Here we are in September, Fall, a new season, new school year—same pandemic, but creative possibilities.
All of us have been trying new things, working out some kinks, learning how to live life amidst restriction. We’re doing it! The Divine knows it’s not easy, but we’re finding new ways to be with one another as First Congregational Church. That owes a lot to the boards and volunteers and all of you who have shifted with us, taking chances, failing, discovering what’s available and what might stick. Thank you, all!
One thing that remains true for me is that worship is a way we remain in touch with who we are and whose we are. Worship services have been and will continue to be an experiment in how to be fully present with the Divine and each other through the imperfect-but-beautiful reality of humanity; right now, that includes the medium of technology.
As we move into the Fall, we’ll be experimenting with preparing one service each month that incorporates all the familiar parts of worship you might find in a gathering in our sanctuary: a call to worship, time with children, the doxology, and music music music. So much is different in these pandemic days that some of us long for something familiar, and this service will hopefully evoke that. For the remaining three or four Sundays we will endeavor to hold a time together that is meaningful and authentic to who we are as a community, but it might include fewer of the “parts” of traditional worship. As we experiment with this, we hope to discover if it is less complex and more sustainable for staff and volunteers as we navigate the many challenges of this pandemic.
Most important to us is that we stay in close contact with all of you. That our community gives thanks to God and gathers in the ways we’re able. That we continue our purpose of welcoming all, growing in faith, living God’s love, justice, compassion ... That we are First Congregational Church to one another. Thank you for the ways you care for all.
In faith,
Pastor Sharon
