Join us on Sunday at 10 am for our Live Stream Worship Service on Facebook. Click HERE to visit our Facebook page
September 23, 2020
 
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
 
  • The thing everyone is asking about—YES, we are returning to worship in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 27th at 10 am!! (Please read to the end to hear other news.)
  • AND, for those who are not comfortable gathering with others in these pandemics times, Live Streaming WILL CONTINUE every single Sunday just as we have been doing it these past months. 
 
Here are the guidelines for attending worship in the sanctuary. It seems like a long list—yet, we are each only as safe as everyone else who attends, so let’s be mindful of caring for our neighbors. 

1.     Masks must be worn
2.     Social distancing must be followed
3.     Entry and Exit
  1. both doors will be open in the narthex for two-way entry
  2. if there is congestion in narthex, attendees are encouraged to exit via downstairs
  3. attendees are encouraged to socialize outside if possible
4.     A sign-in sheet and hand sanitizing supplies will be in the narthex
  1. everyone must sign-in, a vital help should we need to do contact tracing
  2. a picture will be taken once we are settled—again, in case of a need to do contact tracing it is helpful to know who was in closest proximity
5.     All sanctuary doors MUST remain open
6.     Seating
  1. enter down center aisle, filling from front to back.
  2. some pews will be blocked off for distancing purposes
  3. one family per pew, or individuals sit at opposite ends of pew
  4. the back pew exits first, using use side aisles
7.     Children’s time – spaces will be marked
8.     No Singing
  1. all music is recorded
  2. words on screen for reflecting or silent humming
9.     Offerings are to be placed in the offering plate located in the narthex
10.  Communion on first Sundays of the month
  1. prepackaged communion elements will be used
  2. a gluten free, prepackaged option will be available
  3. attendees can bring their own elements, if desired
  4. attendees will be individually responsible to throw away communion packaging in the trashcan under the sign-in table
11.  Bulletins
  1. there will be no paper copies available – you are invited to print one and bring it along if you like
  2. all words will be on screen
  3. bulletins will be emailed to the congregation prior to Sunday
  4. announcements will be on screen prior to, and after, worship
12.  Restroom use
  1. Wipes/spray are provided for individuals to use as desired
13.  There will be no Coffee Hour until further notice
 
Other news:
  • We still need volunteers for help with distributing Lakeview Elementary School lunches to the Steeple Hill community. The students/families come to the gym to receive their lunches. Openings are 9/29 and 10/1. Please call Pastor Julie.
  • The Learning Team has purchased a Blessing Box, which will soon be placed near the gym doors for the neighborhood. It will contain some books, some craft items, masks, and other small miscellaneous items for our neighborhood. Contact Sue Liautaud or Pastor Julie if you would like to make a donation.
  • Operation Warm Coats Program ends this Sunday, September 27th. We have almost hit our goal, so please be sure to make your donation.
  • The Crop Walk in Elgin is on October 12th. If you wish to donate, either go to the website to donate, or mail a check to Cheryl W.
  • I be on vacation a few days over the next two weeks--if you have a pastoral emergency, please call any Deacon or Elder. 
  • Café Hours on Thursday 9/24 and Zoom Gathering on Tuesday 9/29 are cancelled (due to vacation time).
 
Let us rejoice we can once again gather in person to worship our God. “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” (Ps 97:12)
 
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Julie
​Worship Live-Streamed
PLEASE NOTE:  anyone, even non-Facebook users, can access this live stream @ Facebook.com/cotcpcusa.  Just click the link to view COTC’s Facebook page.  Following live streamed worship, the service will be posted on Facebook and on our website.  Holy Communion will be shared during the first Sunday of each month, so be sure to have your bread and cup ready to go! 
 
Donations and Pledges
Please consider making a donation or pledge via our online Donate page, or mail in a check to our address listed below.  Despite our building being closed due to the pandemic, your donations continue to support the ongoing ministry of COTC which is beginning to take on new opportunities to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! 
In quickly moving times, we are dedicated to ‘walking together’ through these difficult days, so here are a couple of other opportunities to help those in need: 
  • The Schaumburg Senior Barn may be able to help seniors who are in need of food. Their number is:  847-524-7496.
  • The Schaumburg Food pantry continues to be in desperate need.  Here is how you can help:
  1. The Schaumburg Food Pantry is taking curbside donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm.  Please take donations directly to their location at:   1 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
  2. Donate to the Township Food Pantry through our Amazon wish list! Simply follow this link, order our most needed items and ship them to our building at One Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates. Wish list found here:  https://amzn.to/2MJXMpk    
 
Zoom Gatherings
Connecting in this time of physical distancing is vital to our remaining connected in life giving ways.  Zoom Gatherings can be accessed with a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, or by calling in on your regular phone.  We gather every week on Tuesdays at 11 am; and Thursdays at 9 am.  Contact Pastor Julie for Zoom sign-in information.
 
Wednesday Noon Lunch Bible Study
We are resuming our weekly bible study.  EVERYONE is invited to join us!!  Contact Pastor Julie for Zoom sign-in information.  Here is the schedule of dates and passages we will be discussing:
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