Welcome to Center Presbyterian Church.
We are children of God from many journeys, centered on one faith, believing we
are called to attract others to the challenges and the victory of life in Jesus.
UPDATES IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
We will worship on Facebook Live each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Elders will be discussing when and how to return to some form of in-person worship at their next Session meeting.
Watch here for any updates.
Watch here for any updates.
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In light of the continuing Coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty as to when in-person worship will resume, the Session has partnered with the Presbyterian Foundation to offer online giving within the life of our congregation. This can happen in two ways. First, you can click on the "Give Now" button above. Or, you can download the "Give+" App on your smartphone or tablet and make your regular contribution from there. Directions can be found by here as well as Frequently Asked Questions. Both options are fast, easy, and secure while also providing an easy method for supporting the mission and ministry of Jesus through Center Church even when we're not face to face.
Click here to see How It Works |
Conversations on the Porch
Dear Saints,
It’s been some time since we’ve been able to gather face to face. And while we are continuing to worship virtually, I thought it would be good to find an opportunity to nurture our bonds and our fellowship during this challenging season.
Next week we’ll begin a series I’m calling “Conversations on the Porch.” This will be a time to gather virtually, via Zoom, as well as in person (at a safe and socially acceptable distance outside, on the front porch of the church). There’s no real agenda for this time except to be together. We will gather around scripture briefly as a conversation starter, but this really is meant to be a time to catch up, to see one another, and to be together. We’ll alternate week to week to accommodate everyone who would like to participate. Below are the dates for the conversations and all other pertinent information.
Tuesday, July 7th @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
Tuesday, July 14th @ 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Porch
Meeting ID is 825 6149 0091 and the Password is 870964. You can click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82561490091?pwd=WDQ1U1F6U2gyYU9tbm5TMVYrYkdMdz09
Tuesday, July 21st @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
Tuesday, July 28th @ 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Porch
Meeting ID is 825 6149 0091 and the Password is 870964. You can click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82561490091?pwd=WDQ1U1F6U2gyYU9tbm5TMVYrYkdMdz09
Tuesday, August 4th @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
I hope you’re. able to participate!
Blessings!
~Tom
It’s been some time since we’ve been able to gather face to face. And while we are continuing to worship virtually, I thought it would be good to find an opportunity to nurture our bonds and our fellowship during this challenging season.
Next week we’ll begin a series I’m calling “Conversations on the Porch.” This will be a time to gather virtually, via Zoom, as well as in person (at a safe and socially acceptable distance outside, on the front porch of the church). There’s no real agenda for this time except to be together. We will gather around scripture briefly as a conversation starter, but this really is meant to be a time to catch up, to see one another, and to be together. We’ll alternate week to week to accommodate everyone who would like to participate. Below are the dates for the conversations and all other pertinent information.
Tuesday, July 7th @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
Tuesday, July 14th @ 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Porch
Meeting ID is 825 6149 0091 and the Password is 870964. You can click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82561490091?pwd=WDQ1U1F6U2gyYU9tbm5TMVYrYkdMdz09
Tuesday, July 21st @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
Tuesday, July 28th @ 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Porch
Meeting ID is 825 6149 0091 and the Password is 870964. You can click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82561490091?pwd=WDQ1U1F6U2gyYU9tbm5TMVYrYkdMdz09
Tuesday, August 4th @ 6:30 p.m. – Church Porch - In Person
Bring a comfy lawn chair if you’re able, and if not, enjoy a church chair at a safe, physical distance. Bring a refreshing beverage if you’d like. Since we’ll be meeting outside, a mask is optional and up to your discretion and comfort level.
I hope you’re. able to participate!
Blessings!
~Tom
A Message from Rev. Tom Moore
Dear Saints,
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts. As we enter the season of Pentecost in the year 2020, we understand that it may not be possible for the members of our congregation to be “all together in one place” for some time. While restrictions are being lifted in our region, the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 global pandemic will require that we return to church in a way that is measured and mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable among us. As a serving community, our call is to consider the needs of others while also considering our individual needs.
We give thanks, then, for the promise of our faith—that the Lord God will bless and keep us, the risen Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit connects us with believers near and far. We take comfort and inspiration from the example of the earliest believers, who “spent much time together in the temple” and “broke bread at home ... with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46). As we anxiously track the news in these times—with numbers of new cases, numbers of persons who have died, and numbers of those who are recovering—we remember the good news of the gospel: “And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
As this congregation begins to resume public activities please know that we will do so through a careful process of discussion and discernment, with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are most vulnerable, upon consideration of the best scientific knowledge at our disposal, in the spirit of constant prayer, and with full trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. The burning question on your mind may be, “When will Center Church resume in-person worship?” The Session is pursuing a wise and thoughtful approach to this very question.
