/fairfaxs-website/image-f878f-i65ab.png "Fairfax Presbyterian Church")
We hope you are staying well as our region slowly reopens in this time of pandemic. In our last pastoral letter, we promised to inform you of steps we are taking toward gathering for worship once again. We have learned that National Capital Presbytery is recommending that churches not rush into returning to in-person worship services. In addition, health officials recommend that we wear masks, avoid singing, and practice social distancing while the coronavirus is still active.
Our session ministries discussed the state of the pandemic in their regularly scheduled meetings, and the Worship Ministry made the recommendation that we delay in-person worship services in the sanctuary until at least Labor Day (September 7, 2020).
At the Stated Session Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the elders discussed this recommendation and approved it unanimously. We will continue with taped and broadcast worship services through at least Labor Day.
We know that many of you are anxious to gather in the Sanctuary, while others are reluctant to gather because of health concerns. Be assured that the health and safety of every member of FPC is the top priority for all of us in leadership. Other churches in our region, including Vienna Presbyterian Church, will also be delaying the resumption of in-person worship until at least Labor Day.
Another consideration is the quality of the worship we can offer in a time of pandemic. While we pastors love the experience of seeing church members in person and preaching to a gathered congregation, we know that church members love to sing in worship. Sadly, this will not be possible for many months. So we feel that the music of our online services is a real benefit to staying online for now.
At the same time, we want to create opportunities for socially-distanced fellowship events over the summer, so that members can see each other. The Grads on the Glebe parade was such a joy for everyone who participated! Please stay tuned for opportunities to gather on the Glebe for worship and fellowship in the weeks and months ahead. We miss you and want to see you face-to-face, in a manner that is safe for everyone. Any opportunities will be announced on our church website, https://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/
Please continue to join us for audio and video online worship at 8:45 am and 11:15 am every Sunday at https://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/fpc/sermons#Listen%20Live. Thank you also for your continued financial support, which has come through the mail and through secure online giving. The Stewardship and Finance Ministry will send you a message about church finances very soon. As we enter a new Fiscal Year on July 1, we ask everyone to continue their support as they are able, preferably at the level of giving for the past year.
Stay well and please be in touch if you have questions, concerns, or a need for assistance: henry@fairfaxpresby.com or yena@fairfaxpresby.com.
In hope, health and peace,
Henry G. Brinton & Yena Hwang