In the third month of living during the Covid-19 pandemic, we face more challenges than we did when Session made the decision to close the church building in March. As some restrictions begin to ease, what does this mean for NorthPark? How do we phase back in-person gatherings while safeguarding ourselves, our community, and especially, the most vulnerable among us?
The NorthPark Session has approved the formation of an Advisory Task Force to provide counsel about returning to in-person gatherings in a way that is measured, mindful, and faithful. The Task Force had its first meeting last night, and here are its initial findings:
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We will not be an early adopter.
NorthPark lives out of faith, not fear. And yet, we must promote community engagement in the safest way possible. The Task Force will be diligent in gathering facts, evaluating risks, and learning from every new development as we work toward in-person gatherings. This will take time, but we believe it’s more important to be thorough than hasty.
We will follow the science.
The Task Force will listen to medical, scientific, and social experts. One of the sad realities of Covid-19 is that singing creates significant transmission risk, as does shared food service. The Task Force will seek to learn everything factual about these and other unique risk factors.
We will reopen in stages.
The goal is to reopen in stages, but the way forward will not be a matter of following a precise timetable, and progress in re-opening may not be linear. Depending on the spread of Covid-19 and guidance from public health professionals, our plan will need to be flexible and adaptable.
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We will remain a church for all.
The Task Force will be guided by the common good. We will prioritize the health and safety of the NorthPark community over our own desires to re-open quickly. The health of all the members of our community is of more importance to us than in-person attendance at any church activity.
We will honor your decisions.
When NorthPark returns to in-person gatherings, not everyone will feel comfortable returning right away. The Task Force will be mindful of providing worship, fellowship, and care for those who want to exercise even more caution before returning to in-person gatherings.
The Task Force will meet weekly and work diligently between meetings as well. It welcomes your input, suggestions, and questions. It covets yours prayers. Please send your comments and questions to me anytime (
nbates@northparkpres.org).
Gratefully,
Rev. Nicole Bates
Interim Pastor
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Sunday Worship, June 7, 2020
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Every Sunday, there are several ways you can experience NorthPark's Worship service:
Invite friends and family to worship with us by directing them to our YouTube Channel (NorthPark Presbyterian Church).
Scripture
: Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Sermon
: Put Things in Order
Preaching
: Rev. Nicole Bates
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On Sunday, June 7, we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
As Presbyterians, our Sacraments (communion and baptism) ordinarily take place among the gathered people of God. But just as we have been virtually present to one another in meaningful and real ways these past weeks, Jesus will be present with us at our tables in ways we can’t even imagine. The Spirit unites the church in every time and place, and the Spirit will unite our tables on Sunday.
Please bring with you to worship bread or crackers, juice or other fruit of the vine.
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We are looking forward to our next Virtual Coffee Hour!
Join us
Sunday, June 7, starting at 11:45 a.m.
Please follow the
link here
and it will take you to a Zoom room from where we will break off in small groups.
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Online Check-In for Sunday Worship
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When you attend Sunday Worship online,
we respectfully request that you record your participation
prior
to worship
. Our goal is to ensure that your participation record is accurate in our database.
Simply follow the
link here
, fill out the form in its entirety, and click submit.
Thank you!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
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Spark Family Sunday School
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Families with children, please enjoy this week's Family Sunday School lesson.
You will find it easy to use and impactful as you and your children explore this time of faith formation at home.
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Adult Sunday School Gatherings
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Visions Sunday School
meets at
2:00 p.m
. (Zoom).
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Without a weekly worship offering, we rely completely on your generosity through online giving and offerings sent by mail.
Checks for pledge payments and other gifts can be mailed to
:
NorthPark Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 515454, Dallas, TX 75251-5454
or to the church’s physical address:
NorthPark Presbyterian Church
9555 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75231
While the church is closed, it might be more secure to mail checks
to the P.O. box. Make a note of this additional address!
For online giving
,
click the left button below.
If you need a guide on how to give online,
click the right button below.
Your generosity at this time makes a big difference! Thank you.
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214.363.5457
www.northparkpres.org
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