We’ll Wait to Reopen Safely
 The following statement relates to Session’s plan for when to reopen the church. It reflects the research and thoughtful recommendations of a dedicated group of church leaders who comprise our Reopen Task Force. Of its work, the task force states: We are guided by a commitment to plan what First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa needs to do, rather than what we want to do and take seriously these words from 1 Corinthians 10.24: “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” Here is Session’s initial position statement related to reopening the church:
The priority of our church is to worship God while maximizing the safety of our congregation and community. There are many indications that we have a long road ahead of us before we fully return to in-person worship in our sanctuary, and that we are “only in the first inning of a long nine-inning game.” To ensure safety, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa will continue on-line worship and not shift to outdoor or car worship at this time. We will thoughtfully and carefully plan for re-opening the church once, rather than have to close down a church function previously opened. Session will continue to communicate with our congregation as plans to re-open our church are formulated.
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At Home VBS
 We are providing an At Home VBS Kit for our church families with children in kindergarten to 6th grade, since we will not hold onsite VBS at church this year. VBS Kits include everything a family needs to help their kids dive deeper into their faith: five lessons on how they can focus on God by how they hear, pray, talk, and live; supplies and samples for activities and crafts; a link to videos that present the Bible stories in ways that will engage the entire family. There is flexibility in how to use the kit: choose a week to do all five lessons or spread the lessons out over the entire summer. Please register for your At Home VBS Kit by June 8th, to register click here.
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Sunday Fellowship via Zoom
May 31, 2020 11:30 AM
We invite you to join us for a time of fellowship at 11:30 AM on Sundays via the zoom link (below). We’ve added structure to our gathering to optimize our time together with a host calling on each participant.
Zoom Link
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We Grow
EnlightenUp!
With Tina Ramirez
“Defending the Persecuted"
Sunday, May 31 – 7 PM via Zoom
Adult Discipleship Class
Taught by Rev. Dr. Kent Webber
"Biblical Principles for Political Decision-Making"
Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:45 PM via Zoom, May 19 through June 23
Course Study Guide available upon request.
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 758 425 444 Password: 926535
To attend by phone only, dial: 1-669-900-6833
When prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 758425444
You will be able to hear Kent teaching and any questions that are asked. Your phone will be muted to decrease ambient noise. To participate in the discussion: unmute, hit*6
To view last week’s recorded version of the class click here.
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Church News
We celebrate the birth of Reid Jamie Benjamin Soss born April 23, 2020 to Rachel and Richard Soss. Reid is the grandson of Marie Carr.
Chuck Stark will serve as our Presbytery’s Elder Commissioner to the 224th General Assembly of our denomination which meets (via zoom, originally to have met in Baltimore) June 19, 26 & 27. As one of only two commissioners from our Presbytery, it is an honor for Chuck and our congregation that he was elected to serve in this capacity.
The Rev. Dr. Robert “Bob” Conover retired this month after leading the Presbytery of the Redwoods for 17 years as its Mission Presbyter and Stated Clerk. Session voted to honor Bob’s leadership by contributing to the Presbytery’s farewell gift.
I (Teresa Jepson) have had the privilege of overseeing some much-needed updates to our church facilities during my tenure on Session. Currently, Session is in the process of submitting plans to the City of Santa Rosa for a multi-generational room just off the narthex where Dale’s office used to be located. This remodel would include replacing the single door leading from this space to the church lawn with double doors. Since the exterior of the building would be altered and the church property is located within an historic preservation district, part of the permitting process will involve a review by the historic preservation board for the city. Also, under review by this board, will be a request from the church to install fabric awnings above two sets of sanctuary windows facing the lawn and realignment of the preschool play yard fence line. The awnings will protect the windows from sun damage and allow for their preservation and the realignment of the fence will provide a larger area for children to play.
The city will post a sign on the church property notifying neighbors of the proposed changes and hearing date. We have initiated the permit process with the city, but the project itself will not begin until 2021 or later. We all look forward to when we can safely gather together in our building again. While we are separated in observance of the SIP (Shelter in Place) ordinance we remain one in Christ.
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 To use Zoom by phone for any Zoom call you may dial one of these numbers:
+1 669.900.6833
US (San Jose)
+1 346.248.7799
US (Houston)
For outside the US, locate your local number.
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