Session postpones return to in-person worship

The session decided to postpone returning to in-person worship until the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Tyler begins to decline. Via Zoom video conference, the session met on Tuesday evening, July 21, to make this difficult decision.

FPC was tentatively scheduled to begin worshiping in the sanctuary again on August 2, but with the current increase in cases in the area, leaders feel it is unwise to return to worship together for the time being. Two major factors drove this decision: first, the FPC congregation includes a disproportionately high percentage of people in higher-risk categories, and we need to care for one another. Second, the current method of worshiping together through online video, while far from perfect, is satisfactory for the time being. FPC can worship “together” and see each other’s comments on our online platform and at least have a sense of each other’s presence.

The session’s decision postpones the return to in-person worship until at least September, and possibly longer. The session will evaluate the situation in August and make a decision about whether or not to return in September.

We will notify you as soon as the session makes that decision. In the meantime, please continue worshiping with us online each Sunday morning at 11:00. If you have questions, please contact Stuart Baskin.