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Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear" (Psalm 46:1).
Based on the recommendations of public health officials, Faith UMC will no longer be holding in-person worship gatherings beginning Sunday, March 22, until further notice.
Virtual Worship: Instead of worshipping in-person, we will gather for virtual worship on Sundays at 10:00am via Facebook Live (Visit: www.fb.com/faithfoxchapel) and/or Conference Call (Call: 425-436-6200 and enter the Access Code: 467523). As an expression of our identity as one church in two locations, we will come together for one virtual worship service at 10:00am, alternating every-other week between worship locations, preachers, and music styles. The Facebook Live video will also be available for viewing online after the service if you cannot attend at 10:00am.
Other Program Changes:
- The Neighborhood Table Community Dinner is canceled, until further notice.
- Circles Sharpsburg will meet via phone/video.
- There will be Community Food Distribution at Roots of Faith at day(s) and time(s) to be determined - contact Kathleen Stanley to volunteer.
- Bible Studies & Small Groups will either cancel or meet via phone/video at the discretion of the leader.
- Committees and Ministry Teams will either cancel or meet via phone/video at the discretion of the chairperson.
- Fox Hill Preschool will cancel classes until April 13th, following the decision of the Fox Chapel Area School District.
Event Changes:
- The Art Show at Roots of Faith 3/20 has been postponed.
- The Current on 3/28 has been postponed.
- The Community Easter Egg Hunt on 4/11 has been canceled.
- We have not made a decision yet regarding cancellation/virtual worship for Maundy Thursday 4/8, Good Friday 4/9, or Messy Church 4/14.
Office Hours:
- Roots of Faith will provide social services by phone call only.
- Faith UMC office will have limited office hours due to the Office Manager transition.
- Pastor Scott and Pastor Ben may be reached on their cell phones.
Congregational Calling Team: We are in the process of forming a Congregational Calling Team to ensure that we are intentionally connecting with and caring for each other through regular phone calls. If you or someone you know in our church or community is in need of practical support or pastoral care, please contact Pastor Scott or Pastor Ben.
Congregational Giving: Faith UMC is seeking to continue all staff compensation throughout this crisis. Therefore, we would ask all congregants to continue your faithful giving to Faith UMC if you are in a position to do so. Checks can be mailed to the church office at 261 W. Chapel Ridge Rd, Fox Chapel, PA 15238. Online giving is also available for Faith Church (www.faithfoxchapel.org/give) and Roots of Faith (www.faithfoxchapel.org/rofgive).
Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I am praying that the Holy Spirit will give each of us a peace that passes understanding in the days ahead. Please know that your pastors and church family are here for you to help in any way needed. God bless!
Pastor Scott Shaffer
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