Hello FCC/UCC family and friends,

As you are all aware, we are learning to navigate this nation-wide shutdown due to the Coronavirus (a.k.a. COVID 19). We are praying for each of you and for clarity, as leaders, to make wise decisions regarding our ministry and in meeting the needs of our congregation and community.

That said, after much research and many hours of conversations, the leadership of First Congregational Church have come to the following decisions:

1. Starting immediately, Sunday service will be cancelled through Sunday, April 5^th.  Future services will be evaluated in the coming weeks. We are working to prepare a virtual option for you so you can stay connected to FCC/UCC on a weekly basis. Additional emails will be forthcoming, that will detail how to access our sermon videos and ways that you can give during this temporary shutdown.
2. Our Wednesday evening Lenten Soup Suppers and Music & Meditation services and all additional church-related activities have been cancelled.
3. Starting Monday, March 23^rd, our business functions will be temporarily moved offsite. Kari Hernandez, our Church Administrator will be working from home to meet our business and ministry needs. Though she will have phones forwarded to her, please respect her and her family by calling her during our normal business hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm. Feel free to send her an email at any time, either during or outside normal business hours at fcc@binghamtonwireless.com
4. Our Pastoral Care will continue and be coordinated with Rev. Daniel on an as needed basis. Please keep all communication open with us should you need Pastoral Care or other assistance during this shutdown. We will still send weekly emails to communicate prayer needs, so keep those requests coming to us by emailing us at fcc@binghamtonwireless.com.
5. On a more sensitive note, while services have been suspended, our business operations and facility maintenance still need to continue. It will be more important now, then ever before, that we are able to receive your continued support through your offerings. We are considering an online option to give but until that time, please mail your offering to the church office. This can be done however you choose (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).
6. Since Easter Sunday Service is undecided at this moment, anyone who has given toward our Easter Flowers will have the option to receive a refund or use the funds toward future altar flower orders. Please notify Kari about your preference and she will see to it that it is handled according to your wish.

Please be assured that we are taking every precaution to care for our church family and our employees. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

We encourage you to reach out to other church members and friends via phone or email. Please pray for one another and encourage each other.

In such an uncertain time, it is easy to feel anxious or even fearful. Please know that, we as church leaders, are here to support you in any way that we can.

We will keep you apprised as things change so please stay connected to us on email, Facebook and our website.

Standing with you,

Toni Rorapaugh, Deacon Chair and Bernie Lewis, Trustee Chair