/fairfaxs-website/image-f878f-i65ab.png "Fairfax Presbyterian Church")
We send you our love and support as we continue to face this COVID-19 threat together. As you know, the Virginia Governor’s “Temporary Stay-at-Home Order” was put into effect on March 30, and it will be in effect until June 10, 2020. Because we express our love of God through loving our neighbors, we will continue to do our part to promote public health by being in compliance with the Executive Order.
Although we cannot gather as a community, FPC will continue to provide worship, ministry, and mission opportunities through available online platforms.
1. Worship. FPC services will be available only online through live-stream at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Sundays, so that you can worship at home via your computer or smartphone. If you have not already done so, please locate the live-stream option on the FPC website.
2. In addition, we will have live-stream Holy Week worship on Maundy Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. and on Good Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. For Maundy Thursday, please prepare a cup of juice (any kind) and a piece of bread, so that you can celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at home during the service.
3. Although our Easter Service on April 12 will have to be online, we will celebrate the resurrection in glorious fashion on the first Sunday we are allowed to gather in the Sanctuary. For now, Sunday, June 14 may be that first Sunday, but stay tuned for future updates. Remember, in our Christian tradition, every Sunday is a "little Easter"!
4. In the meanwhile, we ask that you continue to support FPC's ministry and mission by mailing your gift to the church or through a secure online giving: https://fairfaxpresby.breezechms.com/give/online. If you need assistance setting up the worship live- stream or online giving, please contact Boyd Harrison at boyd@fairfaxpresy.com or Kim Hart at kimberly@fairfaxpresby.com.
5. Building Closure. In compliance with the Executive Order, the FPC building continues to be closed until further notice. You can watch the FPC website for updates: http://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/.
6. Continuity of ministry. Although we are in a quarantine situation with limited contact with others, you should not be isolated. It is important to stay connected with people. Please know that the pastors and elected leaders are reaching out to fellow members and neighbors through phone calls, texts, emails and video chats. Also, the following Christian Formation (CF) opportunities are available via video conferences like Google Meet or Zoom:
For Adult CF: Sunday’s Wired Word @ 10 a.m. with Henry Brinton and Yena Hwang.For Children: Sunday Express Musical Rehearsal @ 11:30a.m. with Erin Sanzero and Bill Reidway.For Youth: GRACE Youth Sunday Night Fellowship @ 5 p.m. with Tempest Brevard; and Monday Movie Night @ 7 p.m. through Netflix Party.For Youths and Adults: Weekly Wednesday Bible Study “Hope During Time of Crisis” @ 1 p.m. with Tempest.Coming Soon: After worship conversation on various topics @ 12:30 p.m. with Ako CromwellIf you would like to participate in any of these live virtual studies, please contact Yena at yena@fairfaxpresby.com and she will send you the information needed to participate. In addition to these, Henry is posting daily Bible Studies on our website and on our FPC Facebook. You can leave a comment and interact with others on these study threads.
7. Mission to the community. "Little Free Pantries," installed on the front patio of the church, outside the building, are being used by our neighbors as needed. Thank you to all who have replenished the pantries with non-perishable food items. Please wipe down your donated items with disinfectant before placing them in the pantry. For larger food needs, our food closet can be available by appointments only at this time. Please email the pastors at the addresses below.
8. Pastoral Concerns. If you have questions or concerns, or if you would like to talk with a pastor, please contact Henry Brinton at henry@fairfaxpresby.com or Yena Hwang at yena@fairfaxpresby.com. Other staff members such as office administrators Boyd and Kim will be available to serve you by appointment. Also, you can submit your “joys and concerns” at our website under the Listen Live section. Fill out the form and Tom MacDonald will share those during our worship services. Although much of our work is being done remotely, we are all happy to respond by email or telephone, and to meet in small groups as needed.
Please know that we are praying for you and we are working to keep our congregation connected and spiritually supported as we go through this crisis together. We understand that this social distancing and quarantine time bring many challenges like possible isolation of our single/older members, financial insecurities due to job losses, and difficulties of juggling work and taking care of children who are home from school. We want to provide as much support as we can. We covet your prayers and support as we continue our work. Let us lift each other up with encouragement and prayers. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). We miss you and we look forward to the day when we can gather in person to worship and fellowship!
In hope, health and peace,
Henry G. Brinton & Yena Hwang