This article was originally published in The Exchange, the First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma weekly e-newsletter, June 5, 2020. To sign up to receive The Exchange, email Roger Johnson (finance@petalumafirst.com).
Last Sunday we took a Zoom Poll to help us get a sense of how you, the members of the congregation, are feeling about transitioning back to in-person worship services. These results are helpful for the Session as they discern and plan a path forward. We couldn’t do this without you! Below are the poll questions and number of responses (in parentheses). Each response represents one household.
1. I will return at the first opportunity (when these services are allowed by Sonoma Co). (6)
2. I will return at 1st opportunity but with some concerns and precautions. (5)
3. I will wait several weeks (after 1st opportunity) before I return. (16)
4. It may be quite a while (after the first opportunity before I return. (6)
Would you return sooner if worship services were held outside? (24 YES, 6 NO)
So now what? Several of our church leaders have been actively working on a transition plan that will be in compliance with Sonoma County regulations and recommendations. A first draft has already been completed and is now being reviewed. Although we don’t have a solid date on the calendar, we could start some kind of transition as early as July, and we want to be prepared. Keep in mind, we are anticipating the transition back to be a gradual one. As soon as the plan is adopted by Session we will get it out to you.
With regard to worship, the staff and Worship Commission have been talking about what that might actually look like during and after the transition. At this time we don’t entirely know, but we’ve got some good ideas being developed, and we’re very committed to maintaining our online presence. Zoom is here to stay, and we greatly value the interaction and real-time, back-and-forth participation that it allows. We just love having so many of you join us from afar, and join us from home.
So for now, stay tuned and stay tuned in. If you haven’t already, sign up to engage with us on social media. Follow FPCP on Instagram and Facebook, check out the church website from time to time for updates and YouTube video links. These are good places not only to get up-to-date information on all things FPCP, but to also interact with others who have joined our online community.
Finally, thank you. On behalf of all of our church staff, leaders, and volunteers, thank you for all the encouragement, support, love and patience that you have extended. We’re all doing the best we can, and every day learning ways to do it even better. This is new territory for us all, and you are weathering the church culture shock of this season remarkable well, and with tremendous grace. Thank you!
If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to be more involved in conversations or implementation as we move forward, please contact Pastor John (ph. 206-604-0942, pastorjohnchase@gmail.com. We welcome your voice, and value the collective wisdom of the whole.
1. I will return at the first opportunity (when these services are allowed by Sonoma Co). (6)
2. I will return at 1st opportunity but with some concerns and precautions. (5)
3. I will wait several weeks (after 1st opportunity) before I return. (16)
4. It may be quite a while (after the first opportunity before I return. (6)
Would you return sooner if worship services were held outside? (24 YES, 6 NO)
So now what? Several of our church leaders have been actively working on a transition plan that will be in compliance with Sonoma County regulations and recommendations. A first draft has already been completed and is now being reviewed. Although we don’t have a solid date on the calendar, we could start some kind of transition as early as July, and we want to be prepared. Keep in mind, we are anticipating the transition back to be a gradual one. As soon as the plan is adopted by Session we will get it out to you.
With regard to worship, the staff and Worship Commission have been talking about what that might actually look like during and after the transition. At this time we don’t entirely know, but we’ve got some good ideas being developed, and we’re very committed to maintaining our online presence. Zoom is here to stay, and we greatly value the interaction and real-time, back-and-forth participation that it allows. We just love having so many of you join us from afar, and join us from home.
So for now, stay tuned and stay tuned in. If you haven’t already, sign up to engage with us on social media. Follow FPCP on Instagram and Facebook, check out the church website from time to time for updates and YouTube video links. These are good places not only to get up-to-date information on all things FPCP, but to also interact with others who have joined our online community.
Finally, thank you. On behalf of all of our church staff, leaders, and volunteers, thank you for all the encouragement, support, love and patience that you have extended. We’re all doing the best we can, and every day learning ways to do it even better. This is new territory for us all, and you are weathering the church culture shock of this season remarkable well, and with tremendous grace. Thank you!
If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to be more involved in conversations or implementation as we move forward, please contact Pastor John (ph. 206-604-0942, pastorjohnchase@gmail.com. We welcome your voice, and value the collective wisdom of the whole.
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