First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln
Responds to Covid-19
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[September 18, 2020]
At
the end of the Gospel of John, there is an encounter between the
resurrected Christ and Peter. Jesus asks Peter three questions. The
first is, "Simon Peter, do you love me more than these?" Peter
responds, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus says to him,
"Feed my sheep." A second time Jesus asks Peter, "do you love me?"
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Peter says, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you."
To which Jesus says, "Tend my sheep." A third time Jesus asks Peter,
"Do you love me?" The text says Peter felt hurt because of Christ's
third question, and replies, "Lord, you know everything; you know
that I love you." Jesus replies, "Feed my sheep." The disciples were
soon to enter into an unusual time as their teacher, Jesus would no
longer be with them. Jesus reminds Peter the call to feed and tend
to God's children, which is what your session and the Deacons will
do for you.
On Monday, March 16, the session of First Presbyterian Church met
for our monthly stated session meeting and decided to suspend all
activities for the remainder of March, including Kirk Night, Food
for Thought packing, as well as all meetings and gatherings
previously scheduled at church. Our top priority is keeping our
community safe while also doing our part in slowing the transmission
and rate of infection. Although we are suspending in-person
programming and practicing social distancing so that we might
“flatten the curve” on the spread of the coronavirus, we remain
firmly committed to caring for all of you.
In the coming weeks, here is what you can expect from your pastor,
the session, and the Deacons.
With the help from our music director, Julie Kasa, and our organist,
Chet Lord-Remmert, we will continue to live-stream worship on Sunday
mornings. For those of you who do not have access to this live
stream, I will email or mail out the liturgy, as well as the sermon
from each worship service.
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Remember, in addition to sending in your
tithe/offering by mail, and you can also use the online option on
our church website. As we move forward, expect weekly communications
from me via email, phone calls, and social media events. I am
mindful that not everyone uses technology and I promise to provide
resources to assist you in your faith journey.
As the church we are called to care for one another.
Both our Session and our Deacons are committed to seeing that the
needs of our congregation are met. Whether that is running errands,
providing meals, or offering our presence, you have a community of
faith willing to feed, tend, and love God’s sheep. We are here for
you!
Finally, here are some administrative details. The church office
will maintain its regular hours. Chris will be in the office should
you have any questions about anything. The Mission & Outreach team
has been in communication with the schools about the Food for
Thought program and is assessing how we can be of assistance. The
session plans to meet again towards the end of the month to reassess
when we can return to in-person gatherings. You will be notified as
soon as we reach a decision.
In the meantime, beloved friends, continue to pray for one another,
practice good self-care, and check in on one another.
Remember, God loves you, and so do I. If at any time you need
anything, or if the isolation becomes too much, please do not
hesitate to reach out. My cell phone number is 309-264-2172.
God be with you until we meet again, friends. Peace,
The Rev. Adam R. Quine, MAS |