Below is information from our Western North Carolina Conference Bishop and Pastor Vickie regarding decisions that have been made for our worship services for the next two weeks.  Please read the informational letter carefully so that you can understand the why and what the decisions are.

Thank you for your careful consideration and understanding during this major health issue and unfamiliar territory we all are facing and the efforts that are being taken to keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe. We ask that you lift up not only our church family, but our country and world in your daily prayers and remember during this crisis....we are not alone.

I ask that if possible you join us Sunday at 11:00 am on Facebook Live to view our "home" worship, scripture and time of prayer.  The scripture will be Romans 5:1-11

Your fellow Servant in Christ

Pastor Vickie Wilson

Friday, March 13, 2020

IMPORTANT - SUNDAY WORSHIP UPDATE

Dear Park Avenue Family,

Yesterday afternoon, our Bishop Paul Leeland sent out a message asking churches to refrain from worship for the next two Sundays. In his message, Bishop Leeland says,

"As we continue to receive communications and information regarding the COVID-19 virus, we are aware of the significant challenges arising on a daily basis.  The virus is spreading rapidly, and there are an increasing number of cases reported throughout the state.  We know the virus is highly contagious and that mitigation is possible with cautious measures. It is extremely important that we slow the rate of infection in order to allow our health care services to respond appropriately. If the infection rate increases too quickly, we may not have the health care support required for everyone needing treatment. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward of the North Carolina Conference and I agree that it is important to suspend public worship for the next two weeks, beginning today."

 
At his request, and at the recommendation of state and national officials, Pastor Vickie has decided that we will not have public worship at Park Avenue this Sunday, March 15 and next Sunday, March 22.  This postponement also includes weekly meetings of any kind.  As we enter next week, decisions will be made as what to do following March 22nd . If something changes and we believe that we can and should have worship on March 29, we will share that information with you as soon as we can. However, at this time, we will not have public worship, Choir Practice or meetings for the next two weeks.

We will have a modified worship service online that will be available on Park Avenue’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live. While we know that this will in no way replace being together and our typical Sunday worship; we promise it will be done in a way that allows you to a time of worship. Those members that do not have internet access will receive communication with a way for them to participate as well. Pastor Vickie's scripture Sunday will be Romans 5:1-11

Also, as we are continuing to be diligent in protecting our health, the health of our families and the health and safety of our church family, our financial needs continue. Pastor Vickie is suggesting that we continue to be faithful in our giving.  Church members may mail their financial gifts to the church office at 648 W. Park Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115.  You will also be able to give online with a link that will be set up through e-mail and Facebook.

I can assure you that our conference’s Bishop, and Pastor Vickie have not taken these decisions lightly. These decisions have been made with only the best interest for the health and safety of our congregation and for each of us to do our part in helping to contain the spread of this virus.  

We will continue to be in contact with all of you as we monitor everything over the weekend. Once again, please be on the look-out for the email and Facebook post that will have the links to our online Sunday worship service. And please continue to be in prayer for all of those persons who are dealing with this virus – especially those persons who have compromised systems that make this a very dangerous virus.

Thank you for being such a compassionate and caring congregation!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Vickie Wilson