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! ​
 January 21, 2021
 
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
 
The COTC Session met on January 19th and approved returning to worship in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 24th at 10 am!
 
AND, for those who are not comfortable gathering with others in these pandemic times, Live Streaming WILL CONTINUE every single Sunday just as we have been doing it these past months. (Read to the end to hear other news.)
 
Here are the guidelines for attending worship.  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. if there is congestion in narthex, attendees are encouraged to exit via downstairs
    2. 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 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 will be dropped off in the narthex
  10. Communion on first Sundays
    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 from home if you like
    2. bulletins will continue to be available on the church website
    3. announcements will be in the bulletin, as well as 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 for the time being
 
Other news:
  1. All group studies, gatherings, and meetings will continue on Zoom for the time being.
  2. Ordination/Installation will occur during the January 31st worship service.
Deacons class of 2023
  • Erica De La Cruz (1st term)
  • Naana Grant-Acquah (2nd term)
  • Fay Michaelis (1st term)
Elders class of 2023
  • James Buchholz (1st term)
  • Laura De La Cruz (1st term)
  • Cathy Walker (2nd term)
Elder class of 2021
  • Patricia Groenewold (1st term)

​The 2020 Annual Report is ready for your review and was sent to you via email.  Paper copies will be available to those who contact the office and make a request. 
​
The Annual Meeting will begin after the January 31st worship service.  The meeting will be held only via Zoom (just too hard to have motions made and voted on via Live Stream). Please be patient for the meeting to start, as several of us need to transition from the sanctuary to another space.
 
We rejoice that no matter whether we gather in person or virtually, our God hears our praise and thanksgivings. 
“Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” 
                                                                                        (Psalm 97:12)
 Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Julie
​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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