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The First Presbyterian Church
On-the-Square
2A North Hanover Street
Carlisle, Penn. 17013
August 14, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church,
Last week a massive explosion rocked the port of Beirut in Lebanon, a city which I have visited several times over the past few years. The damage, as you probably witnessed on TV, has been devastating. More than 150 people have died, thousands were injured, and many more have been left homeless. The National Evangelical Church of Beirut and the Near East School of Theology (NEST) were both badly damaged and will need significant repairs. NEST is one of only a few protestant seminaries in the Middle East training pastors and Christian educators. Please join me in praying for the people of Beirut who are suffering and for the churches of the National Evangelical (Presbyterian) Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) as they work through this difficult time.
If you would like to make a contribution to relief efforts, the Outreach Foundation (the group I frequently travel with) has established the Beirut Compassion Fund – check out their website (www.theoutreachfoundation.org/updates/2020/8/5/beirut-compassion-fund) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is also responding (https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/beirut-explosion/).
Worship Online will continue to be posted on the church website every Sunday morning as it has been since the pandemic forced us to suspend in-person worship.
During the month August Evening Vesper Services will continue to be held outdoors (weather permitting) at the historic Meeting House Springs Cemetery! The services will begin at 7:00pm and last about 30 minutes. Worshippers should plan to bring a lawn chair or blanket and wear masks. Families will need to be spaced six or more feet apart and observe all physical distancing guidelines from the CDC. You might want to bring a water bottle and even though the cemetery is mostly level you also might want to bring a cane or walking stick. It is important to note that if you are not feeling well, you should stay home. For those who do not know how to get to Meeting House Springs a map and directions will be provided.
We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Vesper Services. Pre-packaged communion elements will be available, however you are welcome to bring bread and juice/wine from home as well in order to participate.
A reminder, that if you do not have internet access and would like to receive an audio CD recording of the worship service, please call the church office to request a copy. We will mail or drop off copies to those who request them.
Prayer – please continue praying each day. Pray for one another and pray for our world. Pray for the leaders of our nation and the leaders all nations. Pray for doctors and nurses and healthcare workers. Pray for those who cannot work from home, for grocery store clerks, first responders, and truck drivers. Pray for those infected by the virus and their families. Pray for the families whose loved ones have died. Pray for the church of Jesus Christ to respond with compassion and courage. Pray for our partners in the Presbyterian Church of Honduras as they work to distribute food to the hungry. The Prayer Community continues to meet by teleconference. If you have prayer requests please share them with the church office.
Church finances – thank you for your continued generosity! Recently, the Church Session made several donations to groups in the church and community. A gift was given to the Deacons since there Dinner for Dads fundraiser had to be cancelled. Significant gifts were also given to Community CARES, the Emergency Fund established by the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County, and the Summer Program for Youth (SPY). Together these gifts totaled $4,000.00 - your generosity has enabled us to continue supporting vital local mission projects. Thank-you! Even though we have not been meeting in person and the building is closed, many of our expenses continue and I’m grateful that you have continued to support the work of the church. You can mail checks directly to the church office or give online by going to the church website, click on the “Give Now” button, and you will be directed to a secure website hosted by the Presbyterian Foundation.
Pastoral Care and Concerns – If you or someone you know has a need for pastoral care please do not hesitate to contact the church office at 717-243-4612.
Yours very truly in Christ,
Pastor Tony
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Directions from First Presbyterian Church (2A North Hanover Street) to Meeting House Springs Cemetery (1000 Meeting House Spring Road) (Follow Route 74)
1. From the church travel WEST on W. High Street (0.4 miles)
2. Turn RIGHT on N. College Street (0.5 miles)
3. Turn LEFT on B Street and continue on to Waggoners Gap Road (0.9 miles)
4. Pass under the Pennsylvania Turnpike and go past a farm lane
5. Turn LEFT on Meeting House Road (0.7miles)
NOTE: Meeting House Road is a one way gravel lane. There are a couple places to pull over to let vehicles pass. ALSO NOTE: This is the only way to access Meeting House Springs, the underpass from Meeting House Road has been closed.
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