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COVID-19 Plan & PrecautionsAny updates and revisions to plans and precautions set by the pastoral staff and the Session will be posted on this page. The pastoral staff and leadership at First Presbyterian Church are monitoring the global Coronavirus pandemic and are committed to keeping you informed with the latest guidance and resources.
UPDATED NOVEMBER 19, 2021
11/19/21 UPDATES FROM THE SESSION VIA DR. GARRETT Dear Friends: At the Session’s November 16th meeting, our Elders voted to make a change in our mandatory masking policy. Please read this carefully: Beginning this Sunday, Nov. 21st, masks will no longer be mandatory during public worship or adult education classes while you are seated or standing at your seat. When we move through other common areas of the building – aisles, hallways, restrooms, and other gathering points – masks are still required. Of course any who desire to continue wearing a mask in these settings are welcome to do so. This does not change current Covid safety policies for our youth and children’s ministry, or for adults while serving in those ministries. We continue to strongly encourage all who are able to seek vaccination, and to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated in public indoor settings. No doubt this change will please some and concern others. Please know we are constantly reviewing our policies in light of changing conditions in our community and will continue to adjust our policy as the situation warrants. May God bless you as we move into the holiday season with health, peace, and an abiding sense of God’s presence. On behalf of the Session, _______________________________________________________________________________
8/18/21 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION (Mailer) Dear Friends: Fall is coming quickly and the public health situation is changing rapidly. Every county in North Carolina is considered to have a high level of transmission of the Covid-19 virus and its Delta variant. Admissions of seriously ill unvaccinated people at our local hospitals, many younger than before, have jumped. Breakthrough infections of vaccinated persons, in our congregation and wider community, have been reported. The Session of First Presbyterian Church met last night to consider how to face this challenge while enabling our congregation to continue to gather, worship, and serve in a safe way. After careful discussion the following directives were approved by Session. They become effective this Sunday, August 22. Worship The Session directs a return to mandatory masking, regardless of vaccination status, for all persons of kindergarten age and above, for the 11 am worship service and the early service when it resumes. Current roping for social distancing will be maintained. Our masking policy will be continuously reviewed in light of rates of local virus transmission with hope of returning to a masking optional status later this fall. If you are unable to mask, we encourage you to worship with us online. If you are unfamiliar with this technology, please allow us to assist you. You are a valued member of our congregation! Christian Education The Session directs a return to mandatory masking for all onsite, indoor, Sunday school, Wednesday evening, and other Christian education opportunities for all persons kindergarten age and above regardless of vaccination status. This policy will be continuously reviewed in light of our local rates of virus transmission, with the hope of returning to a masking optional status later this fall. Many of our educational opportunities are available online. If you are unable to mask, and unfamiliar with this technology, please allow us to assist you. Congregational Food Service The Session directs that congregational food service will continue with the following adjustments. Large group gatherings to eat together, indoors, should not happen at this time. Wednesday evening meals will begin in September as “take-home” options. Eller Hall fellowship and social time will move outdoors after the 11 am service under the covered entrance until the local rate of virus transmission declines. Smaller groups can eat together indoors if social distancing is possible during meals. Creative options for eating outside should be explored. This policy will be continuously reviewed with the hope of returning to less restrictive practices later this fall. Other News Session voted to make changes in our Sunday morning schedule. These changes will begin on Sunday, September 19th.
We hope these changes will enhance attendance and participation in our Sunday morning life and make our schedule easier to remember. Finally, please know of the care taken in making these temporary changes. Your officers are seeking a wise path out of concern for the many young children in our congregation who at this time cannot be vaccinated as well as other vulnerable members. If you are unvaccinated, unless you have a medical exception, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated. The words of the Apostle Paul are helpful guidance for us all at this time: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. On behalf of the Session, Dr. Mike Garrett, Pastor _______________________________________________________________________________ 6/3/21 UPDATES FROM THE REOPENING TEAM The Reopening Team gathered to discuss the recent changes in CDC and State of N.C. guidelines regarding masks and social distancing. The following is a summary of their recommendations and plans for moving forward:
_______________________________________________________________________________ 5/2/21 UPDATE In-person Sunday School has resumed! Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. All classes will end at 10:30 to allow adequate time for fellowship and snacks outside of Eller Hall at the new fellowship and welcome tent before the 11 a.m. worship service in the Sanctuary. _________________ Wired Word- Room 209; in-person and Zoom format. Click here to join remotely. Password: Wired Calvin Class- Rankin Building “Growing Young” Small Group- Session Room; in-person and Zoom. Click here to join remotely. G.I.F.T. Class- Activity Room _________________ Please be reminded that the Session’s policy of mandatory adult mask wearing while gathered for public indoor worship is still in effect.
