May 28, 2020
Dear California Church Family!
PA Governor Tom Wolf has announced that Lancaster County will enter the “yellow” phase on Friday, June 5. Because of that, we are excited to announce the “Re-Assembling” of our church for in-person worship beginning on Sunday, June 14!
This has been a difficult time for so many in our church, our community, and around the globe. We hope that you have still felt connected to us through this season through our daily “God Nugget” devotionals, prayer chain messages, and our online Sunday worship and newly formed Zoom hangout. The excitement to return to physical worship shows that we crave community and fellowship. We pray that this difficult period has grown your dependence upon God and for the community of believers.
There is a lot of talk out there about “re-opening churches.” That language assumes that we’ve closed – when in fact – we have been open this entire time! We have continued to keep doing many of our regular worship activities while adventuring out into new platforms and online realms for connectivity. As a church, we have continued to pray for each other, pray together from a safe distance or over the phone, sang songs of praise and worship, celebrated Easter and Mother’s Day, and served our community. We just didn’t do it in the same building as normal. Instead, it took place in your homes, or in larger areas, and especially in more creative ways.
So here at California EC Church, instead of a “re-opening”, we are RE-ASSEMBLING! Is that a perfect word? No. But it appropriately describes our coming together physically once more. The point is this: we were never closed, the church isn’t about a building, and most of all we’re discovering what Church is really all about!
We need your help though as we return! Included with this letter is a Survey that will help us navigate our return to regular church activities. You can complete the paper survey included OR go to our church website and complete the survey there!
(The link will be in the pop-up notice window or under the Blog tab with this letter posted.)
*To take the survey RIGHT NOW – click this link: CLICK HERE
Out of an abundance of love for you and others, if you are sick please STAY HOME! Your health and safety are our highest priority! If you feel unwell for any reason, we would encourage you to stay home until you feel better. Also, people with pre-existing conditions, weakened immune systems, or of advanced age may wish to stay home during this “yellow” phase period. We will continue to work together to aid one another in our journey forward into the new-normal the world and church has become.
Here are some important details about our re-assembling during this “yellow” phase:
- Sunday School will take place from 9:15-10AM in the fellowship hall.
- The kitchen area will be closed (no coffee or snacks available).
- The tables will be arranged so that we can practice good social distancing while participating.
- Worship Service will begin at 10:15AM in the Sanctuary.
- PLEASE be sure to arrive early! It may take longer to enter the building or enter the sanctuary so please take your time.
- Seating in the sanctuary will be significantly different in order to practice safe and healthy social distancing.
- Every other pew will be available.
- Pews that are open will be either Left side or Right side seating only. Meaning, only certain sections of those open pews will be available.
- We would ask that you sit only with your family – specifically those you currently share a home with.
- Music will be a part of the worship service and singing is (as always) desired.
- Sharing of praises and prayer requests will be modified.
- Offerings can be placed in the plates located at the back of the sanctuary.
- The nursery may be used by parents of small children – there will be no staff.
- There will be no Children’s Church.
- Bibles, Hymnals/Song books, pens, and envelopes have been removed.
- At the conclusion of the worship service:
- Please remain seated – you will be dismissed by pew.
- Facial masks will be directed to be worn once again as you exit the building.
- Please exit the building promptly – socializing is encouraged outside and at safe and healthy distances. We are blessed to have plenty of outside area!
Here is what you can expect during the “yellow” phase of our worship experience:
- Facial masks are NOT required – however, they are highly encouraged as you enter and exit the church building, especially while fellowshipping with others.
- PLEASE be considerate of others in this matter. “Love thy neighbor” is sometimes as simple as wearing a mask.
- Facial masks can be removed once you are seated if so desired.
- Facial masks should be worn if exiting the sanctuary during worship.
- Items like hand sanitizers and tissues will be well stocked and available for personal use. You are also encouraged to bring your own items if you should choose.
- Please help maintain appropriate social distancing – no hugging, hand-shaking, etc.
Additional “Yellow” Phase Items and Information:
- Daily “God Nuggets” will continue to be sent out to those who have been receiving it. *Note: If you would like to receive these, please contact Pastor David or our Administrative Assistant, Meredith Saluzzi, for details. (see contact info below)
- Online video worship will continue but will be modified. More details forthcoming.
- For your safety:
- Additional cleaning and disinfecting will be performed each week.
- Extra hand sanitizers will be available in the foyer, fellowship hall, and sanctuary for your convenience.
- The entire church basement will be CLOSED – any activities that would take place there, will be encouraged to meet elsewhere or possibly outside (weather permitting) to ensure social distancing.
Upcoming Worship Services:
- June 14 – Resurrection Sunday!
Yes, we’re still celebrating Easter, just a few weeks later than normal!- We will sing traditional Easter hymns and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
We will also observe Communion (modified accordingly)
- We will sing traditional Easter hymns and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
- June 21 – Father’s Day and Special Guest Speaker
- Join us for a special celebration for Father’s Day. PLEASE send a picture of you and your father (just as we did for Mother’s Day) to Michelle Reeser so that we can compile a video slideshow. (see contact info below)
- Pastor David will be away on vacation. Joining us will be returning speaker Jesse Bills – a student at Evangelical Seminary and former Lay Delegate to Pequea EC Church.
WOW! That’s a LOT of information and I’m sure a lot to digest. Although things will look very different in the “Yellow” Phase, I trust that you are as excited as we are about Re-Assembling for worship and fellowshipping together in person! Please feel free to contact myself (Pastor David) or others listed here with any questions or concerns you may have. Grace and Peace – Pastor David Mennig
California EC Church – COVID19 Survey – please be completed by June 7!
Contact Information:
– Pastor David Mennig– (Home) 610-286-6133 (Cell) 717-203-9618 (Email) california@dejazzd.com
– Administrate Assistant Meredith Saluzzi – (Cell) 610-823-1278 (Email) nickandmere@comcast.net
– Board President Michelle Reeser – (Cell) 717-821-9536 (Email) reeserrn@yahoo.com
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