Dear friends, 

It’s been great to see the ways that everyone is working together to weather this crazy season in our lives together!

In March and April, we found ourselves in emergency mode trying to figure out how to do anything at all during this pandemic. In June and July, we settled into a routine and began to hone in the programs we set up in the spring. Now, we are assessing how to move forward and continue to engage everyone in some new ways. There are a few gaps we know we need to fill. Some people still don’t have internet access and/or the equipment needed to access online events and services. We’ve had lots of prayer, worship, and learning opportunities, but not much fellowship time. Finally, much of what we have been doing is mid-week rather on Sunday, when many of us are used to doing more at church on Sunday, and less throughout the week. Here are the ways we are currently working to fill those gaps:

1. We have set up a “dial-a-service” phone call system. Those who are unable to access worship online can call with any phone to listen to the most recent worship service (check in with me or the church office for the number to call). Because the online options are free and there is a small cost associated with each phone call, we do ask that those who are able continue to watch the service on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
2. We are beginning the tech lending and tutoring program right now. We are still taking donations of new or used (but functioning) laptops, tablet computers (ipads, kindles, etc), and smart phones OR financial donations. These devices will be erased and reset before use and all donations are tax deductible. You can call for an appointment to drop items off at the church or you can bring them to one of the outdoor worship services. If you would to set up one on one tutoring with one of our techie folks, please call to set up an appointment. If you are available to help with tutoring, please let us know and we’ll get you on the team!
3. We are starting a fellowship time on Sunday mornings via Zoom. This is a program that you can join on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone for video calling OR call into with any phone. This fellowship time will be at 9:30 every Sunday. Bring your coffee and/or breakfast and join us for some casual time together before church starts at 10. To join fellowship hour, you can down load the “Zoom” app on your device and enter meeting code: 838 3793 2417, you can go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83837932417 or you can call +1(312)626-6799 and enter meeting code: 838 3793 2417. (We’re hoping to add another fellowship and/or casual discussion opportunity on Sunday after church as well - stay tuned for details.)​
4. We hope to continue with our outdoor worship services as long as the weather holds out and the Covid-19 caseload continues to hold steady and/or decline. 
5. Finally, don’t forget that all of our morning prayer services, lunch gatherings, Bible studies, and book groups are accessible via telephone as well. Please connect with me directly if you’ve had trouble with this or would like to try it out for the first time. 

Thanks for all your patience and creativity during these crazy times! I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Remember that you are always welcome to reach out to me any time via email, phone call, or text. 

Blessings, ​

In order to continue reaching as many people as possible as safely as possible, we now have a way for our members without internet access to call in with any telephone to listen to the latest worship service any time from Sunday - Friday. If you know of someone in the congregation who doesn't have internet access who could benefit from this service, please ask them to contact Pastor Charissa or the church office for the details, including the phone number they should use to call in to. Because there is a small cost associated with this service that is based on the number of users, we are asking that those who do have internet access continue to access worship through YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. If you have internet access but are having trouble accessing the service, please connect with us to schedule a tutorial through our new technology access program. 

Just call, email, or text us for details on where to send your videos and photos! If you need help recording yourself, let us know and we'll set up a time to socially-distant record you.