Dear First Pres,
What a joy it is to have so many back together on Sunday mornings for worship. For those of you who are watching online, I’m so glad you’ve been able to stay connected with your church. And, if you are able, I truly encourage you to join us on Sunday mornings in-person.
As more and more are joining us for in-person worship on Sunday mornings, some have wondered about our Sunday morning schedule. Here’s our plan: we are committed to our current schedule through August. Often, in the summer, we have moved to a one-service schedule. However, since we spent so much of 2020 with one online service (which was a blend of our classic and modern styles) and one outdoor service (which had its own unique style), we felt it was wise to keep building our two distinctive services through the summer. It also facilitates getting the most amount of people here while following the guidelines for squashing the spread of COVID-19. All that to say, we are continuing with the 9:00am Classic and 10:45am Modern services on Sunday morning through August. After August is yet to be determined. That’s a decision we’ll be making over the next six weeks.
But we have more than just worship services happening on Sunday mornings. This past Sunday we launched Fill Your Cup. It’s a connection time between services. We’re serving coffee and the occasional treat, setting up tables, and simply creating an environment for people (newcomers and old-timers) to connect. So, for you 10:45 folks, I really encourage you to come early so that you can participate in this important (even if simple) community-building initiative.
Also, we are beginning to work on some additional options for connection and growth on Sundays.
- Already, during the 9:00am hour, we have one of the best kept secrets of this last year. It is the online R.A.P. class. R.A.P. stands for Reflect, Apply, Pray, and the focus of that reflection, application, and prayer is the scripture being preached on that particular day. All are welcome. Details are included below or on our website.
- For the 10:45 hour, additional options are in the works. Keep your eyes open for more details.
- Here’s what’s happening for kids: We have Kingdom Kids ministry happening during both services. During the 9:00am service we have nursery and preschool ministry available. During the 10:45am service we have ministry for our kids in the nursery through 6th grade. For the time being, Ignite (grades 7-8) and Rooted (grades 9-12) are gathering in Discipleship Groups after the 10:45 service.
Of course, we also have plenty of opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings as well. Would you consider worshipping during one hour and serving during the other? We could use your help with kids, ushering, hospitality, and worship technology.
As I said on Sunday, I know we’re not completely out of the woods yet, but I believe the Lord, by His grace, is bringing the pandemic to an end. There has been much the Lord has done in the midst of this difficult season. Now may we apply those lessons as we move into a new season of rebuilding for the sake of seeing Christ’s name be glorified, His will be done, and His Kingdom come in Fresno as it is in heaven.
Blessings,
Jeremy Vaccaro
P.S. Thanks to all those who have signed up for Growth Groups! Much of this letter is about Sunday morning, but as you know, the rest of the week matters just as much as Sunday morning. A Growth Group can help you live in Christ in your everyday life. Sign up here.
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