Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:

 

A member of Session asked me, “Can I tell the Pastor that I’m sick of COVID?” Yes, I answered, you sure can, because I am too. I’m done with it, as I’m sure most of us are. However, COVID isn’t done with us yet.
Current COVID Protocols,

 

This past Sunday, May 15, was a little disheartening, as we had to ask everyone to wear a mask while in worship. We couldn’t sing together either. The CDC reported an increase in COVID cases. In Burlington County, we jumped to the HIGH in a matter of days. I’ve given up predicting how and when the numbers will drop, but I’m sure they will. In the meantime, check our weekly E-blast or website on Fridays to see where we are. I thank you for your enduring support and generous patience. For this coming Sunday, you’re asked to wear a mask. We’ll continue serving Coffee Hour outside in the courtyard side of Miller Commons.

 

With the not-so-great news out of the way, I’m thrilled to remind you that the Strawberry Festival returns after two years on Friday, June 3. The Festival will happen, even if we’re in a higher level of COVID cases. Nearly everything is outside. We’ve rented a huge tent where you can sit with friends as you dig into a heaping bowl of cake, ice cream and, of course, fresh strawberries.

 

Don’t miss this evening. Come, and invite members of our church and friends from our community to join us. We’re not charging tickets because we want everyone to join the celebration. As our final Way, #25 puts it:

REJOICE ALWAYS. The Kingdom of God is a party! Let healthy laughter fill our meetings, our meals, and even our worship. Let the joy of our faith be clearly evident in our speech and on our faces. Let’s party!

 

We still need help. If you have some time to volunteer, please do so. Click this link to our Strawberry Festival page or find us on our website, E-blast or electronic Connections. If you scroll down, you’ll find the page for volunteering. https://www.fpcmoorestown.org/community/community-wide-events/strawberry-festival/

 

New Ways Videos
Recently, a videographer filmed and edited 25 new videos for our 25 Ways. This coming Sunday marks the start of our 8th round of the Ways of FPC Moorestown. The video feature wonderful insights offered by members and friends and were beautifully filmed. You can see the videos on our Ways page: https://www.fpcmoorestown.org/welcome/25-ways/. At the close of each service, we’ll show a video. At the Traditional service, those watching the live stream can watch from home. At the Contemporary service, we’ll see it in Miller Commons. Let’s continue to allow these biblical reminders to share our attitudes, actions and speech for God’s purposes and glory.

 

Summer Worship
Summer Worship Hours begin on Sunday, June 5, Pentecost Sunday and continue through September 4, Labor Day Sunday. In the summer months, our Traditional worship begins at 9:00 a.m. and our Contemporary Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday, May 29 and July 31, we gather for our Fifth Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. Weather permitting, we plan to worship outside.

Take note that our Contemporary Worship services on the last Sunday of June and August will also be held outside. All outdoor services will be in the courtyard between Miller Commons and the Sanctuary.

 

Strong, Blameless and Holy Hearts
I recently read this blessing or benediction given by Paul to the Thessalonian disciples. It seems strange that the Apostle offers these words when he hasn’t finished the letter. Sometimes we have to bless each other where we are—like in these frustrating days. Here’s Paul’s blessing and I give it to you, whom I love:

 

Thank you for your support, including your strong financial support. In these good but challenging days, may God make our hearts and thus, our congregation, strong, blameless and holy as we stand together.

 

Yours in Christ,
Stuart Spencer, Pastor