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Coronavirus • 14 March 2020

Posted on Mar 14, 2020 in Newsletter |

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” The context is different than our present situation, but the reality behind the passage still applies — it is love and self-control, not fear that must lead our lives and decisions. Love is what is driving this decision.

We have been carefully and prayerfully watching the developments associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to reliable sources and the public declaration of a national state of emergency, we have consulted competent believers in the medical field for a fuller understanding and counsel. Most recently, we were made aware that the Fairfax County Health Department plans to announce a rise in cases, and we are also aware of at least one exposure within our own church community.

The combination of these and other factors suggest that it is right and loving to purposefully act on behalf of those who are vulnerable among us — those within our church family and our spheres of contact. Medical counsel suggests that the immediate threat level of this virus is much higher than influenza. At this time, our plan is to cancel all regular church activities, meetings, and office hours beginning Sunday, March 15, through Saturday, March 21. Our pastoral and elder leadership will meet to discuss how to best accommodate future changes and to minimize whatever effects we can to normal church life. Please join us in praying for our community.

The foundation of our faith has not moved. Know that we are truly hopeful because of whose we are. Our desire is to resume normal activities as soon as it is possible to responsibly do so. Please see our website or social media platforms (Facebook • Instagram • Twitter) or call the church office (703.278.8166) for the latest updates.

 
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jonathan Parker

Coronavirus • 13 March 2020

Posted on Mar 14, 2020 in Newsletter |

Church Family:
Like you, I along with our elders, pastors, and staff have been carefully watching the developments associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19). We remain cautious but hopeful as we prayerfully consider how best to steward our church and our ministries, while implementing practical adjustments to deter needless risk.
At this point, our church services will operate on a normal schedule, but we have several proactive changes we will implement that need your help.

  • Feeling sick? As a precautionary measure, please stay home if you or your child feels ill.
  • Physical contact: Please avoid physical contact with others at church for the next few weeks.
    • This is tough because we are a friendly church, but it is a simple adjustment that we can easily accommodate.
  • Welcome time: We love greeting each other in Christ, but we will forgo this time during the welcome for the next few weeks.   
  • Offering: Instead of passing an offering plate, ushers will have offering plates available as you leave after the service to receive giving.
    • This limits one place of shared contact.
    • Also, we offer online and text-to-give (703.721.4466) options that are easy to use.  
    • You may also mail your offering to the church: 5424 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.
  • You have grace to stay home:
    • We want nothing more than to be together worshiping the Lord, but we want you to have peace about staying home. This is especially true if you or your loved one falls into higher-risk categories. It is because we love you that we want you to protect yourself with a clear conscience. 
    • If you need to do this, be sure to take advantage of our online sermons — this week’s and previous sermons.
  • Updates:
    • Please see our website or social media platforms (Facebook• Instagram • Twitter) or call the church office (703.278.8166) for the latest updates.

Please know that we are not alarmed, but we do think the risks are worthy of these simple changes. Our hope is secure and our God is good (cf. Psalm 23). Please join me in praying that the effects of this virus will be minimized in our community.

It is truly my pleasure to serve you as pastor.
Sincerely,
Pastor Jonathan Parker

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