A Zoom, Online Adult Church School Class
Sunday: July 12, 19, and 26
9:30 - 10:10 am
The Adult Education Committee is offering a 3-week online Church School class
A Bible Study - 3 different passages, each with application for our lives
Facilitated by Donna Jowell
We will read a scripture passage, here some background information,and have some group discussion around the passage.
The class will finish in time to watch the Live Stream service at 10:30.
Margaret Baker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: July 12 Sunday School Meeting
Time: Jul 12, 2020 09:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Here is the link for the class on the 12th:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75709462898?pwd=eEtlbGFtRzBZOHlZRGg0Zy94bmprUT09
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTORS DURING THIS TROUBLED TIME
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
In these past few weeks and months, our nation has faced not only the COVID-19 virus but racial unrest. Reactions to the killings have caused an outpouring of sorrow, grief, and in some cases violence and others have lost their lives. Some who lived through the 1960's in our country find this time reminiscent.
The message of Christ went out to the first church and they united in a way that most had never seen before. Christ's message is one rooted in the unity of all people. We recognize that we are sisters and brothers.
We affirm that all people are equal in God's sight. (Galatians 3:28) One resource from our Presbyterian denomination claims "God loves variety and diversity. The grace of God is not contained within particular human groups, nor does God's grace erase our differences. Racism falsely proclaims that difference is negative, rather than evidence of God's abundant creativity."[1]
How do we respond?
We respond by answering the call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. We respond in word and in deed. We pray for those the families of who have lost their lives because of racism. We respond with hearts full of sorrow for the pain felt by our sisters and brothers. We listen to the experiences others have that we may not fully understand.
May it be so.
Another way to respond is to ask for guidance and conversation if any of these topics strike a chord with you. Taking a hard look at racism is not easy. Recognizing that sometimes we are unknowingly complicit is not easy. Being reminded of situations of racism that you have experienced is not easy. If you need to lament, ask questions, or need help working through your thoughts in this time please don't hesitate to reach out. The Presbyterian Church has created some useful study guides here. We as always, are here to walk with you in all parts of your faith journey.
Please note our letter has been shortened for posting on the website. To see the letter sent to the congregation in its entirety, press here.
Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Greg Garis and Rev. Alissa Conner
Safety Team Established at St. Philip
The world around us and St Philip is changing, for the better in some cases and some, maybe not to our liking.
With the changes and uncertainty, the Session at St. Philip wants to make sure that the church building and grounds continue to be a safe place for members and guests. With that in mind, a Safety Team was created to establish practices, recommend policies and educate clergy, staff and church members on how to maintain a safe environment. The members of the committee are Jim Houston, Greg Garis, Alissa Conner, Jake Skodak, Bonnie Skodak, John Edwards, Rick Patterson, Christian Senagbe, and Will Whitehead.
Covid-19 has certainly changed the normal medical landscape and how and when we reopen the church safely is one of the committee’s major undertakings over the past couple of months. In addition to how we create a healthy place for us to worship, the team has also been reviewing and updating practices and policies on emergency plans for Fire, Severe Weather, Medical Emergencies, an Active Shooter scenario and more.
The committee welcomes feedback and ideas from all on how we can continue to create a growing church where all are welcome and feel safe to worship and gather.
Members and friends of St. Philip contribute to the mission of God because giving is at the core of our theological identity. God has given us gifts of faith, mutuality, generosity, and hospitality. Giving simply grows out of the life of faith.