Although Western PA has entered the so-called “Green Phase,” we will not be immediately moving to resuming in-person worship. The Session has discerned that it is best to proceed with caution at this time. As of now, there are no immediate plans to resume in-person worship; instead, the Session has discerned that it is best to wait until mid-July and will reevaluate at that time. When a decision is made to return to in-person worship, we will give two weeks’ notice of that date. At that time, some may begin to attend public worship in person. But we know that some will need to continue to worship at home. There is no shame in either option. This is a wonderful opportunity to use all of the resources present in the church to be a faithful community. Additionally, the Session has developed a three-stage plan for our return. Beginning with preparations for the sanctuary as well as guidelines for observing proper physical distancing, this plan ensures we are acting wisely, with the mind of Christ, and with a proper focus on others. That plan is included with this letter.
We may make mistakes along the way. There will surely be awkward moments as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. We will have countless opportunities to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
But there will also be blessings. There will be wonderful surprises, great celebrations, and moments of deep satisfaction. We will get to see glimpses of the new thing God is doing, even now. We will have opportunities to savor the spiritual gifts of love, joy, peace, generosity, and faithfulness.
Let us be faithful, then—to God and to one another—as we receive the gifts and work through the challenges of this time in the life of our congregation and world. Let us be guided by the Word, responsive to the Spirit, and open to the grace of God. Let us remember that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
~Tom
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1). So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts. As we enter the season of Pentecost in the year 2020, we understand that it may not be possible for the members of our congregation to be “all together in one place” for some time. While restrictions are being lifted in our region, the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 global pandemic will require that we return to church in a way that is measured and mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable among us. As a serving community, our call is to consider the needs of others while also considering our individual needs.
We give thanks, then, for the promise of our faith—that the Lord God will bless and keep us, the risen Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit connects us with believers near and far. We take comfort and inspiration from the example of the earliest believers, who “spent much time together in the temple” and “broke bread at home ... with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46). As we anxiously track the news in these times—with numbers of new cases, numbers of persons who have died, and numbers of those who are recovering—we remember the good news of the gospel: “And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
As this congregation begins to resume public activities please know that we will do so through a careful process of discussion and discernment, with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are most vulnerable, upon consideration of the best scientific knowledge at our disposal, in the spirit of constant prayer, and with full trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. The burning question on your mind may be, “When will Center Church resume in-person worship?” The Session is pursuing a wise and thoughtful approach to this very question.
Although Western PA has entered the so-called “Green Phase,” we will not be immediately moving to resuming in-person worship. The Session has discerned that it is best to proceed with caution at this time. As of now, there are no immediate plans to resume in-person worship; instead, the Session has discerned that it is best to wait until mid-July and will reevaluate at that time. When a decision is made to return to in-person worship, we will give two weeks’ notice of that date. At that time, some may begin to attend public worship in person. But we know that some will need to continue to worship at home. There is no shame in either option. This is a wonderful opportunity to use all of the resources present in the church to be a faithful community. Additionally, the Session has developed a three-stage plan for our return. Beginning with preparations for the sanctuary as well as guidelines for observing proper physical distancing, this plan ensures we are acting wisely, with the mind of Christ, and with a proper focus on others. That plan is included with this letter.
We may make mistakes along the way. There will surely be awkward moments as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. We will have countless opportunities to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
But there will also be blessings. There will be wonderful surprises, great celebrations, and moments of deep satisfaction. We will get to see glimpses of the new thing God is doing, even now. We will have opportunities to savor the spiritual gifts of love, joy, peace, generosity, and faithfulness.
Let us be faithful, then—to God and to one another—as we receive the gifts and work through the challenges of this time in the life of our congregation and world. Let us be guided by the Word, responsive to the Spirit, and open to the grace of God. Let us remember that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
~Tom
Returning to In-Person Worship
The duties of the session are organized using the notes of the Reformed church in our own time as follows: 1) provide that the Word of God may be truly preached and heard, 2) provide that the Sacraments may be rightly administered and received, and 3) nurture the covenant community of disciples of Christ.
Stage One – May 26, 2020: What is essential in our life together during the “Yellow” Phase?
Communicate plans to the congregation; begin preparations for a gradual return to worship.
