Church Office is Closed
For now, the church office will be closed until at least March 30th . All events, groups, or meetings are suspended. Contact your group leader for further instructions about virtual meetings or other arrangements. While the staff will not be in the building during this period, they are still available through email and by phone. The staff emails are available here. If you'd like to leave a voicemail, the staff can access them remotely and reach out to you.
Worship is Online Only - March 22 & 29
Our Worship Committee has decided to cancel in person worship services for both March 22 and March 29. That means we will be worshipping online only. Click the button below to join us online or you can worship with us on Facebook.

We are waiting to make a decision about Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter until we are closer to the dates and have more information. Stay tuned for more information as those days approach.
Communication Chanels
During this ever-changing season, we want to make sure you have all the resources you need to stay connected to and informed about First Pres happenings. The three main ways we'll communicate are via email, Facebook, and our website. We have dedicated a page ( firstpreswc.com/coronavirus ) on our website to keep the latest news, videos, and updates as we try to stay connected during this time.
Upcoming Communication Schedule
While we can't physically be together, we'd like to stay in touch as much as possible. There are a few regular pieces of communication we wanted to make you aware of. You can access all the following studies, emails, concerts, etc. on our coronavirus updates page by clicking the button below.

  1. Tuesday Mini-Concerts: Each Tuesday, our music staff and a few volunteers will be putting together brief concerts for you to watch and enjoy.
  2. Wednesday Weekly Email: This has always happened, but be sure to catch the latest updates each Wednesday!
  3. Wednesday Night Bible Study (Sara - live): We are in the middle of a lenten Bible Study each Wednesday night and it's now happening via Zoom. It starts at 6:15 p.m. and is a great way to learn, to connect, and to grow! Click the button below to join tonight's meeting
  4. Thursday Video Bible Study (Pastors): Every Thursday we'll release a 20 minute guided reading focused on Jesus' Holy Week in Jerusalem.
Giving
Several of you have asked about how to give your offering while we are worshiping online. In the video above you will find a brief walkthrough on how to give your offering online via our secure credit card portal. To give online simply click on the button below. You can also always give by mailing a check. We will process those offerings once a week.
 
We also know this is a time of uncertainty for many. If this is your situation, please know the church is here for you. Reach out if we can help in any way.
Zoom Help
Many meetings and committees are moving online and using the Zoom platform for this season. If you need any help, please reach out to a staff member and we can walk you through how to download, install, and use the software! All staff emails are available here .
How Can I Help?
Many of you have asked, "What can we do during this time of need?" For the time being, we'll offer a couple suggestions each week on how you can connect and make a difference during this time of fear, isolation, and uncertainty.

  • Many residents of local nursing homes are frightened and confused by the changes to their routines, including a no-visitors policy, canceling groups, and taking meals in their rooms. Take a moment today to write a card to our neighbors at Aventura (formerly Pembrooke). Address it to “Any Resident; Aventura at Pembrooke, 1130 West Chester Pike, West Chester PA 19382”

  • Our neighbors at Safe Harbor are in urgent need of cleaning supplies and toilet paper. To donate, email Mayor Herrin’s office at episano@west-chester.com for information.
Matthew 25 Lent Campaign
During this season of Lent, as a part of the Matthew 25 Initiative, we're seeking to raise $25,000 fund homelessness-related initiatives. The heart of the campaign revolves around the phrase, "Going without, for those who are without." In the spirit of Lent, when many of us give something up for spiritual or devotional reasons, we're encouraging one another to give something up and to put a monetary value on that item or items. That money would then be given to fund homelessness-related initiatives in three different ways. More details on the campaign can be found in the newsletter that will come out tomorrow via email and in mailboxes over the next few days. Of course, the "going without..." is just one way to think about giving. If you wish to give to the campaign, you can do so at any time by going to firstpreswc.com/give or clicking the button below.
Operation Easter Basket
Operation Easter Basket is still happening, but is shifting due to the coronavirus pandemic. We're currently accepting donations and you can find the list below. As for timing, assembly, and delivery, our CLM Committee is working hard to iron out those details. Please stay tuned for more details as they arise.

First Presbyterian Church | 130 W. Miner Street | 610-696-0554


Take care...