FPC's Response to Concerns of COVID 19 (Coronavirus)

We have EXCITING NEWS! On Sunday, May 16, 2021, the Session met for our regularly stated meeting. As we have done monthly for the last year, and weekly for the last month since setting the new criteria for reopening, a thorough review of the criteria was held in consideration of the recent announcements from the CDC and the Governor of Virginia. In support of new scientific data and recommendations offered by the CDC and Governor of Virginia, we, the Session, are excited to announce our unanimous consent for the FULL REOPENING of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg effective May 17, 2021. We want to thank you all for your prayers and support over the last year as we have worked through discerning what we have believed is best for the congregation. Please continue reading, as there are a few important notes to consider as we continue “Celebrating God’s Grace and Inspiring the Next Generation for Christ.” 

The life and ministries of FPCLY will proceed with the following important highlights: 

• No protocols such as masks, social distancing, temperature checks, sign in, etc. will be required. 
• Unvaccinated persons are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance as recommended by CDC guidelines.
• In-person worship in the Sanctuary will begin on Sunday, May 30, 2021 @ 10:30 A.M with a soft reopening. On Sunday, June 6th, we will celebrate the Grand Reopening with the dedication of the new steeple.
  • Why not open May 23, 2021? The primary reason is that Peter will be away celebrating his graduation and receiving his Doctor of Ministry Degree. The secondary reason is that this extra week will allow the Sanctuary to be fully restored for in-person worship. With no transition period, there are a few things like hymnals and bibles that we want to ensure are in place for an effective return.
• The Nursery will be available from 8:45 A.M to Noon for children ages 3 and under starting Sunday, May 30, 2021. 
• The Parking Lot Worship of Prayer and the Word will continue at 9:00 A.M. each Sunday throughout the summer. 
• Live Video Streaming on YouTube and Live Radio on WLNI will continue at 10:30 A.M. each Sunday. 
• Ministries such as the Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers, Colin Caldwell Men’s Bible Study, Presbyterian Women, FPC Weekday School, Scouts, and Al Anon may meet fully in-person with the only restriction being those as recommended by the CDC guidelines. 
• Spiritual Growth opportunities for all ages will be announced and provided as available. These include Worship Workshop, Gateways to Worship, Faith Mountain, Youth Group, and Adult Classes. Please stay tuned for opportunities to abide and grow as they become available again. 
• All FPCLY committees are permitted to meet in-person. We still ask that rooms and times be reserved through the Church office. We encourage the continued use of Zoom or other video conferencing to allow flexibility in participation. 

We look forward to seeing you all again real soon!

Following a healthy discussion and deliberation of criteria needed to move FPCLY in reopening from Phase 1 (including small group gatherings of no more than 30 in-person indoors) to Phase 2 (including worship in the Sanctuary with a capacity of 175 in-person indoors), the Session unanimously outlined the following criteria:

1. The Central Virginia Health District 7-day test positivity rate is <5% for 3 consecutive weeks

OR

1. Percent of the population of Lynchburg fully vaccinated is >50%

AND

1. Organized and trained teams of congregants committed to ensure safety precautions are followed

AND

1. All laws, regulations, or executive orders permit such re-opening

The Session has determined that these criteria must be met before a move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.  Currently, the numbers are not quite where they need to be for #1 or #2 to be true.  Positivity rate sits at 7% and only about 20% of the population has received their first shot of a vaccine. Both numbers are trending in the right direction, but there is still much progress to be made. We do not know the exact timing in which the quantifiable criteria of #1 and #2 will become true, but when it does you can be assured the doors of the Sanctuary for worship will be opened wide.

In addition to approving these criteria, the Session would like to emphasize the following three points:

1. All congregants who are eligible to receive the vaccination are encouraged to do so.  Vaccines are proven to not only serve an individual’s health, but contribute to the health of an entire community and population. The more individuals vaccinated in a community, the more protected a community is from significant spread.
2. Session will be updated on the status of these criteria in 2 weeks from today (May 4) and evaluate status of reopening at that time.
3. As a follow up to the 2 week evaluation, Session will determine on May 16 whether the above criteria needs to be changed or adjusted in any way.

The Session continues to ask for everyone to remain patient. We know the desire is to be back together but the science still suggests great risks for those gathering in larger numbers indoors. No matter the age or association of an individual present for worship, the Session feels the risk of anyone becoming sick and facing the possibility of a deathly struggle is not worth it.

