As Clerk of the Session, I am supposed to keep church members informed of what happened at the last month’s Session meeting. I try not to include the routine housekeeping type items related to the operation of the church, but rather attempt to transmit the “Flavor of the Session” and any important decisions or items of interest which you need to be made aware off. Some of the items your Elders and staff have accomplished and guided this month include:
First and most important is JCPC is returning to normal operation. We are not quite there yet, but with our weekly estimate of 175 persons attending one of our three services it is a good start to “Worship is the most important thing we do.”
Next, our facility has reopened for our member and community groups. Boy Scouts, AA Groups, Preschool Summer camp weeks, VBS, Adult Sunday School, Bible study groups, prayer groups, knitting groups, all are back happening or scheduled on campus. Fall Men’s and Women’s retreat dates are set. The Fine Arts Academy is gearing up. If you are vaccinated come and join in. Many of these groups are exploring hybrid zoom and in-person meetings so there are options for the vaccine hesitant.
“Not for us Alone” continues to drive our mission work. This month the session approved a near $10,000 payment for monetary support of our local mission partners.
Rev. Brian Daoust reported that Montreat was a great success and well-attended. Participants are deeply grateful to the people and families who provided meals and support. The guidelines made them feel very safe and it was wonderful to return to something so close to normal. Also, we are immensely proud of our kids who were in the Variety Show.
Rev. Brian Daoust additionally reported that JCPC’s annual Mission Week was also a real blessing. From Blood drive to SMART Lunches, to Hands of Christ Landscaping, to cleanup and help at Dream Weavers, and the mural for Good Samaritan Healthcare Clinic, volunteers were enthusiastic and generous with their time, and the mission partners were deeply grateful.
With recent video equipment upgrades, the technology team and staff are transitioning from prerecorded to live streaming worship. So, if you watch the worship service from home, it will now be available at the 11:00 AM service time. Our 9:30 AM drive-in service remains an option and with the in the car FM radio streaming, everyone can listen to the music and sermon at your own volume choice!
Finally, items to remember- Sunday August 29th at 10:00 AM there will be a welcome back to worship concert by Tim Miller who is well known for his Sunday Brave’s game 7th inning performances. He will also participate in the 11:00 AM worship service that day. Then in September we begin the Soles for Souls shoe drive. Please save your gently used shoes for donation to this mission. Plans for men’s and women’s fall retreats are near complete. Watch for updates.
The Session members and JCPC staff are working hard to make JCPC a safe and welcoming place where all can worship and grow in their Christian faith. Interested in joining one of our teams or just volunteering your time? Then let me know and I will put you in touch with a team leader.
