Current end date of Suspension: through Tuesday 4/7
> Please note that this may change based on State and Federal guidance.
1) Open Q&A Virtual/Conference Call Meeting
> at 11am on Sunday, 3/29/20
Topics: Church Coronavirus Suspension, Interim update and Pastor Charley Transition
Please email (sbpotts64@gmail.com) or call (617-899-9722) Stephanie Potts for the information to log into the Skype session. If you only want to call in only, the information is:
Join by Phone Dial 1-908-316-2436 then enter Conference ID: 370660740#
2) Communication
New Phone Tree
In addition to the now weekly emails, a Phone Call Tree has been established to reach out for those that do not have email but also to provide a more personal connection in this time. We ran our first test of the tree on Monday, 3/23. We were able to do a number of updates to phone numbers, get prayers to be sent through Prayer Links and have good conversations. If you did not receive a call and want to be added, please reach out to Michele Webster at the church office (508-528-3803 or franklin.federated@gmail.com)
Who have you called today?
It only takes a few minutes to give someone a human connection either in a video call or over a voice line. Let someone, anyone know that you're thinking about them. Start with a simple budget of one call a day. Or maybe, one call to a church member and one call to a family member or a friend. If you're feeling helpless, others are too, and this is a concrete step you can take to make someone's life richer. Church members are standing by; call today!
3) Worship
- Two podcast sermons are online for Sunday, 3/15 and 3/22; please check the website on Sunday at 8am for the current Sunday podcast. www.franklinfederated.org
- An Interactive Prayer Service is live streamed at 10am on Sundays on the Franklin Federated Facebook page. This is also available after that time to view as a video on Facebook.
4) Pastoral care
This will be done via phone call by Pastor Charley
If there is a serious situation, please reach out via phone (508-507-0903) to discuss options with Charley.
Deacon’s Fund: This is a fund that is collected to support those with a financial need. In this time, the Deacon’s want to remind you that this is available as a one-time request that is paid to specific vendors (gas, electric companies as an example). If you have a need, please contact Pastor Charley at 508-507-0903 with your confidential request.
5) Church Finances - Help Keep FFC Strong for These Difficult Times!
March 2020 Year to Date Financials
ActualBudget*DifferenceIncome$46,423$46,771($348) under budgetExpenses$51,068$55,421($4,352) under budgetNet Income (Deficit)($4,656)($8,650)($4,004)
*Budget was approved at the 2/1/20 Annual meeting with a deficit of ($45,614).
Please consider electronic pledging or mailing your pledge to the church during this time period so that operating costs can continue to be paid.
Options:
A) Send a check (paper or electronic from your account) made out to FFC to:
FFC, 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Annette Thompson
B) Set up Vanco electronic pledging: Send a voided check to the address above and indicate how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th OR contact Annette Thompson (774-210-2110) with the following information: Bank Routing Number, account number and how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
5) Use of the Church
- No outside or community functions at the church through 4/7
- Limit meetings to conference calls or virtual meetings (like zoom). These should be set-up by the responsible leader of the meeting.
- Church Council had their first virtual meeting on 3/17. It went well with good participation and limited technical difficulties.
- The Interim team is meeting using ZOOM. They have already had two meetings this way and are making great progress (see update below)
We will provide any additional updates if the Coronavirus suspension period changes and there are any other impacted areas related to Franklin Federated Church. Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
6) Interim Search Process
The corona virus has not stopped the Interim Search process! The Interim Search Team is getting the hang of Zoom meetings although we are not quite yet a well-oiled Zoom machine. So far we have reviewed 9 profiles from UCC. None have been received from the Baptists yet, although the FFC church profile was sent to them at the same time as to UCC. We have chosen 4 profiles of candidates that we would like to meet with virtually through Zoom, hopefully within the coming week, since the good news is that people are home and available. We feel we have some good choices but will continue to be open to receiving profiles for now, and Sue will follow up with the Baptist’s to find out why no candidates have been put forth by them. We are feeling hopeful and excited and continue to trust that God will reveal to us who is the best fit, as we grow forward as a church.
Church Council and The Executive Church Team:
Pastor Charley Eastman, Moderator - Stephanie Potts, Chair of Deacons - Claire Chiboub, Chair of Building & Grounds - Steve Hampton and Treasurer - Scott Kwarta
Helpful links:
SNEUCC.org
mass.gov
cdc.gov