Due to the recommendations in Massachusetts, we are extending the suspension time through May 4, 2020. Given this change, the Church meeting scheduled on April 5th will be rescheduled to Sunday, May 10th.

Thank you for the care and attention you are providing to each other during this time of physical distancing. Our church community is finding ways to interact and share virtually and I hope you are feeling comforted and connected through these new and creative approaches.

A conference call meeting was held on Sunday, 3/29/20 at 11am to allow for discussion about the Church Suspension, the Interim Search and Transition process for Charley. Areas discussed are listed below along with other updates.

Church Suspension Time:

1. How do we make sure everyone gets any urgent information? Including those that don’t have access to email?

Call Chain will be done on Wednesday, 4/1 to communicate the suspension date change from 4/7/20 to 5/4/20.

2. How will we worship?

Through Sunday, April 19th:

Charley did a 20 minute podcast sermon continuing the series of “7 Last Words” for 3/15. Charley will continue for 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12 and 4/19. Podcast is located on facebook page and on website. It will be posted at 8am on Sunday morning.
Charley will continue to do a Facebook live stream prayer group from the sanctuary at 10am through Sunday, 4/19.
Easter Sunday, 4/12: Live Stream service at 10am will include additional components and a request has been made to stream the Hallelujah Chorus at the end. Last year’s recording will be posted to play at the end of the service.

Sunday, 4/26 and 5/3:

Church Leaders/Guest Preachers will produce a 15-20 minute podcast sermon based on the planned Bible readings based on Worship planning done by Charley, Julie and the Deacons. Podcast is located on facebook page and on website. It will be posted no later than 8am on Sunday morning.
Claire Chiboub will continue to do a Facebook live stream prayer group at 10am on Sunday, 4/26 and 5/3.

3. How are we communicating that our building is closed and activities have stopped?

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre is postponed. New date TBD.
Renters will be notified and told the building is closed through at least May 4, 2020.
Every outside door has signs on it. Main sign and sandwich board also provide information on how to find us online.

4. How will the church keep functioning financially?

Treasurer Scott Kwarta is assessing the financial situation of the church and will be providing an update at the Church Council meeting on April 14th. Additional information will be available after that meeting.

Easter Flower Donations - Easter Flower orders are not being taken at this time. It was discussed to have”virtual flowers” and donations made for those to support the operating budget.
- For the month of April we will be collecting virtual donations of $8.00 per virtual plant. Please makes checks out to FFC and send them to 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038
- When you send in your check or contribution, please also identify: Given by In memory or honor of
- An insert will be put in the bulletin for the first Sunday back at church with the listing of donations and those being remembered or honored.

FINANCIAL REMINDER:

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. How will it be decided if the May 4, 2020 date is changed?

The executive team will keep apprised of recent updates and recommendations for interpersonal interactions. A decision will be made on 4/27/20 as to our next steps - if we will end suspension on May 4, 2020 or increase the length of time. A notification will go out to the church via email and through the phone chain.

Interim Minister Search Process: (Update provided by Sue Borchard, chair)

We have reviewed 9 Profiles from the UCC (None received from ABC). We have eliminated 4 that we don’t think will be a good fit. We are scheduling zoom interviews in the next 2 weeks with 4 that we are excited about and keeping a fifth as an option (“in the parking lot”) if the other 4 do not meet our needs
The good part is that most people are home and available for interviews!
We came up with a list of interview questions so that we can compare their answers to them.
MANY THANKS to this team for their multiple meetings and efforts to keep this process moving forward.

Charley Transition Activities:

Stephanie Potts has asked Charley if he would be willing to come back at some point after the suspension is over and have a “time of closure” with us. Noting that in usual circumstances when a minister leaves, he breaks all ties with the church community, but that these are unusual events. Charley agreed to do this contingent upon approval from the church council and interim minister.
Tom is working on getting copies of the rental of the parsonage and the Church’s agreement with Charley as well as a copy of the contract with the management company. All these will be re-worked. Scott Hampton will be the contact for the management company for now as chair of B & G.
Scott is working on the disbursement of the Equity fund, timing of last pay, and expense accounts for Charley.
Charley’s Exit Interview is scheduled for 4/16. This will now be done online. If anyone has specific questions regarding the process, please contact Stephanie Potts at sbpotts64@gmail.com.
Charley “Driven” Activities where we are looking at new leaders or pausing programs:

Sunday Morning Bible Study - Lyn Pickhover will lead it
Game Night - Checking on if there is a new leader or pausing
Contemporary Worship - Scott Kwart & Claire Chiboub determining plan
Projected Announcements - “ownership” of projected announcements TBD
Affirmation/Confirmation plan

Please take care of yourselves, your health and your families. Try one of the new ways to connect with your church family. Know that God is with us and will help us through.

Blessings,

The Executive Team