Dear First Pres family,
As we enter a second Lenten season apart, we recognize that struggle has a way of illuminating who we really are. In the case of First Pres, struggle has revealed the fortitude, spiritual maturity, and strength of our congregation. Together we’ve navigated these times with generosity and compassion for each other and for our neighbors. That being said, this year has also been a unique reminder of the gift of in-person worship, and Session has been working diligently alongside staff to put together a re-opening plan that balances our desire to be together with the ongoing reality of the covid pandemic.
At their February 16 meeting, Session approved a plan for a gradual reopening of the Sanctuary for worship. This plan is contingent on cases continuing to fall in our area of Chester County, and assumes an increasing availability of vaccines. With that in mind, Session approved the following plan:
February 21 – March 14 – Continue with prerecorded 9:00 and 10:42 worship services
March 21 and 28 – Livestream 9:00 and 10:42 services from the Sanctuary
April 4 (Easter) – Hold four outdoor in-person worship services at the Abbotts’ Farm (6:30am, 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am) and share prerecorded traditional and contemporary services
April 11 – The Sanctuary will open for 9:00 and 10:42 services with 35 openings for attendance; services will also be livestreamed. Services will be 45 minutes in length to allow transition time between groups entering and exiting.
We anticipate that in the weeks following April 11, we’ll be able to increase the number of in-person attendees to 60 per service. A date for this change will be shared as we get closer to that time.
Signups for the in-person worship services on Easter and following will be made available shortly; individuals can either call the church office to reserve a space or use Sign Up Genius (the link will be publicized in the near future). Those without internet access will be receiving a letter regarding this plan in addition to phone calls from their deacons.
Session is aware of the possibility that increasing caseloads or the widening of these new variants of covid may throw a wrench in these plans. We also anticipate that livestreamed worship will continue indefinitely. Those attending worship will be asked to double-mask in accordance with CDC recommendations, and to fill out a covenant form so that we can alert them if anyone with whom they were in contact with at church may have been exposed to covid. Musical ensembles will continue to be prerecorded.
If you have any questions regarding our re-opening plans, please feel free to contact the pastors.
With gratitude for you all,
Pete Galloway, Clerk of Session
Bob Sheldon, Interim Pastor
Caroline Cupp, Executive Pastor
