Thursday, January 13th, 2022
Dear friends,
I am writing you with an important update on behalf of the Reconvening Committee and church leadership. Due to the rapid increase of spread and hospitalizations from the Omicron variant in Pierce County, we will be returning to online-only worship starting this Sunday, through the end of February. This decision was a hard one to make; I know we all have been through a lot thus far in the throes of this pandemic and I am keenly aware of the value that gathering for in-person worship has been for many of us, especially in difficult times like these. I am also mindful of the tension that comes to play when we consider the risk factors for individuals and communities like ours when we discern the best way forward, while also staying true to our mission and values as a community.
The silver lining is this: we are not where we were a year ago. As we have seen the wonders of modern medicine do their thing, we know that distribution of vaccine and other life-saving measures have changed the landscape of this pandemic. We are hopeful that should the US follow the trends of other countries who have been through the Omicron strain thus far, that there will be a downswing to this current surge. In the meantime, our staff, volunteers, and Elders will be providing the following opportunities for fellowship and worship in lieu of in-person Sunday morning worship which I hope you will take advantage of.
Open Sanctuary: Thursdays, 2-4pm
Starting next Thursday (Jan. 20), the sanctuary will be open from 2-4pm for anyone who would like to simply find a spot to pray and recharge. Communion will be available during this time, and the prayer stations will also be set up, just like on Sunday mornings. The sanctuary will be filled with music from our team, either recorded, or performed live. All are welcome to come and stay as long as desired.
Sunday Morning Worship
For those using a computer or smart device, there are two ways to access our worship services live or archived for viewing later: Facebook Live and YouTube.
This Sunday, we’ll be adding a call-in option to listen live. A few minutes before 11, simply call 253-215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 881 2854 3003 when prompted. We are working on a solution that will also anyone to call the church office and listen to the entire service at any time; stay tuned for more on this soon!
Lastly, anyone who wishes to view a worship service throughout the week but are unable to do so at home will have the option to view it at the church. Please call the office to set up a time.
Additional Opportunities for Fellowship and Prayer
Starting this Sunday (Jan. 15), we will begin offering a Zoom fellowship time at 12:30. Each week, we’ll have a prompt question to ponder together, followed by time to be together in prayer. You can join by using this direct link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8062085809. The Meeting ID is 806 208 5809.
All are invited to join us for our weekly Zoom Bible study on Mondays at 5pm. Each week is it’s own subject and theme, so all are welcome to join in as they wish. The direct link for this meeting is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86405797183?pwd=Z3E3dlh4YjlpTjBKK25qSUdlQVdYQT09. Meeting ID: 864 0579 7183. Passcode: Bible.
Lastly, we will be offering hourlong “Open Prayer” times, a time when one of our leaders will be hosting a Zoom for the hour at which point anyone who wishes to connect is invited to log on, catch up with one another, and pray together. We are working on the logistics of this and will announce more information as soon as it becomes available.
Please join me in keeping our Reconvening Committee, and all our staff in your prayers as we continue to navigate the path ahead. We remember all those on the frontlines working to care for those who are sick and/or at higher risk due to health.
I am confident we will get through this with the help of our loving God right here at our side. As always, if you have any concerns, questions, or simply need someone to talk to, know I am always here. You can call me at 253-924-9804 or email me at doug@fcctacoma.org.
With blessing and love,
Pastor Doug