Growing in faith, serving with love
Congregational Update
May 21, 2020
 
Dear Family,
 
I continue to pray that you are well and navigating this pandemic the best way possible. This week, our session approved a tentative timeline for reopening the church grounds to in-person gatherings. Next week, I will share with you the details of that timeline, but today I want you to know how we are making our decisions and forming our plan. In an effort to embrace and share God’s love in the best way possible (while also conveying a message of care to our community), we have committed to a data-based approach to discern when it’s best to return. Our return will be phased, beginning with small group gatherings and eventually working our way to worshipping together in the sanctuary. The primary source of data we are following is the continued decline of positive COVID-19 test rates over the course of 14 days in Palm Beach County before considering moving from one phase to the next. It’s important for all of us to realize that gathering in person again, whenever that occurs, will look different than it has in the past. I also want to assure anyone who is vulnerable or feels uncomfortable gathering soon that, even after we resume worship in the sanctuary, we will continue to offer a virtual worship experience for the foreseeable future.
 
I write this to you this week to not only keep you informed, but also to ask for your continued prayers. As I said last week, we are continuing to work through hundreds of questions, from big picture (“What does it mean to be connected as a faith family yet remain safe when we worship together?) to small picture (How do we sanitize wood pews after worship?). This will take some time to form so we can ensure that we gather safely in any capacity. Please pray for wisdom and clarity, as well as courage as we look to move forward as Christ’s disciples in this new world. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any of our elders. As you pray for us, know we are praying for you as well. We are in this together, so continue to lean on Christ and one another as well.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Dan
If you have any prayer requests, please email Pastor Dan at dan@tequestapres.org

Are you in need of a pastoral visit? Pastor Dan would love to connect with you virtually. To schedule a visit, please email Pastor Dan at dan@tequestapres.org.

For all the links to our ZOOM gatherings, click  here.

 This Sunday's Virtual Worship
You will receive an email on Sunday morning
with this week's worship packet.

Scriptures
Psalm 23
Matthew 18:12-14
Sermon
You Will Always Be My Sheep

Thank you to everyone who has given online or by mail! Our combined generosity will enable us to be the church Christ calls us to be. You can give by clicking the “give online” button or by mailing a check to our church office at:
 
FPC Tequesta
482 Tequesta Drive
Tequesta, FL 33469
Coming Up Next Week
Don't let yourself become disconnected during this season of social distancing! Join us next week via ZOOM for Bible Study. To find the link, click here.
Ministry Highlight
Our Food for Families ministry continues during these times. We are blessed to be able to provide assistance to local families with their groceries each month. God provides!
Family Highlight
The Cone Family

For Fred, the stay at home orders have coincided with his transition to retirement from career life. So, it has not been a big shock to be home. Mary Helen has been able to work from home supporting both Aerojet Rocketdyne and Session. Parker has transitioned easily to distance learning but is looking forward to completion of his 5 AP Exams and the end of the school year. Parker has also helped the church’s music department by recording the music and hymns for the virtual worship packets.

Our family has been taking advantage of the days to go for long walks and bike rides. Also, connecting with past activities like painting for Fred and cross stitching for Mary Helen.  

Having less hectic schedules and more time with family has been a blessing in this season. Family Game nights with Kevin has become a weekly routine. We have also been doing dinner time devotions to deepen our learning of God’s word. Also, Fred and Mary Helen are in a group that is reading the bible in a year and the daily passages from old and new testaments are another good way to stay in connection with our faith.

The Missions team has continued to support the Edna Runner families through grocery store gift cards provided before Easter and again last weekend.  These are really appreciated and have a direct impact on people in need. We will continue this until the time is right for actual grocery purchases to be made. 
While missing the fellowship of seeing you in person this time of safe behavior has provided many opportunities to be still and look, listen and feel God’s presence. He is always with us. 
Announcements
Thank you and God Bless, Marlyce!
After 18 years of serving as our Music Director and Organist, Marlyce is retiring, and May 31 will be her last day with us. When she announced her retirement to the Session last fall, we set this date thinking we would be able to celebrate her service to our congregation. Unfortunately, this terrible pandemic has postponed that celebration. When we can gather again, we will set a date in the fall to properly celebrate and recognize Marlyce. In the meantime, be sure to reach out to her to convey your gratitude for all she has done for us! Cards and well wishes can be sent to the church office.
First Presbyterian Church | 561-746-5161 | office@tequestapres.org | www.tequestapres.org