First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Goodland, Kansas
Check us out on Facebook Live at 10:30 on Sunday mornings
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Established in 1888, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been a vital part of the city of Goodland for over 130 years. We are a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), "a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us." (Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Statement of Identity)
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Pastoral Letter Concerning Reopening the Church on July 1, 2020
June 30, 2020
Greetings in Christ!
It is hard to believe that it was March 14 when I wrote the first letter concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and our response as a congregation. Today I am writing the fourth letter as we continue to revise our response to the COVID-19 crisis.
It seems that whenever we as the elders, board chair, and minister get together and make a decision concerning the church and our response to COVID-19, other factors make us question whether we have made the correct decisions or not. Such is the case with the latest decision made this past Sunday.
After a great deal of discussion, it was decided to open the church to our church related fellowship groups. These groups include Sunday school classes, the exercise group, the sewing group, the CWF and other church affiliated groups. When we approach the end of July, we will make further decisions concerning the use of our facility by outside groups.
With this decision, it was also decided that for health and safety reasons, because Fellowship Hall will be in use during the week, and even with every effort to clean and sanitize the room, on Sunday mornings, Fellowship Hall will be closed off. In one of our earlier meetings, the decision was made that we would not consider fellowship meals until at least September, and the same goes for our fellowship coffee time before the service. With the possibility of Sunday school classes meeting on Sunday morning, if you choose to come early but are not participating in a Sunday school class, we ask that you find a seat in the sanctuary and not Fellowship Hall.
Also brought up at our meeting this past Sunday was when would we return to our regular worship service. As I shared, that is difficult to answer, but for the foreseeable future we will be using the modified worship service that we are currently using.
As I began this letter, I mentioned circumstances changing. Monday, Governor Kelly announced that on Friday a new executive order would take affect requiring that all people would need to be wearing a mask in public. Since the particulars of the order will not be released until Thursday, I cannot tell you the specifics of how this will affect us in Sherman County. For those who choose to participate in the in-person worship, we continue to recommend the wearing of a mask and to practice social distancing. I cannot tell you if after Friday this will be a requirement for worship or for the groups meeting in the church. All I can tell you is what is recommended and that you make the best decision for the benefit of all who are present.
I thank you for your continued support, understanding, and prayers as we work our way through this pandemic. Everyone involved is praying for wisdom and guidance as we wander a road none of us ever expected we would be traveling. I hope you will continue to join us via the online service or our in-person service. Whether we are together or apart, by the power of the Holy Spirit we are one in Christ.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or to any of the elders. If we are unable to answer your question, we will be glad to find someone who can. And as we continue through these strange times, continue to keep yourself safe, wash your hands, and, until next we meet, PEACE!
Doug
Greetings in Christ!
It is hard to believe that it was March 14 when I wrote the first letter concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and our response as a congregation. Today I am writing the fourth letter as we continue to revise our response to the COVID-19 crisis.
It seems that whenever we as the elders, board chair, and minister get together and make a decision concerning the church and our response to COVID-19, other factors make us question whether we have made the correct decisions or not. Such is the case with the latest decision made this past Sunday.
After a great deal of discussion, it was decided to open the church to our church related fellowship groups. These groups include Sunday school classes, the exercise group, the sewing group, the CWF and other church affiliated groups. When we approach the end of July, we will make further decisions concerning the use of our facility by outside groups.
With this decision, it was also decided that for health and safety reasons, because Fellowship Hall will be in use during the week, and even with every effort to clean and sanitize the room, on Sunday mornings, Fellowship Hall will be closed off. In one of our earlier meetings, the decision was made that we would not consider fellowship meals until at least September, and the same goes for our fellowship coffee time before the service. With the possibility of Sunday school classes meeting on Sunday morning, if you choose to come early but are not participating in a Sunday school class, we ask that you find a seat in the sanctuary and not Fellowship Hall.
Also brought up at our meeting this past Sunday was when would we return to our regular worship service. As I shared, that is difficult to answer, but for the foreseeable future we will be using the modified worship service that we are currently using.
As I began this letter, I mentioned circumstances changing. Monday, Governor Kelly announced that on Friday a new executive order would take affect requiring that all people would need to be wearing a mask in public. Since the particulars of the order will not be released until Thursday, I cannot tell you the specifics of how this will affect us in Sherman County. For those who choose to participate in the in-person worship, we continue to recommend the wearing of a mask and to practice social distancing. I cannot tell you if after Friday this will be a requirement for worship or for the groups meeting in the church. All I can tell you is what is recommended and that you make the best decision for the benefit of all who are present.
I thank you for your continued support, understanding, and prayers as we work our way through this pandemic. Everyone involved is praying for wisdom and guidance as we wander a road none of us ever expected we would be traveling. I hope you will continue to join us via the online service or our in-person service. Whether we are together or apart, by the power of the Holy Spirit we are one in Christ.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or to any of the elders. If we are unable to answer your question, we will be glad to find someone who can. And as we continue through these strange times, continue to keep yourself safe, wash your hands, and, until next we meet, PEACE!
Doug
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Worship and Fellowship Times Sunday Morning 9:00 a.m. Friendship Class (Adult) 10:30 a.m. Modified In-person Worship and Online Worship on Facebook Live Wednesday Evening Disciple Zone 2.0 Plans for Wednesday evening Fellowship will be announced based on current COVID-19 restrictions and information. |
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Children's Christmas Program
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CWF Delivering Lap Quilts
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May 3 - 5, 2018
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May 6, 2018
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We are located at 711 Arcade, at the corner of 8th and Arcade.
Our phone number is (785) 890-5233. Our church e-mail address is fccdoc@st-tel.net The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday |