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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
Worship on Facebook Live each Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
Worship will begin at 11:00 each week. Christian Education will return at 9:30 Sunday mornings beginning with a study that ties into the sermon series on The Book of the Twelve. Click on the 3 horizontal lines on the top left, then double click the CE page to find the specifics for the class led by Pastor Tom. Until we resume in-person worship, this class will be offered through ZOOM. See footer for links to the Zoom class and handouts to download.
Center Presbyterian Church will continue to worship on Facebook Live for the foreseeable future.
Those worship services can be viewed anytime on our Facebook page.
Watch here for any updates.
Those worship services can be viewed anytime on our Facebook page.
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 |
A Message from Rev. Tom Moore
Dear Saints,
At the start of this pandemic, during our final in-person worship service, I borrowed a sentiment from a dear friend and colleague who wrote: “Dear everybody, Since I’ve not pastored through a pandemic before I don’t know all of the answers. But I’m paying attention to science and praying for wisdom. Together we’ll take courage, be patient, consider the least of these, and press onward while loving our neighbors. Love, Your pastor. P.S. Wash your hands.”
Early on, I was confident in our collective ability to overcome this virus; I was optimistic that we would return to in-person worship no later than Pentecost. But as our knowledge of this particular strain of Coronavirus has evolved, as more and more virologists and immunologist studying Covid-19 have stressed how highly communicable this aerosolized virus is within indoor settings, and how dangerous it is for those with underlying health conditions, our Session has taken a cautious and thoughtful approach.
Although cases are beginning to plateau, the average number of cases is higher than in March and April. To that end, and to assist myself, Cindy, and Janet to make plans for the fall, the Session has discerned that it is best to continue with virtual worship until the end of November. As of today, our target date for returning to in-person worship will be the 1st Sunday of Advent (November 29th). Should the number of new cases precipitously drop off between now and then there is the possibility of resuming in-person worship earlier. At the same time, should the number of new cases continue at the current levels or if there is another surge, we may have to consider resuming in-person worship in 2021. While I know this is disappointing, our spiritual leaders made this decision with an abundance of caution, love, and compassion for the body of Christ. No one wants to be the cause of transmitting this horrendous virus to a brother or sister in Christ. Moreover, having a target date in place will allow for planning such things as bible studies, other forms of Christian education as well as physically distanced fellowship gatherings, such as we experienced during in-person “Conversations on the Porch.” Nevertheless, there is something to be joyful about.
On Sunday, August 30th at 11:30 a.m. we will have a congregational meeting in the Church parking lot. The purpose of this meeting is to elect me as your installed pastor. Since I began my time with you, I have been a “temporary” and “designated” pastor. While it is not typical for a temporary pastor to move to an “installed” position in a congregation, the Session and I as well as our presbytery’s Committee on Ministry have all affirmed that we sense the Spirit moving and leading us in this direction. And now it’s time for you, as members of the congregation, to add your voice.
If you are planning to attend in person, I would ask that you please contact myself (revtom.moore@gmail.com) or Janet (centerpres@comcast.met) via email or phone (724- 941-9050) to let us know. All those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask. Even though we will be outdoors we must be cautious of others. And for those who are unable to attend in person or are not comfortable with doing so, you will have the opportunity to participate via Zoom, with the login information provided closer to the meeting.
It is truly a blessing to be in ministry with you and to walk through this difficult season with you as your pastor. I am thankful for the places the Lord has taken us so far and look forward to what the Lord is doing in our midst. And I encourage you all, as we continue through this pandemic, to nurture the bonds of fellowship in Christ, to take courage in Christ, to practice patience, and to continue to love your neighbors knowing that together, this season will pass and a new season will be before us.
Blessings, Tom
At the start of this pandemic, during our final in-person worship service, I borrowed a sentiment from a dear friend and colleague who wrote: “Dear everybody, Since I’ve not pastored through a pandemic before I don’t know all of the answers. But I’m paying attention to science and praying for wisdom. Together we’ll take courage, be patient, consider the least of these, and press onward while loving our neighbors. Love, Your pastor. P.S. Wash your hands.”
Early on, I was confident in our collective ability to overcome this virus; I was optimistic that we would return to in-person worship no later than Pentecost. But as our knowledge of this particular strain of Coronavirus has evolved, as more and more virologists and immunologist studying Covid-19 have stressed how highly communicable this aerosolized virus is within indoor settings, and how dangerous it is for those with underlying health conditions, our Session has taken a cautious and thoughtful approach.
Although cases are beginning to plateau, the average number of cases is higher than in March and April. To that end, and to assist myself, Cindy, and Janet to make plans for the fall, the Session has discerned that it is best to continue with virtual worship until the end of November. As of today, our target date for returning to in-person worship will be the 1st Sunday of Advent (November 29th). Should the number of new cases precipitously drop off between now and then there is the possibility of resuming in-person worship earlier. At the same time, should the number of new cases continue at the current levels or if there is another surge, we may have to consider resuming in-person worship in 2021. While I know this is disappointing, our spiritual leaders made this decision with an abundance of caution, love, and compassion for the body of Christ. No one wants to be the cause of transmitting this horrendous virus to a brother or sister in Christ. Moreover, having a target date in place will allow for planning such things as bible studies, other forms of Christian education as well as physically distanced fellowship gatherings, such as we experienced during in-person “Conversations on the Porch.” Nevertheless, there is something to be joyful about.
On Sunday, August 30th at 11:30 a.m. we will have a congregational meeting in the Church parking lot. The purpose of this meeting is to elect me as your installed pastor. Since I began my time with you, I have been a “temporary” and “designated” pastor. While it is not typical for a temporary pastor to move to an “installed” position in a congregation, the Session and I as well as our presbytery’s Committee on Ministry have all affirmed that we sense the Spirit moving and leading us in this direction. And now it’s time for you, as members of the congregation, to add your voice.
If you are planning to attend in person, I would ask that you please contact myself (revtom.moore@gmail.com) or Janet (centerpres@comcast.met) via email or phone (724- 941-9050) to let us know. All those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask. Even though we will be outdoors we must be cautious of others. And for those who are unable to attend in person or are not comfortable with doing so, you will have the opportunity to participate via Zoom, with the login information provided closer to the meeting.
It is truly a blessing to be in ministry with you and to walk through this difficult season with you as your pastor. I am thankful for the places the Lord has taken us so far and look forward to what the Lord is doing in our midst. And I encourage you all, as we continue through this pandemic, to nurture the bonds of fellowship in Christ, to take courage in Christ, to practice patience, and to continue to love your neighbors knowing that together, this season will pass and a new season will be before us.
Blessings, Tom