Stage Two: What happens once Washington County moves into the “Green” Phase?
Stage Three: What will happen once the underlying risks of Covid-19 are reduced or eliminated?
Stage One – May 26, 2020: What is essential in our life together during the “Yellow” Phase?
Communicate plans to the congregation; begin preparations for a gradual return to worship.
- Check with insurance company regarding our eventual return to in-person worship.
- We are covered. But in PA we must ensure that we are taking every precaution in alignment with prevention guidelines.
- Continue online worship via Facebook Live and Tom’s laptop.
- Prepare worship/public spaces for return to in-person worship. This includes:
- Ensure Blue River is cleaning on Saturday’s, with particular attention to the Gathering Place, Bride’s Room, Narthex, and Sanctuary.
- Hand Sanitizer near entrances and in public spaces. Free Standing touchless dispensers will be purchased. Until they arrive, bottles of hand sanitizer will be available. These will remain in place permanently.
- Prepare congregation to come to worship (once it resumes) with their own masks. Procure extra masks and gloves for those who do not have their own. Communicate that the congregation will be asked to wear their masks in the early days together, following CDC guidelines, until given notice that it is safe to gather without them.
- Prepare the sanctuary for in-person worship by indicating which pews people may sit in, ensuring that the required six-foot distance is being implemented. Seating areas will be designated with appropriate signage. With the exception of immediate family members, the number of people per row will be limited. The first three rows will be off limits (with the exception of Tom and Amy).
- Look into and acquire proper equipment to professionally livestream worship with our current A/V system.
- Amy Moore is working with the A/V team to utilize our current cameras and Anycast system to livestream all in one.
- Continue to encourage the congregation through phone calls; meetings held via Zoom or another format.
Stage Two: What happens once Washington County moves into the “Green” Phase?
- Communicate to the congregation the date when in-person worship will resume. This date should be set for a minimum of two weeks after the start of the “Green” Phase to ensure that community spread of Covid-19 is not increasing. Upon resuming in-person worship:
- Masks will be required for use during worship. The pastor will remove his mask during the Sermon only, since no one sits directly in front of him.
- Online worship will continue. It will be stressed that there is no shame in continuing to worship from home.
- Persons considered a part of the most vulnerable population as well as those with underlying health conditions will be highly encouraged to continue worshiping at home and refrain from worshiping at the Church.
- Fellowship will be discontinued until the fall at the earliest.
- Offering will be placed in baskets in the Narthex. Encourage use of online offering as well.
- Physical distancing will occur within the sanctuary; congregation will sit in designated pews. See specification above.
- Initially, communion will take the form of individualized, pre-packaged wafers and cups. May develop a different approach as the summer continues. Those who elect to refrain from communion will be reminded that there is no shame in refraining from participation. Members will also be encouraged to bring their own if they would like.
- Common areas, i.e., offices, parlor, and machine room will be off limits for general use on Sunday mornings.
- Bulletins (and communion when applicable) will be placed in designated pews. Use of hymnals will be highly discouraged.
- Greeters will maintain safe distancing and should wave.
- Congregation is encouraged to avoid handshaking or hugs during this time.
- The number of congregational songs will be reduced for a season. Singing is up to the discretion of each individual member, but masks must be worn during all songs.
- Liturgists will be discontinued for a season.
- At the beginning of worship, Tom will take a picture of those in the pews. This will help in contact tracing should an outbreak occur.
- Twice a week cleaning from Blue River.
- Outside groups are allowed to resume their activities in the Green Phase, as long as they too are observing the proper CDC guidelines for gathering.
- Janet will obtain a copy of IU’s policies.
- Other outside groups must provide Janet with a copy of their guidelines they intend to implement and follow.
- Committee/Session meetings can resume in-person with the option for committee members to join remotely.
- Those with visible symptoms of illness will be asked to refrain from coming to worship or the church until they are symptom free. The congregation will be highly encouraged to continue to act with an abundance of caution.
Stage Three: What will happen once the underlying risks of Covid-19 are reduced or eliminated?
- Continue open communication with the congregation.
- CDC and denominational guidance will determine when and how social/physical distancing measures for in-person worship can be lifted.
- Twice a week cleaning continues from Blue River.
- Online worship continues.
- Communion will return to “normal” in some form.
- Those will visible symptoms of illness will be asked to refrain from coming to worship. The congregation will be highly encouraged to continue to act with an abundance of caution.
- When we know we’re in the clear: a feast and celebration!
