As the number of COVID cases spikes in Durham and our hospitals swell to their capacity (and beyond), we have been advised by our COVID team that for the safety of FPC and our larger community we need to move back to virtual worship.  

This announcement, made at this late hour on Saturday, January 8, will not reach everyone before tomorrow.  Therefore, we will not completely shut down in-person worship. We are, however, urging everyone who gets this message to worship from home tomorrow. 

Beginning on Sunday, January 16, and until further notice, only worship leaders and tech support will be in the sanctuary.   As a reminder, our worship service is available through our website: www.firstpres-durham.org – click the worship button and then the “Watch on YouTube” button. You can find the bulletin there as well. We also invite you to sign in, so we know you are with us.  You can find the service any time after 11 a.m. tomorrow.  

It is disappointing, to say the least, to have to return to online worship, especially during this season of celebration of our 150^th anniversary, but I am glad that the option is available to us. I continue to be grateful for the incredible work of our tech team – Jody Maxwell, Keith Rokoske, John Fricks, and J.L. Klink, who make it possible for us to share worship from many different places and spaces.  

May God be with all those who are sick or who are caring for the sick. May God be with us all.  

Grace and peace to you,

Mindy Douglas, FPC Pastor/Head of Staff