We also ask that you wear a mask as you participate in Sunday school activities on Sunday morning. We continue to revise and update our policy based on the best public health information available as well as best practices for churches. This cautious approach allowed us to reopen earlier than many congregations. In addition, we have had no known cases of Covid transmission through attendance at church activities.
If you need to remove your mask, please leave the sanctuary and step outside, into the narthex, or an adjacent hallway for a break. We know that masks are inconvenient and often uncomfortable, and we appreciate your patience as we move through this time as a congregation.
_______________________________________________________________________________ 1/6/21 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION (Mailer) Dear Friends: I’m writing to you for a couple of reasons today. The first is to make you aware of an immediate change in our gatherings for worship and church programming. The Session has voted, on the advice of our Reopening Team, to take a two-week pause in gathering together for Sunday worship and other congregational programs. The pause includes Sunday, January 10 and 17. It also includes Wednesday Together programming on January 13 and 20. We will return to our current in-person schedule on Sunday, January 24. The church office will maintain normal hours during this time. With the recent and rapid surge of COVID-19 in our community following holiday gatherings, interrupting our meetings for a couple of weeks will minimize the risk of unintentionally transmitting the virus among our congregation. While we are aware of no direct transmissions of COVID-19 through our church activities, we also know it is impacting individuals and families in our congregation. Your understanding is much appreciated as we take additional steps to keep each other safe and to continue to allow for our meeting together. My second reason for writing is to encourage you to keep up the good work of social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing! Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to these practices. It is partly the bolder stance we have taken on these practices as a congregation that has allowed us to remain open for face-to-face congregational life. Please add a fourth practice to your list: get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations are rapidly becoming available in our community and are a critical part of returning to more normal ways of being together. Our Sunday services are available online and other church programming opportunities will be available online during our two-week pause. Information on how to participate in these programs is enclosed. Better days are in sight! Let’s continue to be resilient in our faith, hopeful in our outlook, and patient in our practice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the pastors and staff of the church for support and assistance. Our God, of course, is as close to us as our next prayer. These words from the book of Joshua are a needed reminder: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Sincerely, Dr. Mike Garrett, Senior Pastor _______________________________________________________________________________ 10/01/20 SAFE CHURCH POLICY UPDATES As we resume traditional ministry programs and reopen more communal spaces to the congregation, the health and safety of all involved are paramount to the church functioning at a greater capacity. All new Safe Church Family procedures have been set in place to screen all who enter church buildings, to properly sanitize spaces after they are used, and to keep all adults, children, staff, and volunteers safe. Program staff and volunteers will be utilizing these procedures during all ministry programs to include Wednesday Together, rehearsals, committee meetings, and more. What you need to know: Please Stay home if…
If you test positive for COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, and/or have a cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of a church-related function or activity, we ask that you stay home. Please practice good hygiene. Outbreaks are a stressful and anxious time for everyone. Your church family is here to support you. Reach out to our pastoral staff and Stephen Ministers at any time. _______________________________________________________________________________
6/25/20 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION (Mailer) Dear Friends: Let’s talk about regathering for ministry and worship! The Session has approved July 12 at 11 A.M. as our first Sunday to gather for worship under our phased reopening plan. I’d like to introduce you to the plan and encourage your support. You will receive more detailed explanations in our next congregational newsletter and a series of video messages. First our plan is based on a solid biblical principal, “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” (Romans 13:1) We’re seeking to protect the physical health and meet the spiritual needs of our congregation which is very diverse in both age and stage of family life. I have no doubt some will find this plan too cautious, some not cautious enough, and others just about right. As you consider your own reaction to the plan please remember it is guided by a deep concern for the well-being of the whole body of Christ at First Presbyterian Church. Second, our plan is based on three things that have become consistent advice from public health experts for people sharing space together: wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain social distance. The plan is a specific application of this advice for the life of the church. Third, our plan is phased based on the advice of health experts and those working directly on the challenge of regathering churches during the Covid-19 pandemic. What is true is “Phase 1” will be quite different than what will be true in “Phase 3”. Things will change. How fast they change will depend on public health information in our area and the needs of our congregation. Phase 1 – Begins July 12 One worship service at 11 AM in the sanctuary. (Online worship continues.)
