Calendar for September 24 - October 2, 2021

9/26 - Sunday School for all ages begins 9:30am
9/26 - In person worship at Central

The Session met Wednesday, 9/8/21, the elders passed the following resolution:

Because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases (of which the more infectious Delta variant is the most prevalent) reported, it is becoming increasingly likely that even fully vaccinated, apparently healthy individuals are carrying the virus. While they may be asymptomatic or have only very mild symptoms, they are still capable of passing the virus to others. We therefore propose we take steps to minimize the rate of re-infection that are consistent with the apparent viral load that is in the local community. We have, for our ready reference, an indication of the local viral load as manifested by the number of COVID cases in our county; the Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard and Advisory Map (https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2393.htm). At the same time, we recognize that the high vaccination rate in the church community is helping to keep the viral load low within the church building. We therefore propose that we follow these guidelines. When Vigo County is:

• Blue conditions - Normal services without restriction.

• Yellow - Normal services without restriction, masking and distancing would be recommended.

• Orange - Masking required, distancing strongly recommended. Choir and other music subject to the individual participants comfort level.

• Red - Masking and distancing required, suspension of choir and children's school/service (children to remain with parents and not go forward for children's moment)

For a more detailed explanation of the rationale behind this resolution Please Click Here
 

In April the session of the Central Presbyterian Church passed a resolution declaring ourselves a Matthew 25 church.  (In this chapter Jesus tells his followers that when we minister to "the least of these" we minister to him.)  Since then, the elders have worked on how to live out our Matthew 25 status in terms of inclusion in church life for people across the spectrum of gender identities.  At their September 8th, 2021 meeting, the elders adopted this statement:

All pastors and elders vow upon ordination to "further the peace, purity and unity of the church".  We pray our actions this month will do this very thing.

We will be facilitating three sessions during our Sunday School time on being a welcoming and inclusive church. Dates and more info are below. Please make plans to attend and engage with your church family about how we can live fully as a Matthew 25 congregation. 

• Sunday School will be meeting for our children age 3 through Middle School.
• Nursery care will be open for younger children.
• High school age youth are invited to participate in these sessions with parent permission.

The latest issue of The HERALD is available on the THCPC website.