March 2020 _________________

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The federal and state governments' recommendations, along with guidelines from the CDC, have been evolving as the spread of the Covid-19 virus and its effects have been felt throughout this country and the world.  It has become increasingly necessary to limit contact in close proximity with one another so as to not overwhelm our health care facilities and to keep all of us as healthy as possible during this pandemic. 

Christ First is doing its part to comply with expert guidelines and will be closed for worship and other church related activities until such time as we can again safely worship together in truth, love, and faith as one body.

We will need to adapt to a new reality and look at how we "do church" during this pandemic.  I have been amazed at the creativity shown by our local church leadership and feel blessed by their faithfulness to God's children and Kingdom work.  The following ways to stay connected are being put in place until such time as our doors are once again open and welcoming to all:

1. For those without Internet access, a self-directed worship program is being written with study guides by Pastor Sue.  These programs will be available for a weekly Lenten study geared for the next three weeks.  The studies will be in the clear box by the back door of the church.  Please feel free to take one home and use it for worship and introspection.
2. For those with Internet access, a weekly service will be recorded.  Music will be provided by our talented musicians (Steve Woods and Andy Schmidt) and the recording will be created through the talents of our tech team (Connie and Tony Pilato).  Please join us on our Facebook Page.  Facebbook.com/ChristFirstJamestown 
3. Our new web-page is live!  Updates on the state of the church will be found there.  www.ChristFirstJamestown.org
4. The Food Bank will remain open on Mondays and Wednesdays, but with a different protocol.  Bags will be prepacked based on family size and given to our customers utilizing the back door by the ramp.
5. Kenzie (our active Youth Coordinator) is creating packets to be sent out each week to the members of our Sunday School.  These packets will contain puzzles, games, word finds, coloring pages and other materials to keep the children connected to God and to also keep them occupied! Each child will personally receive a packet in the mail so keep an eye out for them!
6. The Conference is providing each church with connectional tools such as Zoom by covering half of the cost of the program. With this new technology, team meetings, information sharing, Bible studies, and the work of the church can and will continue.

Brothers and Sisters, I firmly believe in the power and grace of Holy Communion.  We will therefore have the Eucharist - but in a different format!  On Palm Sunday, I am encouraging you to drive to the Portico overhang outside of the Narthex at the front of the building sometime between 9:30 and 10:30 am.  We will have gloved servers and consecrated, communion kits of a wafer and juice to offer you.  Each car will receive a blessing and prayer, and then drive down the alley and out the lower drive at the back of the building.  It may seem odd to have "Communion take-out" but these are unique ways in which to operate as the church  Please note, if we find that Easter services will not be held due to health and safety concerns, we will again have Communion as above.

We will remain the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior.  We have a coordinator who is developing a list of individuals who are available to run errands, pick-up prescriptions, provide groceries and help in whatever ways are needed.  If you are in need of assistance, please call the church office.  If you are willing to help with errands, also please call the office and let us know.

We can all help through our prayers for one another, for our community and for the world.  Please continue to be prayer warriors and go to God with your concerns. We can keep in touch with neighbors, family and friends through phone calls, Facebook and email.  This is a time when we, as Christians, can let the light of Christ shine in a world that is in darkness and fear.  Always remember to respond with a spirit of faith, not a spirit of fear. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the fear of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6

Friends, remain calm, be at peace, and remember - God's got this!

In gentleness and love.
Pastor Sue