What's Coming Up?

Coronavirus Update

In Person Worship Resumes at Troy First

We are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will

for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” When life is good and all is going well it is easy to be thankful.

However, at other times it is difficult, bordering on impossible. Hopefully we are turning the

corner to a place where it will not be a shear act of the will to be thankful, but gratitude will flow

easily. Why do I say this? Because after several weeks of not being able to meet together for

worship, that will change Sunday morning, June 7 at both 8:30 and 11:00.

We have been living in the midst of almost constant change during our time apart and those

changes will continue. Worship will not be “normal,” whatever that is any way. Change, especially

in the church always brings on some tension. This is where Paul’s words to the changing church

in Philippi can help us. He says, “Do everything without grumbling.” (Philippians 2:14) Some

changes you will easily embrace, others you may tolerate and still others you may not like at all.

Please understand, no changes to our worship experience are made simply because we want

change. All adjustments were discussed at length and agreed on by our Re-opening Task Force.

Below are some of the changes you may recognize.

• Social distancing will be practiced (6 feet apart)

N Alternating pews will be used for seating

P You are asked to wait to be seated as ushers direct you

• Families households can sit together, but others must practice social distancing

• Hand sanitizing stations will be located at entrances and in the sanctuary

• Masks and gloves will be available, but you are encouraged to bring your own

• Doors will be propped open to prevent surface touching

• Offering plates will not be passed but places to leave your tithes and offering will be in

both places of worship

• Please don’t shake hands or hug necks

• Because we cannot use hymnals, moveable tv monitors will be located around the

sanctuary where announcements, hymn and song words, scripture, etc. will be displayed

• Bulletins will be included in the weekly email for those who are unable to attend inperson

worship

• Sunday school, children’s church and nursery services will begin at later dates

One final word of caution and grace. If you have any symptoms such as a fever above 100.4 or

have been exposed to anyone with the COVID 19 virus, please stay home and take care of yourself.

Many people are hesitant to return for in-person worship. That is understandable and I encourage

you not to feel guilty. Troy First will continue to broadcast on Troy Cable channel 2 and on

Facebook Live as well as YouTube Studio 52 Productions TC2. Please join us as we worship the

living God.

Blessings,

Steve

​

 

Find First Class

We want people to find Troy First United Methodist Church. Not for numbers sake, but for the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus Christ and help them to grow into his likeness. Our task as United Methodist Christians is, “to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” according to our UM Book of Discipline.

As an aid to this task regular classes entitled Finding First. Topics, divided into the two sessions, will include finding assurance of faith in Jesus Christ, scriptural basis for the local church, unity in the face of diversity, basic United Methodist beliefs, sacraments, stewardship of life and the meaning of membership vows as well as an overview of what goes on here at Troy First.

Current and new members as well as those interested in joining Troy First are encouraged to join this initial class. If you have questions please contact Steve at  

 

 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian non-profit organization focused on providing affordable housing for people around the world. Troy-Pike Habitat is our local group who work to help our community. See the newsletter for ways you can get involved!