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The First Presbyterian Church
On-the-Square
2A North Hanover Street
Carlisle, Penn. 17013
August 21, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church,
I saw some good and moving advice this week, posted by a dear friend who is deeply respected by his congregation. He was posting it because we are entering the last two months before the election when we're all feeling a bit overwhelmed, potentially discouraged, and possibly angry. Here is his (slightly edited) advice:
Post and speak wisely over the next months.
Contribute to discourse, not division.
Check to make sure you know the facts.
Resist cheap digs and false assumptions.
Create beauty.
We can transcend discord and be better, even when we disagree.
I'm moved by these words and I share them in hopes that we can all find ways love one another and live into God's truth made known to us in Jesus Christ. He is the true source of our identity, for in baptism we put off the old self, we die with Christ, and rise with him as well. I invite you to hold on to your identity that is found first, last, and always in Jesus Christ.
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 students, parents, teachers, and school administrators as they seek to educate and care for our children. 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.
Beirut Explosion Relief - If you would like to make a contribution to relief efforts in Beirut following the explosion, the Outreach Foundation 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/).
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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