The Session continues to support the many different worship opportunities (Parking Lot outdoors, Live Video, Radio) as viable worship opportunities and encourages all congregants to participate in these as often as able. Being in the Sanctuary for worship may be ideal, but even if that is not an option, we can still come together and be the Church who worships, grows, loves, and serves.

The Session invites anyone and everyone to reach out and talk more with Peter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 434-384-6231) or a member of the Session (names are listed below).

Until these criteria are met or changed to accommodate a move, FPCLY will continue to operate and be the Church under the current guidelines and protocols of Phase 1. 

Reminder that under Phase 1, small gatherings are permitted with a capacity limit set per room (no more than 30 in one space) and all safety precautions and measures (masks, temps, sign-in and out, etc.) are required for entry. If you would like to visit FPCLY or participate in one of these small gatherings, please contact the church office at 434-384-6231 to inquire of times and locations.

Celebrating God’s Grace and Inspiring the Next Generation for Christ (even in the midst of Covid),

Session

Al Baker, Dickie Stowers, Rick Milam, Chal Nunn, Jennifer Clark, Donna Whitehouse, Bob Thomas, Jackie Hill, Caskie Giles, Diane Stroud, Stannard Preston, Dan Grabeel, Rob Cleland, Robert O’Brian Jr., Jamie Moss, Laurie Sommardahl, Bill Wescott, Kathryn Pumphrey, Michael Trexler, Hunter Cleland, Ken Slusher, Nancy Strosnider, Gwen Maddox, Dave Tate (Clerk of Session), Rev. Peter Thompson (Senior Pastor)

A note from Pastor Peter Thompson.

In short, I am hopeful the time is near. How near? FPCLY Staff continues to work with the Session, who is responsible for making the decision, to review and discuss the outlook and prognosis in our community based on the status of cases, the availability and distribution of vaccines, and guidance from local health professionals in our own congregation.  The outlook is promising—even more promising than a week ago—but it is these professionals’ belief, and we trust and respect their belief, that we are not quite clear to be back in the sanctuary with larger crowds…yet!  Any large gathering, whether in church or otherwise, still has a high probability of positive transmission of the virus and we are just not willing to take that risk right now. We have loved ones who are severely ill because of this virus and the thought of contributing to possible exposure and putting others at risk is not what we feel is responsible. FPCLY Staff and Session are continuing to evaluate on a day by day and week by week basis and look forward to bigger steps towards re-opening very soon.  Our Session meets again on Tuesday, March 16 and will further discuss next steps.

But, haven’t churches have been exempt from the capacity restrictions? Haven’t other churches opened, and even more are starting to open? Yes, both are true. I think this makes our decision even more difficult. What I would like to encourage us to consider is that just because religious institutions are exempt, and others are doing it does not automatically mean we should follow. I respect the law and I respect other churches and the decisions they make, but I respect the medical professionals we are receiving reports from and the discernment of our Session to know what our response should be. We are not all going to agree on the timing or reasons for decisions made, and I think that is alright, but I do pray we can all respect those and the decisions they make who are doing their best in making these tough decisions.

We have all heard it for a year now, but I want to encourage everyone to remain patient and stay the course.  I share your desire to be back in the sanctuary for worship. I know attending worship regularly in the parking lot, online, or on the radio is not the number one preference, but these forms of worship are still faithful to God’s call for us to praise, honor, and glorify God each week. I know it is frustrating not to return to “normal” as we might think of it, with ministry offerings for all ages, but this time has given us all an opportunity to develop new and exciting opportunities to learn and grow together.

May God be with you till we meet again! And may that time be much sooner rather than later!

With courage, hope, and cantaloupe,

Peter

Given the before mentioned, the FPCLY Staff recommends the Session approve the following new operating protocol effective January 20, 2021 to February 20, 2021. Changes to previous operating protocol are highlighted below in yellow.

• No Sunday Opportunities hosted indoors. Participants will continue to be limited to worship leadership, including staff and up to 8 households providing choral support. The choral support will continue to practice social distancing and sit with at least 20 feet between them throughout the sanctuary.  
• Weddings and Funerals. Any requests for a wedding or a funeral will be assessed on an as needed or desired basis under the care and consideration of the Worship and Music Committee. The capacity for these services will be max 30 in the sanctuary.
• Weekday Opportunities hosted indoors: There will be no church related group gatherings, classes, or meetings hosted in the church facility during this time. All group gatherings, classes, or meetings are invited and encouraged to use the church Zoom account to schedule and host meetings. Please contact Karen Wydner in the church office (434-384-6231 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to schedule.

