What are the two C’s of First Presbyterian Church? They are hurricane Charley and the Covid- 19 virus. They both hit the church hard, but in the first case the church bounced back fine, and as for the second, so far things are looking good. PTL!

Hurricane Charley took out the church building. It was a tough time in the life of the church, but even then, the church continued to meet in borrowed and rented space. Pastor Steve, when interviewed by the local paper, reminded everyone that the church is people, not a building. The church survived and thrived, and relocated to the present building on Airport Rd.

Now we face a new challenge for the church, an invisible one, but it has deadly potential as well. The building itself stands ready, but the people are not able to gather. We began making decisions of not meeting together because we felt that we have an obligation to look after one another and consider the needs of others as more significant than our own. Our deepest concern is for those most at risk. Whether they are a fellow church member, immediate family, friend, neighbor, or colleague…we all likely know someone we can help protect. So, we closed the building. Through the blessing of technology, cards and letters, and social media we have been able to stay connected to one another during this time.

Now we are at the threshold of re-opening the building. What will we do? According to the President, Governor, and medical professional’s assessment, there are certain criteria that need to be met in a geographical area to be able to return to ‘normalcy’. Most of our congregation is in the most vulnerable population, so we do not want to rush into a situation that would cause more harm to individuals, than the benefits of gathering together again. Therefore, we have decided that we will continue online services for May 3, 10, and 17. Our hope is that we will be able to meet again before June, but it is an every changing situation, so we will reevaluate in mid-May.

First Presbyterian Church will celebrate 125 years this October, and what a celebration it will be! We have been through several hurricanes, building relocations, and by God’s grace we will get through this crisis as well. In an email letter a few weeks ago, I mentioned a quote by J.I Packer, which I still believe has merit as this crisis drags on. He wrote, “To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints.” It is a crazy time, which can lead to a mixture of feelings. Feelings are part of what makes us human, and there is nothing wrong with them. However, we do not need to camp out there; our God is in control, and that should give us hope. I do not pretend to understand it all; I simply choose to trust in the One who does. That helps me to deal with the situation we are in. It stabilizes me.

Looking forward to the time we once again gather in the Church building as the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church and give all praise, honor, and glory to God for who He is and what He has done.