Worshiping in the Sanctuary Safely

     We had our first indoor service last Sunday, and it went very well. There were 28 people in attendance physically distanced and wearing masks. Please remember not to stand in the aisles socializing but to go directly to your pew. When leaving the sanctuary, continue to maintain social distance, and do not block the aisles. If you wish to socialize before or after the service, please do so outside while being careful not to block the path of others coming and going.
      If you are attending for the first time this Sunday, please note the following. Enter the sanctuary by one of the two green doors on Miner Street. Please enter on the side you intend to sit on, as the sanctuary will be divided down the middle. As you enter, please take advantage of the touchless hand sanitizers mounted to the walls on both sides of the narthex.
     You will be required to wear your mask when in the sanctuary. Free cloth masks will be available for your convenience as you enter. An offering plate will be just inside the door on each side of the sanctuary. Welcoming deacons, one on each side of the sanctuary, will be available to answer your questions, help you get seated, and meet other needs.
     Singles and couples should sit in the center pews, while couples and families should sit along the walls. Every other pew is roped off. Do not sit in a roped off pew. In the center pews that are not roped off, the spaces on both ends are marked "Please Keep This Seat Free." Singles and couples should sit in the middle of these pews, avoiding either end in order to comply with physical distancing guidelines.
     
If you are feeling unwell or unable to attend for any reason, please note that the service will be taped. Look for the videotape of the service on our YouTube Channel around 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

 

     The Fellowship of Northeast Congregational Christian Churches (FNCCC) held its Annual Fall Meeting on Sunday, October 18 via Zoom. A new Constitution and Bylaws for the Fellowship were adopted. If you are interested in receiving a copy, or if you have any questions about the Fellowship, please feel free to contact the Executive Director of the FNCCC, Rev. Dr. Irven Gammon at execdir277@gmail.com or 413-320-6955.
     Our church is an active member of the FNCCC which joins 37 churches together for mutual help and support. Here are a few words about what defines Congregational Christian Churches from the preamble to the newly adopted bylaws and constitution of the Fellowship:
          Congregational Christian Churches believe, in particular, that each local church is a gathered company of believers free to determine its own covenant, basis of membership, statement of faith (if any), forms of worship, programs of religious education, ownership and administration of property, choice of minister or other leadership, programs of community service, fellowship, music, pastoral work, and all other religious and civic activities.
          Congregational Christian Churches. . .  discern the will of God together in community through congregational meetings in which the voices of the gathered members are respected and heard. 

Fall Cleanup on Saturday

    For Bible Study next Wednesday 10 – 11 am, please watch the 8 minute video which is an introduction to the Gospel according to Matthew.  Also read The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew, chapters 5-7.
     There will be in-person and Zoom options for those who wish to participate.  Please let Pastor Nancy know if you are interested, or if you have any questions.  If you are interested in doing the lessons but unable to join the group, the format lends itself to that option.