Exceptions for Groups eligible to use indoor facilities are groups with designated spaces and no overlap:

• FPC Weekday School
• Scout Troop 7 and 49, Cup Pack 7
• Al Anon
• No Church Groups, Committees, or Classes

The church offices will continue to be open by appointment and reservation only. Staff will maintain office hours 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. Safety Protocols for FPCLY during Covid-19 have been updated for this time frame (See page 3).

• Sunday and weekly opportunities hosted outdoors: Outdoor activities on FPCLY grounds will continue to be considered for approval in consultation with staff on an as needed basis. This includes but is not limited to:
  • 9:00 AM Parking Lot Worship on Sundays (Weather Permitting)
    • Sacraments may be celebrated during outside worship.
  • Walk with God (Weather Permitting)
  • FPC Weekday School
  • Scout Troop 7 and 49 and Cub Pack 7 Gatherings

All FPCLY supported activities shall continue to ensure adequate physical distancing and other risk mitigation (limited numbers, short duration of exposure, hand sanitation, masks, adequate signage, temperature checks, before and after cleaning, etc.).

*Note: This resolution is fluid. As the pandemic changes, we feel we can adjust accordingly to resuming our church activities, both sooner or later if necessary.

Reopening update from Session

Your FPCLY Staff and Session continue to review the possibility of reopening the sanctuary for worship on Sunday mornings as well as the rest of the facilities without appointment or reservation throughout the week. As of Tuesday, October 20, the FPCLY Staff and Session acknowledge the following:

• Churches with less than 250 gathered are no longer restricted in Virginia. Churches are legally given the freedom to meet with strong recommendations to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing, but the CDC still does not recommend this.
• There are many people with varied needs and desires to get back to the sanctuary and many of our regular programs, including the Staff and Session.
• The virus is still among us. Virginia is currently in what is known as a third spike. Lynchburg reported the week of October 20 a rate of 20 cases per 100,000 residents in comparison to a 11 cases per 100,000 residents average across the rest of the state. Cases currently in Lynchburg General Hospital occurred within church worship opportunities.
• Continued practices of wearing masks and social distancing is helping keep flu cases down in other places around the world who have already entered their winter and flu seasons.
• It is still not safe to sing in a group setting.  Singing is considered a super spreader.
• We are open and we do have very good opportunities for people to participate and worship:
  • Parking Lot
  • Family Centered Events
  • Radio and Facebook
• Worship and Music Committee believes safety is priority and if we can offer safe ways to worship, we are doing what is best.
• Our cleaning staff is depleted and makes our commitment to a clean facility difficult to guarantee.
• Reopening the sanctuary would require a team of people, large and in charge, in addition to staff, that can create, organize, plan, implement, and follow through on all matters pertaining to hosting an event safely.

Given these acknowledgements, what does the FPCLY Staff and Session suggest at this time?

1. Now is not the time to reopen and we do not know when that time will be.

2. In order to reopen the sanctuary at the level desired for effective worship, the staff continues to feel there needs to be better control of the virus with a stop of rapid spreading and much lower risk of transmission throughout Virginia for at least a two week period, an effective vaccine administered and distributed, or more effective ways to implement reopening within direct compliance of CDC guidelines.

3. We are committed to continuing to review and assess progress of the pandemic and will be flexible to the possibility of opening as soon as possible.

First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg continues to “Celebrate God’s Grace and Inspire the Next Generation for Christ” as best we can amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since March, your staff and many others in the congregation have worked hard to make worship opportunities possible both outdoors on Sunday mornings and virtually through WLNI 105.9, Facebook Live, and YouTube. Our website, www.fpcly.org, has become a resource for many to pray, experience, serve and learn during this time as well.  In June, the facility reopened by appointment and reservation only and we are seeing more and more people able to come together safely with social distancing and other precautionary measures followed. We hope and pray you have been able to stay connected and be assured that FPCLY has not, is not, and will not be shutting down. We also hope and pray the end of this pandemic will come quickly and we are able to regain the many freedoms and connections we have grown to love by participating in the life and ministries of the church.

