative ways to worship together. We value your feedback – let us know what is going well and what could be better!
Worship Orientation Video with Pastor Jeff

  • Everyone will be required to wear a mask and remain physically distanced from those not in your family or pod
  • Worship leaders will wear masks, too, even when they're leading, until 14 days after their second vaccination dose. Once they are fully vaccinated (in mid-May, we estimate), they will remove their mask while leading various portions of the service
  • Please worship from home if you're sick or not feeling well
  • Ushers will welcome you at both main entrances (9th St. or parking lot) - they will have lots of hand sanitizer, extra masks and answer any questions you may have, and will guide you to your pew
  • While we do not require eligible adults to be vaccinated in order to attend worship in person, it is strongly encouraged as a way to protect yourself, our church and our community
  • Our sanctuary air exchange system will be running during the service, which means it will be a little cooler inside if it is cool outside, but not too bad. If it's 40-50 degrees outside, a light coat will be sufficient indoors
  • At first, we will not hold fellowship or coffee hour following the service, but will encourage folks to linger outside for conversation after the service
  • A worship bulletin will be available for in-person attendees as well as a pdf version for livestream attendees
  • Please join in the liturgy and prayers and passing of the peace, as directed
  • You may use a pew Bible or hymnal if you wish, but the lyrics and scripture is also printed in the bulletin for your convenience
  • We will not be singing as a congregation in the sanctuary quite yet - a soloist will lead us and you are invited to hum along! If you are worshipping at home, you may belt out the hymns for the rest of us :)
  • An offering will not be received pew by pew during the service, as in the past, but gifts can be made online or placed in the offering plate in the narthex
  • You are strongly encouraged to send "God Sightings" to godsightings@fpcw.org by 9am on Sunday morning to be included in the worship service
  • Same thing with prayer requests: please send in prayer joys and concerns to prayersofthepeople@fpcw.org by 9am on Sunday morning to be included in the worship service (only first names will be shared and limited details offered)
  • Restrooms are available for use with appropriate precautions
  • After the service ends, please remain in your seats until the ushers release you
  • We're so glad to be worshipping with you in person and virtually! You are loved and never alone, friends.

With Easter hope in Christ,
Pastor Jeff