PASTOR UPDATE CORONAVIRUS LETTER 16

Posted on Mar 31, 2021 in General, NEWS |

One Year Later – We’ve Come a Long Way

Dear Member and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
 
The world changed almost a year ago exactly. Do you remember where you were? I recall how quickly everything shut down in the middle of March of 2020. Since then, we’ve all had to adjust to new ways of working, going to school, shopping, and attending worship. The loss of life and the drastic negative economic impact of COVID -19 will continue to ripple among our community and the world for some time to come. While we continue to mourn the loss of human life and milestones we can’t get back, we also continue to be people who are rooted in the love and hope of the Lord Jesus. As Romans 8: 38 and 39 reminds us, nothing in all creation, not even COVID-19, can separate us from God’s love and purposes for our lives, for First Presbyterian Church, or the wider world.
 
While there are many encouraging signs that we’re headed out of the pandemic, we’re not there yet. In planning our Holy Week services, we’ve continued to prioritize the safety of our members, visitors and staff. As you review the 2021 Holy Week worship schedule, you’ll notice that there’s a mixture of in-person and live stream only. However, every service, except the Easter sunrise service, will be available through live stream.
 
Sunday, March 28th – Palm Sunday (in-person attendance and live stream)
  • 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship in Miller Commons
  • 11:00 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
 
Thursday, April 1st – Maundy Thursday (live stream only)
  • 7:00 PM Live stream Worship in Miller Commons (includes communion)
Beth Douglass (seminary intern) preaches
 
Friday, April 2nd – Good Friday (in-person attendance; overflow seating available)
  • 7:00 PM Tenebrae Worship in the Sanctuary
Frantz Constant (seminary intern) preaches
 
Sunday, April 4th – Easter Sunday (THREE services total)
  • 6:30 AM Sunrise Worship at the Cemetery Cross (includes communion).
In-person attendance is welcome. No live stream.
  • 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship in Miller Commons. Live stream only.
  • 11:00 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary. Live stream only. (over)
 
Reflecting on all that’s happened at First Presbyterian Church within the last year, it’s not hard to see God at work in our lives. As difficult and discouraging as the disruptions of the pandemic are for us, I clearly see how the Spirit of God opens doors of opportunity for mission and ministry. In a recent Inquirer’s Class, three or four couples “found” us through our online worship. Though none have yet set foot on our campus, they were drawn to consider becoming members of FPC Moorestown through our expanded online presence.
 
We strive to keep in step with the Spirit for all the good that awaits us. There are two searches underway for a Youth Director and an Associate Pastor. Let’s regularly pray for these committees and their work.
 
As we prepare to welcome two new staff members, we’re saying good-bye and thank you to Kelly LePenske. Kelly and Joey Sponseller will be married in Santa Barbara, CA on May 15th. Leslie and I will be there to celebrate with Kelly and Joey as I have the privilege of uniting them in marriage. You’re invited to a drive-in Wedding Shower for Kelly and Joey on Sunday, April 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The invitation for this happy event is included. Kelly’s final day with us is Sunday, May 2nd.
 
Thank you for the numerous ways you’ve supported FPC Moorestown. Don’t let up on your generosity! Easter offerings may be mailed to the church, dropped off at worship or submitted through electronic giving. Please make sure to note “Easter Offering” in the memo line.
We serve Jesus, our risen Savior. The women who found his tomb empty on Easter morning, turned from it to carry the news of his resurrection to a dark and anxious world.
 
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Stuart Spencer, Pastor