CoVid-19: Our Response as of November 17, 2010
Dear Friends in Christ,
Your Session met last night for its regular monthly meeting and, after a very careful and Spirit-filled conversation, decided unanimously to close The First Presbyterian Church to in-person worship and gatherings until after the first week of January 2021. This comes as Enid, Garfield County, and the whole of Oklahoma grapples with a horrific spike in coronavirus infections.
Our discernment included consideration of the safety and well-being of all in our worshipping community--church members, staff, and everyone who works to make our common life possible. We also took time to consider those who work on the front lines of the fight with the coronavirus, the healthcare workers who daily are pleading with our community to take more careful precautions. We know that this decision will not be without hardship, but we feel that this decision best reflects our commitment to the Gospel, to one another, and to our community.
I want to make this as clear as possible, though: the building will be shut, but the church is not closed.
The staff and I will be remain on campus during the week to maintain the church building and to meet the needs of anyone who comes to the church for assistance. Saturday Manna will also continue during this time, using the same safety measures that have been in place since March.
Over the next week, please check your email and the church's social media for details about how we are going to remain connected in this time and through the joyous seasons of Advent and Christmas. We will be working harder than ever to be the church even we can't be together in the church.
I'll share two of those things right now that will help us to stay connected.
First, drive-thru prayer will return on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5pm. Please come to the overhang on the north-side parking lot by the Breezeway for a time to visit and pray. I look forward to seeing you.
Second, FPC's sanctuary will be open from 1pm-4pm each Wednesday moving forward as a place of quiet prayer and reflection. There will not be a formal worship service, but there will be music playing and a bulletin for self-guided prayer. Please remember to wear a face covering and social distance from others who might be in attendance.
There are plenty more things in store for us as a church community and we know that God is with us!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to your Session elders with questions or concerns. Your Session will meet again the week of Christmas to reevaluate impact on the coronavirus on our community and to assess the needs of the congregation moving forward.
In peace,
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Philip Long, pastor
Elder Gail Wynne
Elder Stephanie Meara
Elder Brett Wilenzick
Elder Tashanna Luttrell
Elder Linda Moore
Elder Kay Lamerton
Elder Eddie Lou Strimple
Elder Jimmy Stallings
Elder David Meara
Elder John Bowers
FPC's Facebook Page is updated regularly with worship, learning, and fellowship plans and opportunities.
FPC's sends congregation-wide emails sometimes several times a week. Click the image above to access our email archive and sign up for the mailing list.