July 2020
Pajamas in Church
I have been following many church professionals of all stripes discussing (projecting) the change covid19 will bring to the church now that green phases allow for some gatherings. Some wonder if people will have become so accustom to not gathering in worship that they simple cease to attend worship. I am not in this camp.
Throughout the life of Jesus’ Church, she has known social ups and downs, natural disasters, human disasters such as war or violence, and the Church has thrived. Some will say difficulties draw out the best in Jesus’ Church; others disagree. There is nothing we can do to stop Jesus’ Church – again proven by history. When policies or practices have tried to silence the Church, she continues to endure. Why? Because she belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, not us.
Jesus asked these two things of us: Love God, Love our neighbor. From the beginning of Acts 2, the birth of the Church, a huge part of loving neighbor was gathering together for hymns, potlucks, prayer, shared compassion. During the Covid19 closures we developed new patterns like worshiping online and be intentional about contacting friends and family. It was a hard lesson but a blessed one. We adapted, just as Jesus’ Church always adapts.
Now people have experienced online services in pajamas, with doughnuts and coffee/tea, at a time that suits them best, so experts wonder if people will give that flexibility up. Why not bring this flexibility to worship gatherings? I was tempted to write ‘bring it to church’ but YOU are the Church, not the buildings. This is the greatest lesson we can learn through our closures.
The second lesson is this: wear your pajamas to Church, bring your cup of tea (you might want to forego the doughnuts or toast) and come as you are. Come to worship online and come in person, or both. If you thumb through your Bible I doubt you will find a verse saying you must wear your Sunday best to worship. ‘Sunday best’ is a cultural statement, not biblical mandate. Which opens up another good lesson to learn: not judging others for what they do or do not wear.
While practicing physical distancing you may come to the sanctuary and fellowship by sharing the peace of Christ with eye smiles, air hugs, and spreading encouragement while receiving your own. This is loving your neighbor as much as calling a friend, sending a card, and waving from window to window. Pajamas in church is just fine!
While participating in worship via our website, you are ‘gathering’ with the Church of Jesus Christ, giving Him praise and glory. It is important to remember that gathering in person put some people at risk until there is a vaccine. So both practices: in person and online is the new normal for Jesus’ Church.
Gathering is part of ancient Church’s tradition, without question. But Jesus’ Church has adapted before and will again. How shall we adapt? Maybe with pajamas, maybe with suits, maybe at home, better still all. Accept each other as Christ accepts us. Come to worship by gathering via technology, viewing a service at home, or both. I track the numbers of those who view the service from home and include you on our ‘attendance’ sheet. What you wear is never included, ever. Jane
Day Camp in a Box staff
DAY CAMP IN A BOX!
DCPC in a Box is in full swing and we are having a blast creating boxes of fun for the children in your lives. Each week’s box is focused on a different prayer practice and has a variety of activities. From games, crafts, journals, nature activities, music, critical thinking, STEM, service, Bible activities, and more, it’s hard to pick favorites this summer, but we asked our staff to do just that. Get to know our fantastic summer staff and some of their favorite activities they’ve created.
Gabby’s Favorite Box Activity: Anything Active. Gabby loves Week 3’s Frisbee Tennis and enjoys the challenge of finding new and exciting ways to play classic games.
Angela’s Favorite Box Activity: Week 2’s Terrariums. With an upcycled jar, you can have your own grass and flowers growing on your windowsill!
Lauren’s Favorite Box Activity: Rubberband bracelets. Lauren enjoys creating new colorful bracelets for campers to challenge themselves making each week.
Rachel’s Favorite Box Activity: Making stickers, custom cuts, and more with the Cricut. Rachel uses her creativity to enhance our boxes with personalized stickers and cutouts for our campers.
There’s still time to get boxes for your loved ones! Boxes start at $25 for one child with an additional $5 for each child. Boxes can also be shipped to those who may not be close enough to pick them up! Visit our website at www.plumcreek.com/daycamp or contact Faith, faith.plumcreek@gmail.com to order now!
Gabby
Lauren
Faith
Angela
Rachel
RUMMAGE SALE - 2 WEEKENDS! AUGUST 21 & 22 and AUGUST 28 & 29
The rummage sale is scheduled but please note that we will be abiding by all state and CDC guidelines as determined by Session. The plans by Evangelism and Fellowship are to spread out the Rummage Sale to allow for required physical distancing and clean up.
The sale will definitely look different this year
but we still need everyone's help to make this event a success!
Some of the planned changes will be:
• No food will be served or sold.
• The pavilion and tents will be used to host outside sale areas.
• Fellowship Hall will also be used.
• The number of people permitted inside at one time will be determined by Session.
• It is hoped to have food trucks available.
Donations:
• We are not taking clothing donations.
• Donations may be brought to the church Tuesday to Thursday between 10am & 3 pm.
• Please call the church office before bringing donations.
• Donations may be brought on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 pm.
• Please bring large items and furniture the week of August 16.