Dear HoC members and friends, Grace and peace to you all in the name of Christ! I know that everyone is very concerned about the virus and its impact on our church and community. We are working hard to make sure we maintain our calling and connection as a congregation during this challenging time. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate a dynamic and challenging situation. The session held an emergency virtual meeting on March 17 to discuss the current situation. Session approved changes to our bylaws to permit virtual meetings and electronic (email) voting so decisions regarding the church can be made in an efficient manner. All session, committee and commission meetings will be held virtually for the remainder of March, and possibly longer. All relevant actions will be communicated to the congregation in a timely manner.
In the interest of public health, as well as to ensure the safety and well-being of our congregation during this time, we are suspending all in-person worship services, events and meetings for the remainder of March. The church office will also be closed during this time, and staff will be working remotely. Pastor Hilary and Nancy will be available by phone and email (see page 10 for contact information.) We will continue to produce bulletins and newsletters, as well as other communications that will be transmitted electronically. Communications will also be physically mailed out to those who do not have internet access. Our sexton, Jeff Greenfield, will continue to care for the facilities as needed. Regular staff will be paid as usual during this period. Arrangements have also been made to check phone messages, collect mail, and handle financial accounting during our physical closure. Worship services will be held virtually via Facebook Live livestreaming on the church’s Facebook page. The page is set to public, so anyone with internet access can view and participate in the service (no separate Facebook account is required). A recording of the livestream is available on the HoC Facebook page to view at any time. Sermons will also be recorded and made available on the church website at https://hocpc.org/. Printed copies can also be mailed to those without internet access – please contact Nancy if you wish to receive these. Virtual worship may be extended beyond March should the public health situation require this. The congregation will be notified of any changes to the worship schedule in a timely manner. Pastor Hilary will not be making any in-person pastoral visits at this time. I will be available by cellphone, email, text, Facebook messenger, and other electronic means of communication. Please contact Pastor Hilary directly on her cellphone at 814-577-4269 if you require pastoral assistance. Session members, deacons, and care & fellowship members will be calling to check in with members and friends regularly. Pastor Hilary will be in touch virtually and via phone calls with members and friends during this period.
Blessings,
Pastor Hilary
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