Life looks different in 2020. Here's how we are doing church at 1st Pres during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A Word from the Covid-19 Commission

As this pandemic continues, it is understandable that frustrations begin to mount. We keep seeing and hearing mixed messages of what should and could be done: what is safe and what isn’t; will there be a vaccine soon and will it be dangerous to take; do masks really work; are the numbers really up and down or do they ever mean anything? These are the questions your commission deals with from week to week.

While some smaller, limited groups are beginning to get permission to start up, others aren’t quite there yet under our protocols. With the onset of colder weather, there will be some family and children changes beginning November 1. Those adjustments are listed under the children’s report of these announcements. Please be patient, supportive, and compliant, giving grace when disagreeing. Our goals are to support all the ministries, keep members safe and healthy, and help curb the spread of the virus. Please check back regularly to stay up-to-date on all that First Pres has to offer!

Quick overview of COVID-Related Info

We have on-site services at 9:00 and 11:00 each Sunday (the 11:00 is live-streamed). Most Sunday school classes are either not meeting or have gone to zoom, there is no nursery, the balcony is closed, we are not serving coffee/Coke, but are practicing social distancing, masks are mandatory, and are encouraging everyone to wash hands frequently and practice good health habits.

WHAT'S APP-ENING?!

Update your church profile: address, phone, family information, etc. in the 1st Pres APP. Simply text the word APP to 423-888-0345. You’ll have access to the church calendar, member online directory, secure giving, Bible study material, and more all on your phone!  Check it out! OR You can access the church online community from your computer, laptop, or tablet. Click HERE to register or login.

MIDWEEK: Check out Midweek on Wednesday Nights!

Masterclass: a Seminar on Discipleship, meets in-person in the Session Room from 7:15-8pm on Wednesdays through November 18th and on Zoom, which no longer requires registration.
Access to handouts and videos from previous classes can be found under ‘Resources’ on the 1st Pres app or your online profile. REGISTRATION remains open for the in-person option each week. We would love to have you join us in-person or on Zoom!
For more information, contact Pastor Mike Haberkorn, mike@1stpresbyterian.com.

Limited-capacity Children’s Church at 9am!

Nine spots will be available to PreK-1st grade children during the 9am Worship Service. Advance registration, a check-in, and screening process as well as masks and social distancing will be required. Check-in will begin 15 minutes prior to the worship service and children can be picked up at the end of the service.

Sign up for Children's Church HERE!

Also, 3 spaces on the Fellowship Hall level of the Children’s Wing will be open to families with Nursery-age children on November 1st. Families can opt to have their own space or share with another family that is currently in their “bubble”. Parents will be responsible for caring for their children in these rooms. We’re working on getting the worship service streamed into each room. A check-in and screening process as well as masks for adults and children 4+ years-old will be required.  Masks for children 3-years-old and younger will be optional.

Finally, the cloth worship bags will return on November 1st for children who remain in the worship services. The bags will include clipboards with activity sheets and other materials to aid our children in tuning into the service and will be cleaned and sanitized on a weekly basis. Please remember to return the bags after our worship services (do not take them home).

Virtual Sunday School

Click on HERE to view our Virtual Sunday School videos. Age-specific videos created by our wonderful team of staff and volunteers are available for your 2-year-olds through 5th graders! Parents and grandparents are encouraged to watch the videos alongside your children and grandchildren to engage with them in your homes in this aspect of their discipleship. Click for Additional Activities for fabulous questions and activities to interact with your children. We pray that all of these tools remind us and our children of the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Gather and Gospel

Each Wednesday night we invite your children to connect with one another and us at our "Gather & Gospel" meetings!  Our Nursery kids ages 2-3-years old are invited to join Ms. Tracey from 5:45pm-6pm for Bible Memory Work music fun!  Don't miss out! Our PreK-K children are invited from 6pm-6:30pm and 1st-5th graders from 6:30pm-7pm.  The PreK-5th grade meetings will prepare our kids' hearts for this week's Virtual Sunday School lesson as well as connect us to one another in fellowship and friendship.  Please email for the Zoom link for these meetings to receive a Zoom invite.


Misha, misha@1stpresbyterian.com, 423-648-7903.


1st Pres Youth

1st Pres Youth has a number of different options available to serve Youth and their families.
  • Sunday School
    Middle and high school youth are meeting on Sunday mornings 10-10:45am in the Student Center! Parents must pre-register their student(s) each week at our online registration link that will be available Monday-Saturday at 5pm. Spaces are limited so we encourage you to sign up early! Click Below to Register: https://1stpresbyterian.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/221 
  • Fall Bible Studies
    Preregistration is required! Parents: if your child is registered for a Bible study, you should have received information about meeting dates and times. If you didn’t receive this information or if you missed registration, please email Jessica@1stpresbyterian.com or Zach@1stpresbyterian.com

    • Middle School Girls' Small Group

      • 6th grade girls, meeting bi-weekly, 6:15-7:30pm Wednesday nights
      • 7th-8th grade girls, meeting Bi-weekly, 6:15-7:30pm Wednesday nights 

    • High School Girls' Small Group

      • Meeting bi-weekly, 6:15-7:30pm Sunday nights

    • Middle School Guys' Small Groups

      • 6th-7th grade guys, meeting bi-weekly, 6:30-8pm Monday nights
      • 8th grade guys, meeting bi-weekly, 6:30-8pm Monday nights 

    • High School Guys' Small Groups

      • 9th-10th grade guys, Meeting bi-weekly, 6:30-8pm Wednesday nights 

      • 11th-12th grade guys, 6:30-8pm Meeting Wednesday nights

For more information contact Jessica Bayless or Zach Mashburn

Women's Bible Studies

Visit the 1st Pres Women's Page to find out more about all the various Bible Study options available this year or sign up here: https://1stpresbyterian.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/156

Girls Night In or Out
November 5, Thursday, 6:30 PM

The 2nd Girls Night In or Out Event will be Thursday,
November 5th at 6:30 pm. You may choose from 4 activities: 
•  Make a Christmas wall decoration
•  Prepare 3 freezer meals
•  Enjoy fellowship and sharing with other ladies in person outdoors
•  Enjoy fellowship and sharing with other ladies on Zoom! 
Registration is required for all the activities. The craft & food events have a participation fee & space for those is limited so register now!

BEATITUDE LIVING
Our Christian Woman’s 12-Step recovery program meets on Tuesdays from noon - 1 pm in Tower 404. Social distancing and other health safety measures are practiced.


Some of the needs addressed include perfectionism, control, codependency, eating disorders, or coping with the addictions of a family member or friend. For information, please contact Nancy Mills,  , or Gail Pinchak,  .


The Rapha ministry is now meeting in person each week. Please consider joining us on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  To RSVP for Wednesdays or to get information on the Rapha Program for yourself or someone you know would benefit from Rapha, contact Pam Adams, pam@1stpresbyterian.com.


Congregational Care

 

The 1st Pres Congregational Care Ministry is here for you!  If you or someone you know has had a new baby or is ill or hospitalized or could use prayer, a meal, a pastor’s visit, a call, flowers, or a card, let us know by calling the church office, 267-1206, any time day or night. Are you interested in being a part of this ministry? Contact Pastor Chris Ehlers, cehlers@1stpresbyterian.com.

Our Congregational Care Ministry is especially available to help senior members or those with special needs during this precautionary period. We can provide assistance with grocery shopping or acquiring necessities like medications and/or toiletries. Please contact Rachel Allred,  .

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:26-27