In-Person Worship Pilot
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the normalcy of the world we are accustomed to, First Presbyterian Church is taking steps to evaluate the needs of our congregation while adhering to the guidance of the CDC and the community in which we live in order to offer a controlled form of in-person worship services.
This in-person worship pilot phase will continue this week, November 15. The total number of individuals in the sanctuary will be set at 25, and will be continually evaluated and adjusted as we go forward.
The in-person worship service will be held at 8:00 a.m. in the sanctuary instead of the chapel to allow for appropriate physical distancing. It will be a modified worship service (30 minutes in length) with a focus on liturgy, worship, prayer, and limited music with fewer staff members required to conduct the service. A Sign-Up Genius form and covenant are required to reserve a seat for worship.
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November's Anti-Racism Conversation
This month's conversation will feature a presentation by Dr. Lisa Croft, a family physician and co-founder of the West Chester community's Courageous Conversations About Race. We will be gathering on Zoom at 12:30 pm next Sunday, November 15. Dr. Croft's presentation and the conversation after will focus on the themes of healing and restoration. Anyone from the First Pres community is encouraged to join us to listen, learn and consider together how our faith prompts us to be a part of this important work.
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Advent Wreath and Devotional
First Pres is offering two special resources to help you connect with God and with your church community during the coming season of Advent. You can sign-up to receive a daily Advent devotional (hard copy or as an email) and/or an Advent wreath to light during your worship at home. In order to prepare the correct number of resources, please sign up by Friday, November 13. The form is on the Sign-up tab on the church's webpage - www.firstpreswc.com. Contact Sara Pantazes with any questions.
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Advent Poinsettias
Every year, we offer the opportunity to purchase poinsettias for the Christmas season in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special. While some of the poinsettias will be decorating the sanctuary, we will also be partnering with local organizations to provide some holiday cheer to those in care facilities. If you wish to participate, the deadline for signing up is this Friday, December 13. Use the button below to sign up!
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Giving Tree
The Giving Tree looks different this year, but we're still reaching out to help our neighbors this season. Please select a gift from the the virtual tree and either mail it to the church (130 W. Miner St, West Chester PA 19382) by 12/5 or drop off labeled (with your name and the recipient's), unwrapped packages on Sunday, December 6 from 12:00 - 2:00 or Monday, December 7 from 12:00 - 3:30pm. Unless otherwise specified, gifts should be new and in original packaging. For questions, contact Pastor Caroline Cupp (ccupp@firstpreswc.com) . Thank you for your generosity this Christmas season!
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Thanksgiving Day Zoom
We give thanks for you, our church family! Knowing that many of us may be more isolated on Thanksgiving Day this year and unable to gather with family and friends, we are planning a “Zoom Thanksgiving Drop-In” on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, from 3 - 4 p.m. We hope that you will drop in for all or part of this hour to say hello to others. All are welcome!
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Christmas Card Shower
Especially during the holidays, the physical distance from one another can feel especially hard. We are hoping to bring some Christmas cheer to our senior members with a Christmas Card Shower! If you would be interested in taking part, email Elizabeth Hess (ehess@firstpreswc.com) and she will send you three names and addresses to send cards.
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Women's Group
All ladies are invited this winter to join in a monthly women's group via Zoom on the first Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. We'll spend an hour or so catching up with one another and having good conversation. No need to prep ahead and no need to sign up! The link will be posted in the weekly First Pres emails, or contact Elizabeth Hess (ehess@firstpreswc.com) to be emailed the link. Our first Zoom will be Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
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Bucket School Teachers
Do you have a passion for working with preschoolers? The Bucket School is on the lookout for a teacher to help teach our Thursday and Friday morning two year old class starting in January. We are also looking for substitute teachers to help with all ages. If you are interested, please contact Jen Drap at jdrap@firstpreswc.com.
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Annual Fund Campaign
A huge THANK YOU to all who participated in this year's campaign, "Faithfully Connected." Many of you pledged above and beyond last year's commitment in anticipation of the ministry we get to do in 2021. We had a wonderful dedication during this past Sunday's services but there is still time to pledge if you have not. Please visit firstpreswc.com/give to learn more or click the button below!
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Pastoral Transition Prayer Initiative
Heartfelt Thanks for your weekly prayers for the transition process. People are using different methods to remind themselves to pray on Thursdays at noon. Whatever it takes! Your prayers are being felt by the Committee and are much appreciated.
The Topic for this Week is: Healing of the divisions in our country. Ask for an open heart, listening ears, and willingness to reach out to those in our church, community, and country who have perspectives other than our own.
You don’t need to only pray for the topic of the week, but you can continue to pray for previous topics as well or anything that God lays on your heart.
Please note that the next virtual prayer session will be Sunday, November 22 at 10:15 a.m.
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This Week's Scripture Passage:
This Sunday, Bob Sheldon will be delivering the sermon and together we’ll be looking at Matthew 25:14-30.
14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
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First Presbyterian Church | 130 W. Miner Street | 610-696-0554
Take care...
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