In person Sunday School classes for children, youth or adults will not meet at this time.
No indoor, on-campus, gatherings for fellowship, meals, or large programs at this time. Phase 2 – Begins as soon as possible but not later than the beginning of public school. Transition to two worship services, 8:30 and 11 AM. (Online worship continues.)
In person child care and Sunday school classes for all ages resume, class size regulated by current health and safety recommendations. Indoor gatherings for meals, programs, and fellowship limited based on best current public health information. Phase 3 – Time to be determined. Two worship services, traditional times and in traditional spaces, with less or no restriction. In persons Sunday school classes continue, with less or no restriction based on class size. Indoor gatherings for meals, programs, and fellowship continue with less or no restriction. We enthusiastically encourage the return to public worship for all who are ready at this time! We also want those who feel either the limitations or risks for regathering are too great at this moment to continue to worship with us online. We understand and want you to feel no pressure in this matter. Blessed are the flexible for they will not get bent out of shape. Things will continue to change in our life together and not always as we predict. Please know that the leaders of our congregation remain committed to providing for the worship, spiritual growth, and mission of our congregation no matter the circumstances. Sincerely, Dr. Mike Garrett, Senior Pastor ________________________________________________________________________________
5/11/20 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION (Mailer) Dear Friends: Much has changed since my last letter to our congregation concerning the impact of the COVID-19 on our fellowship. We’ve experienced the disruption of our lives caused by social distancing and the closure of schools, businesses, and of course our gathering for public worship. Now, as the state of North Carolina enters a period of phased reopening, I am hearing a number of questions about when the church facility may be open again for regular use. At the moment, under the governor’s phase 1 guidelines, the following rules apply to churches:
As you can see, very little changes for us under phase 1, projected to last to at least the beginning of June. We will continue to provide online worship experiences, as well as Zoom based fellowship, music, and Christian education opportunities. The church office remains open for limited support during normal business hours. Pastoral care is always available. What does change is the need to anticipate new opportunities as mass gathering guidelines are relaxed this summer. This month the Session will begin to develop our own phased reopening plan, taking into consideration not only what is legal, but what is wise. There are many questions that will need to be considered. To highlight only a few:
These questions have answers, and the answers will likely change as the situation changes. As the reopening plan for our facility and common life is developed by our leadership we will be quick to communicate it to the congregation. There is both reason to be hopeful and much to be determined. Please pray for your leaders during this time of discernment and decision making. We also should be reminded that the church is not closed, only parts of the building. As long as the Word is proclaimed, sacraments observed, prayer offered, mission done and our shared fellowship through Jesus Christ maintained, the church is very much in business. We are the church. Let’s continue to be a source of strength and encouragement to one another as we move into a new and different season of life at First Presbyterian Church. Sincerely, ________________________________________________________________________________ 3/31/20 Be on the lookout for weekly emails with program updates, messages from the pastoral staff, and bulletins and children’s activities that will help you engage and follow along with each Sunday livestream service. Children’s Ministry continues to stay connected via weekly ZOOM sessions every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Please contact either Britany Spivey (britany@firstprez.com) or Sarah Szopinski (sarah@firstprez.com) to join. Music Ministry invites all participants to its ZOOM Share & Prayer Meetings on Sundays during the group’s regular rehearsal time. Please contact Dr. Marcia Mervin (marcia@firstprez.com) for more information on how to join. The Wired Word Sunday School will “gather” at 10 a.m. on Sundays via ZOOM. Please contact Lou Brooks (lobpt01@verizon.net) for more information. ________________________________________________________________________________ 3/19/20 DOWNLOAD THE MARCH 22 ORDER OF WORSHIP AND CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES HERE We hope you’ll join us for this Sunday’s streaming worship service and modified Children’s Sunday! The service will livestream HERE, on your FPC APP, and live on Facebook. Engage, comment, and share! Use the hashtag #serveandshare when posting and invite friends and family to join in! ________________________________________________________________________________ 