Growing in faith, serving with love
March 31, 2020
 
Dear Family,
 
By now, most of us are settling into a new normal as we continue to make efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In this season of social distancing, it’s more important than ever that we find every way possible to stay connected. With that in mind, I’d like to share seven practical ways we can remain connected as a family of faith in a time when we cannot gather in person.
 
1.       Reach out to me personally if you need to talk or have me visit you virtually.
Just because we cannot meet personally does not mean we can’t meet at all! I would love to “visit” you by phone, video, text, or email to speak with you and pray with you. If you’d like to schedule a visit, please email me at dan@tequestapres.org .
 
2.       Connect with your Deacon and let them know how you’re doing.
We are blessed to have a group of deacons who have been praying and caring for you even before we knew about COVID-19! They are committed to reaching out to everyone in the congregation to help us stay connected. Be sure to let them know how you are doing and how they can support you. If you don’t know who your deacon is, please contact the church office at vivienne@tequestapres.org .
 
3.       Gather with us via ZOOM.
As we adjust to the new normal of meeting remotely, we have begun to embrace video conferencing as a way to gather virtually. We’ve begun using ZOOM, a free video conference software that is simple to use. All you need to do is go to their website, download the program, and then simply click the link we provide to join each gathering at the time of the meeting. This week, we will gather via ZOOM for our weekly Bible study this Wednesday at 10am and you are invited! We will also be gathering two more times on Wednesday, at 1pm and at 7pm, to check in and pray. In those sessions, I will share a short devotion and then give anyone attending a chance to check in. Every session will end with prayer.
 
We have made a new page devoted to ZOOM on our website. To find links to sign up for ZOOM, as well as participate in any upcoming ZOOM gathering, click here.

4.       Worship with us every Sunday and throughout Holy Week.
I encourage you gather with anyone in your home and worship together if possible. Another way to gather is by setting up a virtual meeting with others in their own homes. You can also worship individually, knowing that you join your brothers and sisters in Spirit. We will continue the current format we’ve been offering for Sundays. For Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we are exploring interactive worship experiences via ZOOM. Stay tuned for more information.
 
5.       Follow us on Facebook.
If you have Facebook, be sure to follow our page. There, you will not only find our latest updates, but you will also find opportunities to connect with others. Be sure to leave comments letting us know how we can pray for you or how God is speaking to you during this time! To find our Facebook page, click here.
 
6.       Find real ways to connect with one another.
One of the greatest concerns during this season is the rise of loneliness, depression, and despair. To combat this, I encourage you to find ways to reach out to one another as much as possible. Call your friend who sits next to you in the pews. Check in on the person you normally pass the peace with each week. Reach out to your deacon. Every time we connect with one another, we strengthen this community God has given us.
 
7.       Remain open to new ways of being church.
Believe it or not, I did not take a class in seminary teaching me how to lead a congregation through a pandemic. To the best of my knowledge, neither has anyone serving on session. This is a season where we are learning new ways to be Christians, new ways to be community, and new ways to continue the mission of Jesus Christ! Some of these new ways will work better than others, and the only way we will find out is through exploration and experimentation. Be open to new ideas and let us know what you think!
 
As we do our best to stay connected while remaining socially distant, I want to remind you again that we worship a God who is bigger than COVID-19, is bigger than our fears, and is bigger than the obstacles we face as a congregation. If we stick close to God and to one another, we will come out of this season stronger than ever! I love you all and continue to pray for you. Please continue to pray for me as well!
In Christ,
First Presbyterian Church | 561-746-5161 | office@tequestapres.org | www.tequestapres.org