May 28 Update - Phased Reopening
Dear First Presbyterian Church,
We are in the third month of living during the COVID19 pandemic, and we are facing what may be a more challenging phase than what we encountered when we made the decision to close the church building in March. As some restrictions begin to ease, what does this mean for us? How do we phase back in church gatherings and activities while safeguarding ourselves, our community, and, especially, the most vulnerable among us?
We have adhered to isolation and safe practices and the success so far in “flattening the curve” has given us reason to hope. Yet, sadly, the reality is that more than 100,000 Americans, including more than 1,500 Texans, have lost their lives to the disease, and the number of hospitalizations and new cases continues to be a source of great concern. We still have a long way to go before the virus is under control.
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May 13 Update
Contact Tracking - In order to follow State, County and CDC guidelines, we are immediately implementing the practice of contact tracking for anyone on the Church property. Our campus is still closed for everything but essential activities. If you come onto the campus, for any reason, even briefly, please fill out a record of your visit at door C. Alternately, you may send your Name, Emergency Contact Phone Number, and the Time, Date & Location of your visit via email to lisa@fpcrichardson.org.
One Great Hour of Giving (Fish Banks) - We will be collecting the fish banks (which were originally to be returned at Easter) at the food drive at our location, next Thursday (5/21). An alternate date to drop off the fish banks will be in three weeks later (on 6/11), when we host the next food drive. Alternately, you may send a check to the Church, for the funds you collected for One Great Hour of Sharing - just write "OGHS" in the memo line.
Network Food Drive - We will continue to partner with St. Barnabas and Canyon Creek Presbyterian Churches, to collect food for the Network of Community Services. The no-touch protocol for drop off remains the same: drive through, pop your trunk or back hatch, and volunteers will gather the food from your vehicle. Do not get out of the car. Network especially needs soups, canned meats, canned vegetables, rice, beans, peanut butter, and jellies. We will host the food drive next Thursday, May 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at FPCR.
Blessings,
Pastor David and Pastor Rosy
March 15 Update
Dear Church Family,
The FPC Richardson Session is suspending all face-to-face church gatherings (both FPCR activities and outside groups), including face-to-face worship, until public health officials advise it is safe to resume group meetings. This includes all committees and ministry meetings, softball practice, prayer groups, circles, book clubs, etc. We expect this to last through the end of March, if not longer.
We will continue to offer an online worship experience and other opportunities for virtual gatherings. More on that in the next couple of days. I am so thankful for those who participated in worship through Facebook Live this morning.
If you know of someone that needs help weathering this current situation, please have them contact the church office at (972) 235-2316 or they can email me directly at david@fpcrichardson.org. At this time, please only use my cell phone number if it is an critical emergency.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor David and Pastor Rosy
Vacation Bible School Cancelled
Vacation Bible School Day Camp will not be offered on June 15-19, due to uncertainty about lifting COVID-19 Stay at Home guidelines. We will announce alternative faith and fellowship activities/gatherings for children and families this summer, once we learn more about ongoing guidelines. Stay tuned for more information.
Questions?
Contact vbs@fpcrichardson.org or 972-235-2316
Mobile Food Pantry @ Liberty Junior High
3rd Thursday of the month, 3 - 6 p.m.
The Network has recently purchased a refrigerated box truck. In addition to picking up food from the North Texas Food Bank, the truck will be used for a new Mobile Food Pantry program. Network is partnering with RISD to provide food distribution to eligible families once a month at five different locations to assist in ending food insecurity.
FPCR is partnering with Network to support the mobile food pantry at Liberty Junior High on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Each month, we'll need at least 5 volunteers. Additionally, we need a dedicated driver (no CDL required) and a lead volunteer.
Please be in touch with Pastor Rosy if you're interested in volunteering or serving as the driver or lead volunteer.
Network Needs
To help those affected by the recent tornado, the Network is in need of the following items:
Baby Formula
Microwavable, pop-top meal options
Hygiene products: soap, deodorant, toothpaste
Laundry Detergent
Financial support is another critical need. Checks may be made payable to FPCR with "tornado" in the memo line and go in the offering plate or to the church office. You can also give directly to Network on their website at: thenetwork.org.
The Network is always in need of the following items:
Large shampoo & conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, TP, feminie hygiene items, and deodorant.
Food: soup cans, canned tuna & chicken, pasta, mac and cheese, sugar, oil, and baby food.
Thanks for giving!
Register at Kroger's and Amazon for FPCR
Don't forget that you can register for a percentage of your purchase at Kroger's and Amazon to come to FPCR, with those funds earmarked for the renovations. Sign up at your local Kroger supermarket near you and on Amazon.com for the Amazon Smiles program. Call the office if you have questions.
271 N. WALTON STREET @ LASALLE
(972) 235-2316
