An author with the wonderful sounding name of Skye Jenthani writes, “The future is an essential part of our faith and lives, because when we see the future correctly (vision), it not only allows us to transcend our circumstances (hope), but also shapes how we live in the present (purpose). Tomorrow determines the way we relate to the world today.” This Sunday, we will be considering the dream that God has planted into the Church of one community joined around the table of forgiveness and bound by grace. World Communion Sunday is about a future yet to be realized. We will be meeting at the lot by the Galley store at 9:30am and hope that you will consider joining us. In the event of rain, we will meet at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary. We will post the worship on Facebook live at 9:30 and broadcast on 97.9 “The Bear” at 11:00am
Pastor Tom Greener
Sunday Scripture Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Psalm 19 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 9:30 AM ONE SERVICE CELEBRATING WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY IN THE LOT BESIDE THE GALLEY STORE WEAR A MASK AND BRING A CHAIR!
As you have heard, Governor Cooper has recommended to move to Phase 3 in the reopening plan for North Carolina. The plan does not specifically address churches, largely because of the recent court ruling that the state cannot limit congregational gatherings. Centenary has sought to operate within the general guidelines of the Department of Health throughout this process.
In Phase 3, spaces such as church sanctuaries (namely movie theaters and music venues) are allowed to operate at 30% capacity or 100 persons, whichever is fewer. Our Chapel can hold approximately 150 persons. 30% of that would be 50 persons. Our Sanctuary can hold 400 persons, which would make the 100 person capacity lower. While we will not be taking reservations nor turning anyone away, we recommend keeping those numbers in mind as you plan for attendance at worship.
All who attend are asked to text “worship” to (252) 618-1411 in order for us to maintain records in the event of an infection. For anyone attending worship, we ask you to honor the social distance markers in each pew and wear a mask throughout worship. Please greet one another in non-contact ways — the holy nod, to borrow the phrase of St. Paul. Finally, our North Carolina Annual Conference guidelines say, “As singing is among the riskier behaviors because it spreads droplets/aerosols which can carry the virus a significant distance and remain suspended in the air highly increasing the risk of infection, congregations should refrain from group singing.” Please keep that in mind.
We will continue to offer Facebook Live video for all 3 worship services as well as our radio broadcast (97.9 FM) for the 11:00am service, for those congregants that still wish to minimize their exposure to larger groups of people.