/fairfaxs-website/image-f878f-i65ab.png "Fairfax Presbyterian Church")
We send you our love and support as we face this COVID-19 threat together. Please know that we are praying for you and are working to keep our congregation connected and spiritually supported as we go through these challenging days. Know that God continues to be "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
FPC is continuing to take steps to ensure the health of our community, to slow the spread of the virus, and to advance our worship, ministry and mission. As of today, our plans are:
1. Worship. We will NOT gather in the Sanctuary for worship through the end of April. This is a response to the statewide ban on gatherings of more than ten people which began on March 24 and will last until April 23. Instead, FPC services will be available by live-stream at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday so that you can worship at home via your computer or smartphone. Thanks to the efforts of Tom MacDonald, these services include both audio and video. If you have not already done so, please locate the live-stream option on the FPC website: https://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/fpc/sermons#Listen%20Live. In addition, you can continue to support FPC's ministry and mission by mailing your gift to the church or through online giving: https://fairfaxpresby.breezechms.com/give/online. We will reassess and update our information as needed regarding further future services. 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. In our Christian tradition, every Sunday is a "little Easter"!
2. Building Closure. Our governor's recent executive order calls for "closure of all public access to recreational and entertainment businesses" for the period March 24 through April 23. While churches are not mentioned specifically, we want to abide by the spirit of this order and promote public health. As a result, the FPC building is now closed to all events and meetings until further notice. You can watch the FPC website for updates: http://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/.
3. Continuity of Ministry. Although you are right to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, this is not the time to become isolated. Please continue to reach out to fellow members and neighbors through phone calls, texts, emails and video chats. Your deacons are making calls to church members, as are your pastors. Yena has been offering daily Facebook Live messages to Sunday Express families, Tempest has been gathering the youths online, Erin has been using her tech savvy to make it possible for rehearsals for the spring musical to continue every Sunday, FPC's Facebook group has been active with members sending messages, and Henry has been posting daily Bible studies (with a comments section for your thoughts) on http://fairfaxpresbyterian.org/. Trusting that our lives are in God's hands, we will continue to be the body of Christ through all the days to come.
4. Mission to the Community. "Little Free Pantries" have been installed on the front patio of the church, outside the narthex. Hungry neighbors are coming by to pick up canned goods and other non-perishable food, and FPC members are replenishing the pantries as needed (please wipe down your donated items with disinfectant before placing them in the pantry). In addition, our food closet will be available by appointment. Please email the pastors at the addresses below.
5. 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. Although much of our work will be done remotely, we are all happy to respond by email or telephone, and to meet in small groups as needed.
6. Self-Quarantine Alert. Erin, Gretchen and Grace have continued to do a terrific job with the music of the church, and the last live performance of music was on Sunday, March 15. Yesterday, March 24, Grace learned that she tested positive for the coronavirus. If you last encountered Grace in our service of worship on Sunday, March 8, your 14 day period for self-quarantine has now passed. But if you met with her on Sunday, March 15, you are advised to self-quarantine through Sunday, March 29. Grace is sharing this information with the congregation out of a desire to do anything she can to help minimize the spread of the virus. You'll be happy to know that Grace and her family are recovering and are physically well.
We look forward to the day when we can gather together in person to worship and fellowship. In the meanwhile, know that you are not alone. Our God is the Strong One who sees us -- El Roi. Our God is the One who provides -- Jehovah Jireh. God is our Stone of Help -- Ebenezer. God is our Healer, Jehovah Rapha. God Immanuel, the One who is with us, bless you and keep you safe during this time of uncertainty.
In hope, health and peace,
Henry G. Brinton & Yena Hwang