As you probably know the CDC recently issued updated guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus. This is good news! Families that have been separated are now able to gather safely thanks to the vaccine. A year ago everything shut down in what seemed like the flip of a switch. One Sunday we were able to gather for worship and the next Sunday we were all at home.
A year later I know many of us are itching to get back to some semblance of normal life, but this return is not going to be like flipping the switch on again. Reopening is going to take time and a healthy dose of continuing patience. I’m delighted that we are able to gather in limited numbers for worship. And while I also know that not everyone is comfortable yet with coming back in-person, we are still part of the same family, worshiping the same Lord and Savior.
I look forward to the day when I will be able to see all of you again, without masks. I look forward to hugs and handshakes given and received without fear. But I don’t know when that day will come. I would love to mark it on my calendar, but I cannot. So until that day comes I pray for you to stay safe and healthy and to know the power of Christ’s love.
Faith Circle: Thursday (25th)....2 PM....Fellowship Hall
NEXT SUNDAY -- PALM SUNDAY
During worship next Sunday (28th), we will receive the annual PC (USA) special offering --
"One Great Hour of Sharing". If you cannot attend worship in-person but wish to support this offering, you may mail a check to the church at 2A N. Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013. Please make it payable to FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, noting OGHS on the memo line.
100% of this offering goes to the Presbyterian mission Agency for their distribution as follows:
Presbyterian Hunger Program - 36%
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - 32%
Self-Development of People - 32%
Find more details on this offering at: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/oghs
Thursday, April 1, 7:00 PM
Maundy Thursday Service, with Communion
Worship is in the sanctuary (by reservation); pre-packaged elements provided.
Friday, April 2, 7:00 PM
Good Friday Service
Worship is in the sanctuary (by reservation).
Sunday, April 4
+ 7:30 AM: Easter Sunrise Service on the church lawn (if able, bring a chair)
+ 10:45 AM, Easter worship (by reservation). Please let us know by next Wed. or as soon as possible if you plan to attend so that a decision can be made regarding the need for an additional service, in keeping with distancing guidelines. As always, the service video & bulletin will be posted online
Easter Day by 1:00 PM.
~ A Smile for the Day ~
A little boy offering his prayers was heard to say, "Dear God, please take care of Mom and Dad and look after my sisters and brothers and me. And please, God, take good care of yourself. If anything happens to you, we're all sunk."
(Crellin United Brethren Church, Crellin, MD)
Members of the Congregation, Ministers
The Rev. Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor
The Rev. Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus
Debby Madden, Educator Emerita
Arthur Thompson, Organist
Ron Richcreek, Music Director
Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary
Chuck Adler, Sexton
Church Administrative Office Hours: Mon & Wed, 9-2
Office Phone: (717) 243-4612; Office E-mail: fpcarl@pa.net
Rev. Lorenz’ email: alorenz.fpcarl@pa.net
Rev. Lorenz’ phone number: cell (717) 609-3780
Website: www.firstprescarlisle.org
