Church Guidelines to Reopening

  Dear Members and Friends of HPC,

We come to you today hoping that everyone is safe and healthy. In this time of uncertainty and fear brought on by the COVID19 pandemic, please know that God is with us always. We don’t have to be in the physical church to feel His presence and His strength.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to  all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer  and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which  transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:4-7)

In this time of closed businesses and churches, quarantine, and social distancing, we hope you have been able to take advantage of online services for church. Rev. Betsy Westman from our sister church in Theresa has provided a link on our website and Facebook page for her weekly service, as well as Rev. Marti Montovani from her services with the Sacketts Harbor church.

The HPC session members have been discussing and planning how and when our church will open for services. Our main priority moving forward is to worship together without fear. We will have many restrictions and strict guidelines we must follow in order to ensure that everyone remains safe.

We are planning to begin services on July 12 at 10:30 in the pavilion. This outside setting will provide a more open space.

The following guidelines will be followed:

· A shortened abbreviated service

· No hymnals, no Bibles, no bulletins, no singing, no choir

· A power point projected on a screen will provide service highlights

· Mandatory masks and hand sanitizer will be availableif needed

· Music will be played but no singing will take place

· Everyone will bring their own chair and sit in the marked positions 6 feet apart

· No collection of offering but a basket will be available

· Individual prayer requests can be emailed or phoned ahead to Tara for reading at the service

We realize that there are many of our friends and members who are not ready to return and are fearful. We respect your personal choices. You return when it’s the right time for you.

Your session members want you to feel safe. The health and well-being of our congregation and our community is our primary concern. We will assist you in any way we can to make this transition comfortable for all.

Prayers and blessings,

Members of the Session 

Lynn DeCondo, clerk

Denise Diana

Marilyn Hunter

Mark Schnittger

Jennifer McGregor

Ann Root

Rev. Betsy Westman, moderator (pastor, Theresa Pres. Church)