Greetings from your Pastor,

These are challenging times; I have never lived through a pandemic let alone pastor a church through one. But I will share some wisdom and plans for us at Locust Presbyterian Church. There is much we don’t know about this virus, and some things we do.

First, if you feel ill, please do not come to church and let me know. We will pray for you but do not wish to catch anything you may have, flu, cold or Covid-19 (the Corona virus.)

The state is suggesting shutting down any gatherings of 100 or more people. Well, we don’t have that issue. But I think there are some basic protections we can put in place.

I know we are Presbyterians and all like to sit in the last 3 rows. Folks, this is an excellent time to get a little different perspective, change your seat. Put one empty row between you and a non-family member. Trust me, we have the space. Let’s be bold and even put two rows between us. We may even have to change sides!

Secondly, please wash your hands before going in to Sunday School and before service. A good rule is to sing the Doxology while you are lathering up, then rinse.  Our greeter will be thoroughly washed and sanitized and will hand you a bulletin. This is not an airborne virus, it is transmitted by contact, so let’s keep clean. And try to avoid touching your face, I know this is extremely difficult during allergy season. We will have a box of tissues in the back if you need an extra tissue or two.

We are a truly loving and friendly church. If you wish to socialize, please wait in your pew at the end of service and let those who don’t wish to, exit first. Last pew first, working forward keeping a healthy distance between us.

I will not be greeting you at the back of the church. I love each and every one of you but again think it wise to not congregate. I am always open for an elbow bump but want to keep the congestion down near the back door.

We will not be passing the offering plate – Ushers, you are off the hook for a while. That doesn’t mean we don’t need your tithes, gifts and offerings to function. Probably now more than ever we need to have a healthy, impactful church. We will leave one offering plate in the back near the greeter, and one on the front pew. Please put your offering in when you come in to service. Counters, please use the hand sanitizer when you are counting.

We will not pass the friendship pads. If you wish to see me or have a confidential prayer request, please call my cell at 704-564-1174.

If you are ill, and are in need of some basics; food, toilet paper, medicine, please let the church office know and we will bring these items to you.

We are the church; we are the body of Christ. Together through prayer and diligence we will get through this. News changes daily and things may change as far as worship is concerned. But for now, we will continue while taking these precautions.

 In 2 Timothy 1:7, Scripture states “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Let us use the wisdom God has given us. The Jewish tradition was to wash before entering the temple, not a bad practice to put in place. James 4:8 states “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Ok, that may be a little rough, but you get the point. I am guessing that is where the saying cleanliness is next to godliness comes from.

I pray good health for each and understand if by age or health concerns you do not attend worship. I will be here and through our wonderful team, you can listen to the sermon on line. If you wish to have prayer, I will meet you or speak with you on the phone. Your health; both spiritually and physically are of my greatest concern.

Blessings to all,

Rev. Ardy