Updated June 21, 2020

One of the joys I celebrate every week is the congregation’s continued support of the church’s mission and ministry throughout this difficult season. Your willingness to adapt, to maintain connection and community with each other from afar, to offer yourselves to help others, and your steadfast financial support of our work are all appreciated immensely. These are all essential to being church in this time and place. 

The session of FPC Greeneville, TN met June 21 for its stated monthly meeting (via ZOOM). One of the key discussions/decisions addressed at its meeting was the way forward for in-person gatherings, including worship and other church activities. The Session will meet July 26 to hear a report from the Task Force. 

May 17 Meeting

We had a lengthy discussion of a whole host of elements essential to some sort of return to in-person gatherings, including federal, state, and denominational guidance and recommendations. The conversation was centered on our vital concern for the health and safety of all church members. The session took three separate actions in this regard:

[1] It  voted unanimously to keep the building closed through the month of June, and to continue offering our current opportunities for worship and study (see the list below).

[2] It appointed a task force (Debbie Nycum, John Smith, Jeanne Stokes, Liza Waldroupe, pastor Greg, pastor Todd) to bring a detailed recommendation to the June 21 session meeting for phases of increased in-person gathering, and metrics for determining when to move from one phase to another.

[3] It appointed a task force (Aaron Caton, David Easley, Nathan Humbard, pastor Greg) to present a plan for upgrading audio and video software and equipment so that we can continue our online study/worship presence indefinitely. 

Here is what we’re currently offering:

     Worship

10:30 AM Sunday - Facebook Live Worship Service (also recorded and uploaded to the church’s YouTube channel for viewing at your convenience). Bulletins are available (including a children’s bulletin) on the church’s website (under the “Facebook Live Worship Bulletin” button).

11:00 AM Sunday - radio/podcast broadcast on 95.5 FM, 1450 AM, jewel955.com; also available on the church’s website (under the “Sermons” button) for listening at your convenience. 

     Study/Fellowship

Absolute Fellowship Class - Sunday morning and mid-week ZOOM meeting; contact DeAnna Bowman (deannafb@gmail.com ) for info and invite.

Library Class - Sunday morning and evening ZOOM meeting; contact Joyce Johnson (joycejohn1526@gmail.com ) for info and invite.

Shepherd’s Class - Sunday morning ZOOM meeting; contact Loretta Lyle (lblyle@comcast.net ) for info and invite. 

Youth Fellowship Meetings - Sunday morning and mid-week ZOOM meetings; contact pastor Greg (revgreg@me.com ) for info and invite. 

With warmer weather, we’re hoping we can schedule some physically distanced side-porch or shade-tree visits with those for whom that is safe and acceptable. Our hope and prayer is that this will help reduce our feelings of isolation. If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, please contact the church office.