The Book of Order (part of the Constitution of our denomination) clearly lays out the responsibilities of the Session.  The three items listed are:

• provide that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard.
• provide that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received.
• nurture the covenant community of disciples of Christ.

 
Since March the Session has sought to be faithful to their responsibilities as well as to the mission we have received from God. We continue to offer online streaming options, just as we have for the past few years, where you can join us for worship from your home.
 
In August we began offering in-person worship.  We have a Session approved policy, which can be found on our website, that requires those attending to wear masks as they enter and exit the sanctuary, but not during the service itself, except for when singing hymns.  We will continue with this policy for the 11:00 service of worship.
 
But in an effort to reach even more people the Session has approved a second in-person service of worship…on a trial basis.  Beginning this coming Sunday, September 20, we will offer an in-person worship service at 1:30 Sunday afternoons.  This service will differ from the 11:00 as masks will be required throughout the whole service.  We are offering this in the hopes that we may be able to provide a setting of worship for those who due to health reasons or other risk factors would feel more comfortable if masks were worn throughout the service.
 
Our plan is to offer this service for a period of four weeks and then we will evaluate it and make a decision on whether or not we will continue offering it.
 
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, or one of your elders.  We would be happy to talk with you.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Joe