Blog

Masking Update

At the January Session meeting, the Session decided to watch the Indiana COVID-19  Dashboard and Map and if the county is in RED we will wear masking at church. When the county is ORANGE for two consecutive weeks we will return to masking is optional for vaccinated and strongly encouraged for the unvaccinated. 

I know we are not in total agreement on mask-wearing! If we want to keep worshiping in person, this is the right thing to do. In consultation with the pastoral and music leadership, I have also reduced the amount of singing the congregation does during our service time. These measures are short-term in nature, and we will keep monitoring the numbers. At this time, we have several staff members either sick with the virus or waiting for test results because they are experiencing symptoms. The number of families within our community with active COVID is climbing. We pray that this less serve COVID will not leave lasting effects or cause serious harm to those within our community.

If masking is not “your thing,” then join us on Facebook Live for the next three weeks. If you have any concerns regarding these actions, contact Pastor Beth directly or contact one of our ruling elders. -Pastor Beth

Church School Suspended

Due to the rising number of Covid cases the adult church school led by Patty McKinnon has been canceled through the end of January. The Education Team and Patty will be reevaluated at the end of the month to see if it is safe for the class to reconvene. Thanks for your understanding as we want to keep everyone safe during this surge in the pandemic.
 
Due to the lack of attendance, the Education Team has made the decision to cancel the church school classes for the children and youth through the end of the school year in May. Starting in the fall, we will reevaluate the need to reconvene these classes. This was not a decision that was easily made. The Education Team will begin to assemble “Church School Take Home” boxes which will have lessons, crafts, games, and songs that the parents and children can do at their leisure. We will begin with five lessons and request feedback from the parents to see if these are helpful. If you are a parent, please contact us if your family would like to receive one of these boxes.

Check Out the Mission Bulletin Board!

Be sure to stop by the Mission Bulletin Board located in the south hallway outside the sanctuary doors. You'll find a new letter from Jon and Kelly Simpson, and they're bringing us up to date on what's happening in their lives as they journey with God. Also, a letter and certificate of thanks from the Salvation Army for our participation in their Angel Tree program for 2021.   You can be counted on to nurture our Open, Caring, Community even in these difficult times. Way to go, John Knox! ~ The Mission Team 

Remember to wear your masks while in the church building and stay home if you're sick in any way. We can all do our part to keep people healthy if we remain diligent and care for one another! If you are eligible to be vaccinated/boosted and have not already done so, please consider making an appointment today! 

Blessings,

Pastor Beth