May 2020
I miss you!
But missing you keeps you safe during this Covid19 discovery period. Please know your Session is diligently moderating state and CDC guidelines for gatherings. We are hopeful for new opportunities to gather soon as we move into this new yellow phase. The grace you have shown in worshiping at home and joining fellowship and Bible studies through zoom meetings will need to continue.
When we are able to worship together state guidelines will initially require only small assemblies, for your protection. Please expect changes such as:
· We expect the standards to state only 25 people may gather and we will adhere to this rule and adapt as it changes. Session is discussing a phased gathering plan for worship and fellowship.
· Services will continue to be videoed and shared on our website for the foreseeable future.
· Masks will probably be required. We have lots of extras on hand as needed.
· Sanitation products are already stocked. There will be hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in the narthex and at each restroom as well as Lysol spray, and boxes of Kleenex in every pew.
· No paper bulletins, we will use the PowerPoint to share liturgy and announcements.
· The beloved hugs and handshakes will not happen. Air hugs will continue!
· Please sit with your family, but 6’ physical distancing will be required between family groups as we move into and out of the sanctuary and sit in the pews.
· We will continue to share the love of Christ with one another but it will be with the ancient liturgy: The Peace of Christ be with you. And also with you, as you greet one another with a smile and eye contact.
· Fellowship pads will not be used. Ushers will keep track of who attends each service for church records and for health records in case there is a case of Covid 19 within our congregation.
· Offering trays will not be passed, instead baskets will set on each pew for offerings and ushers will pick them up during the offertory.
· Your Worship and Music committee has an excellent plan for sharing the Lord’s Supper. Trays will not be used, but stations with a cup with a piece of bread and a second cup with juice. A server will be stand by to help and offer the ‘Bread of Life’ ‘Cup of Salvation.’
· Dismissal may be organized pew by pew. I will greet you as you leave your pew rather than at the door.
· Session is considering opening up 2 additional entrances and exits to the sanctuary. More details will follow.
Through the centuries the Church of Jesus Christ has gone through major shifts, this is one of them. As our General Minister Rev. Dr. Sheldon Sorge writes: “it does not matter where we worship, it matters how we worship.” To this I would add it matters that we worship our Lord God. Presbytery does not order the details of when we assemble again, it may only offer suggestions to Sessions who make the final decisions. You may notice some churches, Presbyterian and others, are beginning to assemble again. Plum Creek will continue to be cautious and prepared.
Presbytery and your Session long to allow us to gather again, but caution in a time such as this will have amazing benefits in the long run. We must prayerfully consider best options and practices for the health and welfare of the whole people of God. Including the understanding that the state may return to a total lock down or continue to remove restrictions. Again, we will follow state guidelines knowing that, as the hymn so beautifully puts it: It Is Well With My Soul:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
Julian of Norwich lived during the European plagues in the 14th century. She was devoted to prayer and contemplation of God. She lived and prayed in total isolation because of the plague. In her life of isolation she was gifted with visions, ‘showings’ of heaven and of our Lord. Her ministry of prayer remains with us as her words remain with us today. Then and now her reflections bring great solace during our isolation. She wrote and we remember:
All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
This is truly God’s long range plan for you as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s words to his prophet were also during at time of destruction and fear.
People of God, keep your eyes on the Lord, your rock and your refuge! Hold onto worshiping the Lord with joy and gratitude in a time such as this for your Lord and your church love you dearly. Jane
We want to recognize those in our church family who are graduation this spring but without graduation ceremonies. Congratulations on the good work and may God’s blessings abound as you move forward!
Chelsea - who earned her Masters in Deaf Education.
Amanda - graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Allie - graduated from 8th grade and will be heading to high school this fall.
Emily - graduated from pre-school and is looking forward to kindergarten.
Rev. Dr. Jim Kirk received his Doctorate of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
PLUM CREEK ONLINE GIVING
This new service is being offered as a convenience to any member or donor who might prefer an online or mobile giving option. An online giving tab is found on the opening page of our website, top right side.
Announcing Our Summer 2020 Program:
DCPC in a Box!
This summer, in lieu of our in-person day camp, the Day Camp at Plum Creek will be offering you the opportunity to experience camp from the comfort of your home with DCPC in a Box! Our weekly boxes will feature camp activities for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and more to do on their own or as a family. Filled with nature activities, arts & crafts, games, devotions, STEM, and more, each week brings a new batch of captivating endeavors.
In addition to the activities included in your boxes, you’ll get access to online content that goes with each week’s theme. Your campers have the option to watch how-to videos for their activities, hear daily devotionals with Pastor Jane, share pictures of their projects, participate in camp-wide video calls, and more. All online interaction will take place in a safe, secure environment and be moderated by our camp staff.
Although our in-person camps will be suspended, we are incredibly excited about all that DCPC in a Box has to offer. Our first box will be available for the week of June 8. Boxes will be $25 per week for one-child and $5 for each additional child (ex. Box for 3 children = $35). You’ll be able to sign up and purchase DCPC in a Box through our regular online registration portal. More details will be released in the days to come so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and add our email to your contacts to stay in the loop.