3/18/20 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION (Mailer) Dear Friends: First, all public gatherings for Sunday Worship and related activities are suspended through April 26, 2020. This includes the serving of Homebound Communion on Sunday, April 5. We know this is disheartening, but we believe it is necessary to conform to current Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for public gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. Though our public gatherings are suspended, we are committed to providing Sunday worship for our congregation. Each Sunday the 11 a.m. service of worship will be live streamed and can be watched in real time (or later) on our website or church app. A companion “bulletin” will be available online to enable you to participate more fully. For those who would prefer, a CD of the service will be mailed or brought to you upon request. Sadly, this includes Easter Sunday. However, we are working on some creative ways to worship on Easter and will communicate those as soon as we are able. Second, all Wednesday Night meals and programming are suspended through April 29, 2020. Again, this is necessary to conform to CDC guidelines and do all we can to curb the spread of the virus. We are committed to providing creative child and adult spiritual resources on a weekly basis through social media and other platforms. Our Children’s Ministry department is already preparing materials for children and parents. We also strongly encourage Sunday school class, small groups, committees and others to continue meeting together using services Third, pastoral care will continue for all members of the congregation and the church office will remain open at this time during our normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Garrett or our Director of Pastoral Care, Rev. Mitch Watson, for personal needs or information. In addition, you will be receiving calls from our officers and others to check on your situation and see if there are additional ways the Finally, I encourage you to remember to support the life of the congregation through both your ongoing prayers and financial giving. It is easy to forget to make our tithes and offerings when we are not gathering regularly for worship, but our ongoing support of ministry, both here and around the world, depend on them. This is a difficult time but certainly no more difficult than many Christians have faced at other times. We will get through this. We still have the tools of prayer, scripture, worship, and the support of one another. Now is the time to draw deeply on the faith that has been given to us, remember our need to love God and our neighbors, and draw on the hope that is always ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yours in Christ, ________________________________________________________________________________ 3/17/20 UPDATES • Children’s Ministry invites FirstKiz to make and mail cards to those who are hospitalized and home bound. Please email Mrs. Britany at britany@firstprez.com. She will provide you with the mailing address of people who would love to receive a card. • Please call or email Mrs. Britany at britany@firstprez.com if you would like a take-home Bible story packet so that you can spend time in God’s Word with your family. These will be made available for pick-up on Wednesday. • The Fauré “Requiem” performance has been rescheduled for SEPTEMBER 27, 2020. Please email Dr. Marcia Mervin at marcia@firstprez.com for more information. _______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3/14/20 CANCELLATION NOTICE FOR MARCH 15 WORSHIP SERVICES The governor of N.C. has issued an executive order banning mass gatherings of over 100 persons and canceling school for two weeks beginning on Monday, March 16. In light of the governor’s action there will be no public worship services or Sunday school at FPC tomorrow, March 15. If possible we will stream some portion of the worship service. Further details about church activities and hours of operation will follow as soon as possible. If you need pastoral assistance don’t hesitate to contact one of the pastors at home. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3/13/20 LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION FROM DR. GARRETT We can all follow the CDC guidelines, being particularly vigilant about washing our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you are sick, please stay at home. If you cough or sneeze, please cover your mouth and nose preferably with the crook of your elbow or a tissue. Let’s take care of each other at this time. If you are remaining at home due to illness or concern about the virus, please contact me, or our Director of Pastoral Care, Mitch Watson, so we can keep up with you. This is a particularly good time to check in with each other, especially our brothers and sisters we might not have seen at worship in a while. We’ll get through this as we practice the faith, hope, and love that is at the center of our commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. ________________________________________________________________________________________ RESOURCES FOR YOUR BENEFIT
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