Worship Gathering Guidelines for COVID-19
What does the symbol of the chalice mean?
The Chalice, with the St. Andrews Cross embedded in its left side, is the appropriate symbol for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Chalice speaks clearly of the centrality of Communion in the worship of the Christian Church; and St. Andrews Cross reminds us of our denominational heritage with Scotland through Thomas & Alexander Campbell. The flag of Scotland bears the white St. Andrews Cross on a field of blue. Andrew, the brother of Peter, spread Christianity throughout Asia Minor & Greece. It is said that Andrew was put to death by Romans in Greece by being nailed to a Cross of this shape. Peter is associated with Scotland because his bones were brought to Pictish, Scotland, in 733. The town of Pictish later became known as St. Andrews, and became the religious center & renowned pilgrimage site in Scotland.
What is your worship service like?
Our service is a combination of traditional worship and casual gathering. Our music is different from week to week – you might hear handbells, harp, tuba, solos, choir, trumpet, pipe organ, or jazz sax. You will get to listen in on a Time For Young Disciples, a children’s moment we offer twice a month. The sermons are Biblically based looks at contemporary life. When you come, you can count on being offered communion. Every week we celebrate communion, welcoming all who seek to follow in the way of Jesus regardless of their background or church membership. With Covid-19 restrictions, prepackaged communion is available for worshippers to pick up on their way into the sanctuary.
What should I wear?
Some of our members are old-school and show up in their “Sunday best” every week. Others of us feel fine showing up in pants and a sweater, just like any other “business casual” day of the week. Our college students have been known to be here in jeans. You decide what’s most comfortable for you, and we’ll be glad to see you no matter what you’re wearing.
What will my children do during the service?
Our nursery is open for children under 5 years of age. Our nursery care attendant is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We are following CDC protocols for appropriate childcare. If you prefer to keep your child with you, a child friendly area is available in the back of the sanctuary.
What is the purpose of the garden area and the Labyrinth?
Our church feels the need to offer a place of sanctuary and calm for the entire community. The labyrinth was designed and built by several of our church members. At the center of the labyrinth is a cairn or stone marker. Feel free to add a small rock to it. The garden is filled with flowers and herbs given by members and friends of the church. We can always use help in keeping it weed-free and beautiful.
What is the big stone chalice in the front of sanctuary?
Two of our members built that lovely chalice for World Communion Sunday several years ago. It has become an essential part of our church. Feel welcome to write a prayer request (slips are available on the small shelf in front of the chalice) and place the request in the chalice. FCC has several members who have committed to taking those slips and praying over them with you in an environment of complete confidentiality and love. Several times a year those slips are taken to the labyrinth, and burned on the cairn in a simple service to signify the burden that is lifted when two or more are gathered in prayer offered to a loving and caring listener.
What are the First Sunday lunches all about?
Currently our First Sunday lunches are suspended. When they occur, everyone is invited to stay after church and have lunch in the Fellowship Hall. The lunch is provided by kind members volunteering their time and resources - usually five or six folks will get together - and can be anything from soup and sandwiches to something more elaborate. Those attending will then contribute money proportional to what they might have spent at a restaurant. It's a great way to get to know folks and help the church at the same time. Questions about volunteering? Contact the Church Office.
What about accessibility?
Our church has an elevator that goes to all three floors, and our sanctuary is handicapped accessible. We have hearing assists for those who might need them as well as copies of large print hymnals.
If I have any other questions?
Call the church office and talk with our church administrator (9:00am – 1pm, Monday - Thursday, 606.784.4836). Ask any one of the many folks in town who call our church "home". We’re looking forward to meeting you!
The Chalice, with the St. Andrews Cross embedded in its left side, is the appropriate symbol for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Chalice speaks clearly of the centrality of Communion in the worship of the Christian Church; and St. Andrews Cross reminds us of our denominational heritage with Scotland through Thomas & Alexander Campbell. The flag of Scotland bears the white St. Andrews Cross on a field of blue. Andrew, the brother of Peter, spread Christianity throughout Asia Minor & Greece. It is said that Andrew was put to death by Romans in Greece by being nailed to a Cross of this shape. Peter is associated with Scotland because his bones were brought to Pictish, Scotland, in 733. The town of Pictish later became known as St. Andrews, and became the religious center & renowned pilgrimage site in Scotland.
What is your worship service like?
Our service is a combination of traditional worship and casual gathering. Our music is different from week to week – you might hear handbells, harp, tuba, solos, choir, trumpet, pipe organ, or jazz sax. You will get to listen in on a Time For Young Disciples, a children’s moment we offer twice a month. The sermons are Biblically based looks at contemporary life. When you come, you can count on being offered communion. Every week we celebrate communion, welcoming all who seek to follow in the way of Jesus regardless of their background or church membership. With Covid-19 restrictions, prepackaged communion is available for worshippers to pick up on their way into the sanctuary.
What should I wear?
Some of our members are old-school and show up in their “Sunday best” every week. Others of us feel fine showing up in pants and a sweater, just like any other “business casual” day of the week. Our college students have been known to be here in jeans. You decide what’s most comfortable for you, and we’ll be glad to see you no matter what you’re wearing.
What will my children do during the service?
Our nursery is open for children under 5 years of age. Our nursery care attendant is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We are following CDC protocols for appropriate childcare. If you prefer to keep your child with you, a child friendly area is available in the back of the sanctuary.
What is the purpose of the garden area and the Labyrinth?
Our church feels the need to offer a place of sanctuary and calm for the entire community. The labyrinth was designed and built by several of our church members. At the center of the labyrinth is a cairn or stone marker. Feel free to add a small rock to it. The garden is filled with flowers and herbs given by members and friends of the church. We can always use help in keeping it weed-free and beautiful.
What is the big stone chalice in the front of sanctuary?
Two of our members built that lovely chalice for World Communion Sunday several years ago. It has become an essential part of our church. Feel welcome to write a prayer request (slips are available on the small shelf in front of the chalice) and place the request in the chalice. FCC has several members who have committed to taking those slips and praying over them with you in an environment of complete confidentiality and love. Several times a year those slips are taken to the labyrinth, and burned on the cairn in a simple service to signify the burden that is lifted when two or more are gathered in prayer offered to a loving and caring listener.
What are the First Sunday lunches all about?
Currently our First Sunday lunches are suspended. When they occur, everyone is invited to stay after church and have lunch in the Fellowship Hall. The lunch is provided by kind members volunteering their time and resources - usually five or six folks will get together - and can be anything from soup and sandwiches to something more elaborate. Those attending will then contribute money proportional to what they might have spent at a restaurant. It's a great way to get to know folks and help the church at the same time. Questions about volunteering? Contact the Church Office.
What about accessibility?
Our church has an elevator that goes to all three floors, and our sanctuary is handicapped accessible. We have hearing assists for those who might need them as well as copies of large print hymnals.
If I have any other questions?
Call the church office and talk with our church administrator (9:00am – 1pm, Monday - Thursday, 606.784.4836). Ask any one of the many folks in town who call our church "home". We’re looking forward to meeting you!
First Christian Church, Morehead, KY is a non-profit, religious organization.
Copyright 2021
Copyright 2021
