Posts from May 2020

Dear Church Family, We have thankfully entered a season in which we can resume some in-person worship activities.  The elders believe that we can do this responsibly, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, by taking the precautions set forth in government guidance and being practiced by other churches.  This will enable us to resume meeting in a way that cares for our neighbors and submits to the authorities God has put in place for our good. This season of reopening calls for joy…

Dear friends, Our region of northern Virginia remains under a shutdown until at least Friday, May 29, as directed by Governor Northam.  This means that, unless the Governor extends the shutdown, churches in our area may be able to hold in-person gatherings at 50% of building capacity as early as Sunday, May 31. The first in-person service at Grace may occur on May 31, or on a subsequent Sunday (June 7 or 14), depending on how quickly safety procedures can be worked out.  This first in-person gathering will be attended by a…

Dear Friends, Our region of northern Virginia remains under a shutdown until at least Friday, May 29, as directed this week by Governor Northam.  Since the coronavirus has affected the DC metro area more severely, we cannot enter Phase 1 of reopening as soon as the rest of Virginia. This means that we will have at least two more Sundays of only-streaming services.  We will resume gathering for worship when (1) restrictions are eased and (2) we have appropriate safety…

Dear Friends,  Governor Northam recently extended the coronavirus shutdown in Virginia to June 10.  Out of respect for our government authorities, and to safeguard public health, we will continue streaming our services, and will not hold large group gatherings, until this order has expired.  Please continue to participate in online worship, take advantage of small group opportunities via Zoom, and generally exercise your creativity to stay connected to each other during this season of diminished contact.  Let’s remain confident that…

Dear church family, We trust the Lord is sustaining you through the many challenges of the coronavirus response.  This note comes to update you on how Grace Church is adapting to the ongoing shutdown.  We want you to know our plans and assumptions so that you can also plan accordingly.  Church services and activities:  We will generally follow the guidance of state and federal officials regarding the shutdown, while monitoring the situation in order to resume normal activities as soon…

Dear Friends, The onset of the coronavirus has made it necessary for Grace Church and many other organizations to decide on a response.  Based on guidance from the administration of President Trump and also at the urging of Governor Northam, we will scale back our large group gatherings in the near future.  This includes not holding regular, on-site Sunday activities at least on March 15, and not holding any other kind of large group gathering at all from now into…