Seeking unity with Christ. Embracing diversity. Serving others.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

***

Confirmation of In-Person Sanctuary Worship

Dear Church Family,

Today, your Leadership Team met and approved resuming in-person Worship in our Sanctuary next Sunday, August 23, at our normal time. Sunday School classes and Nursery care are not possible at this time.

This decision came initially in our regular meeting on 7/14, and then we had a special called meeting with our staff on 8/2, and our meeting today, for a combined total of over six and a half hours. Collectively, we’ve made plans, and discussed evolving scientific research, suggestions, guidelines, and requirements on broad and specific pandemic topics. Sources of help have included the CDC, the VDH, our Virginia governor’s directives, and resources from our Virlina District, and our general offices, including the Town Hall Meeting offered this past week, hosted by our national moderator, Paul Mundey. So much about this horrible virus remains unknown, and we’re bombarded incessantly by debates and new developments. But what we do know, from your questionnaire vote totals, is that a significant percentage of you, our members, are anxious and willing to return and be together in our beloved house of God. Unquestionably, every one of us yearns to be sitting together in the pews, inspired and nurtured by the Holy Spirit as we’re surrounded by those familiar, sacred walls. The devastating Covid-19 danger, however, is real and too risky for many of us, due to our congregation’s age and assorted infirmities. And thus, we decided that the best solution is to offer you both choices-continuing online Worship through Zoom, and experiencing Worship together back in our Sanctuary again.

This new normal aspect presents multiple, difficult challenges. We’re striving to abide by all regulatory directives. Your safety is our paramount guide, and our intent is to go beyond what is officially required. In advance, we acknowledge that mistakes will happen as our pilgrimage leads us down unknown and heretofore unimaginable problems. We ask you for forgiveness, too, in delayed communications back with you, as we’ve reviewed over and over how we can serve you in the best possible way.

We left our meeting today anxious and energized. We don’t have all the answers we want, but we do have hope, and faith, and the power of God in our heart, mind, and soul.

Join us!

Your Leadership Team

***

Dear Williamson Road Church Family:

As we come together this Sunday for our first in-person worship service since March, there are a few things you may want to know before you walk in the door.

First of all, the decision made by the leadership team to return to our facility was based on the number of the responses to the survey (37%) wanting to return to worship in person for the trial service on the 23rd. While we all wish to be together, it is unfortunate that COVID keeps us away from each other, however we each need to do what we are comfortable with.

Second, worship will indeed be different based on several factors:

· We will require that masks be worn at all times within the building

· We will need to abide by social distancing measures, such as sitting 2 pews apart and only with family members.

· Going in and out of the building and sanctuary will be directed by our Ushers so that social distancing can be maintained

· There will not be any congregational singing, however, music, including hymns will be provided.

Third, the staff was given the option by the leadership team to attend or not based on the health concerns of our families. We want to thank them for this accommodation. Due to various health concerns that put us or our families at high risk, we will be providing pre-recorded music and the sermon. Know that we will be with you in spirit.

As it says in Matthew 22:37-40 (NRSV)

He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

We do this out of love for one another and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

In Christ’s love,

The Williamson Road Church Staff

***