How long will we be using Zoom?

We will be online from Sunday, March 15th through May 3rd, unless we are cleared to open our physical building sooner.  

How do I use Zoom?

Watch this 1-minute video with instructions for joining Zoom.  For worship and community meetings, simply click the posted link provided for each date as needed.  When we're meeting in smaller groups or have one on one appointments scheduled, the leader will email each person a link.  

Zoom on a Computer: 

  • Click the class link above.

  • If you have never used Zoom, you will need to download a Zoom "plug in." This takes just a few seconds! 

  • After it is downloaded you will be prompted to click on the Zoom launcher to activate.

  • Follow the prompts to connect your audio and video.

Zoom on a phone or tablet: 

  • Download the free Zoom app. 

  • Open the app and enter the meeting ID for your class.

FAQs about Zoom During Worship

Many of us need community and spiritual sustenance now, more than ever- our Journey Together in Hope has brought us in a new and unfamiliar place this week.  In these days of stress and uncertainty, it is helpful for us to come together and reflect. Though we cannot gather in the same room for the time being, we will find new ways to connect and hold one another in faith.  Our minister, staff team, and several volunteers are working to create an online worship service to keep our community connected, centered, and strong!  

How can I make the best of it?  

  • Take some time before our digital gathering on Sunday to try out the Zoom platform, if you haven't already. Here is a link to a video tutorial that includes all of the details, and even a chance to practice.  

  • Our online worship space will be open at 10.15am on Sundays.  Feel free to pop in early to give yourself a chance to be sure your internet signal is working and settle into the space.  Running a few minutes late?  That's fine, too.  Our service may be a bit shorter than usual, so join us whenever you can.  

What can I bring?  

  • A willingness to participate by singing and meditating along with us.   You might like to have a chalice or candle near you during the service, and even light it along with us as worship begins!  

  • Any friends, family members, or pets who would like to join us.  

What if my dog barks during the service, or my phone rings? 

  • All mics apart the hosts will be muted, so any background noise on your end will not disrupt our service.  That means you can join us from anywhere that you have a phone line or internet access.  

Will there be a Time for All Ages?  

  • Yes, absolutely. However, we are still developing our plans for long-distance Sunday School, so all ages are welcome to join us for the whole service.  We are also working on offerings specifically for the young and young-at-heart, so please email us with your ideas and let us know if you'd be willing to help.

Thank you all for being a part of the First Church community.  Please email any of us if you have questions, ideas for future services, or would like to volunteer to help our community gather remotely.  We hope to see many of you (online) on Sunday, and please bring with you a lot of patience and a little spark of adventure.  Together, we will find our way forward.  

In faith, hope, and love, 

The Staff Worship Team
Michael Kraft, Catherine Bertand, and Rev. Elizabeth