Why not now? At half-capacity? Multiple services? Our Worship and Music Committee has asked the same questions and we believe the answers to these questions are tied together. We believe that no one who has the desire to come worship should be excluded from that opportunity. Therefore, if someone were to arrive to the church and answer yes to any of the screening questions, post a high temperature, or not have a mask, to comply with our protocol we would need to ask them to leave.  Also, if a family with a child or children attends worship with the need of the nursery, Worship Workshop, or Gateways, we currently are not equipped to host those programs in our usual spaces.  Under CDC guidelines for schools, which the FPC Weekday School is following, we are not permitted to duplicate the use of spaces for students and children, and our nursery doubles as a school classroom. Therefore, to have nursery offered on Sunday mornings during worship, the organization of a new nursery classroom would need to be completed.  We do not have the adequate space to do that.  In addition, children are also encouraged to practice social distancing and we do not feel we can safely facilitate that with our Nursery Care providers at this time. If a family is unable to attend without the support of these programs, we feel that is excluding them from their desire to attend worship. Also tied to these questions are the unpredictability of seating arrangements.  Per capita the half capacity is 175, but we are unsure as to whether social distancing could be practiced responsibly in our sanctuary. It is not as simple as seating folks 6 feet apart on pews, because the forward and backward spacing is as critical as the side to side.

Two other points that have helped Worship and Music decide to hold off on in-person gatherings in the Sanctuary include adequate and appropriate cleaning and the necessary changes made to the style of worship participation permitted at this time.  To adequately clean and turnover the space would require a crew of cleaners and cleaning solutions.  Our sanctuary surfaces are not made to handle the potency of the required cleaning products without posing potential damage to the pews. In addition, the church’s cleaning contract does not include Sundays and would add a significant cost not planned for within the annual operating budget. Also, necessary changes would need to be considered for worship participation. There would be no congregational singing, even with masks, because singing is considered a super spreader. There would be no corporate responses, prayers, or passing of the peace. There would be no fellowship interactions as attendees would be ushered in and ushered out of the space.

For all of these reasons, Worship and Music has decided to hold off on in-person worship in the sanctuary until more can be learned and practiced safely in regard to COVID-19 and this has natural effects on other programming as well. Our goal will be to work to a level of preparedness that allows a quick and safe return as soon as possible.

As we look ahead to this Fall and make considerations for in-person worship in the sanctuary, spiritual growth classes, coffee café, and many other programs we would all enjoy getting back to, the staff and session believe it is in the best interest of the church as a whole to proceed with the philosophy of “safety first.” As COVID-19 persists in Virginia with the continued uptick in cases across the Commonwealth, and school starting next week for the FPC Weekday School and subsequent weeks for others, much remains uncertain as to the safety of public gatherings, especially large gatherings like worship. We believe, based on compliance with the Governor, experience and input from local medical professionals, and our own experience and knowledge with regular facility use and program needs, our best practice is to be patient and continue to reassess throughout the Fall. 

Therefore, with a focus on safety first, the FPCLY Staff and Session resolve the following:

• Sunday morning opportunities hosted indoors: As much as we would love to get back to worshiping together in the sanctuary and hosting in-person spiritual growth opportunities, we do not anticipate a return to in-person worship services in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings or in-person programming, such as Sunday morning Spiritual Growth classes, Coffee Café, Lemonade and Cookies, KidMin, Youth Group, Wednesday Night Fellowship, or Chancel Choir this Fall. We will continue to reassess opportunities weekly and keep you informed. As we know more, you will know more.
• Weddings or Funerals: Under the care of the Worship and Music Committee, an exception for in-person worship may be made for weddings and funerals. The capacity for these services will be at most one half the full capacity of the sanctuary (125) or chapel (20) or less depending on compliance with the Governor’s guidelines.
• Weekday opportunities hosted indoors: The church offices, indoor classrooms, and gathering spaces will be open by appointment and reservation only. Staff will maintain office hours 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. Safety Protocols for FPCLY during Covid-19 for in-person meetings, whether one on one or by committee, have been outlined at all facility entrances and distributed to all committee chairs and leaders of groups. If desired, a copy of these protocols can be obtained from the church office. Note: All groups gathering are encouraged to make possible virtual participation for members who are not able or are unwilling to attend in-person meetings. Zoom meetings can be scheduled through the church office at the time of your meeting reservation.
  • Groups eligible to use indoor facilities are:
    • FPC Weekday School
    • Scout Troop 7 and 49, Cup Pack 7
    • Al Anon
    • Election Board
    • Red Cross Blood Drive
    • Session, Session Committees and Sub Committees
    • Chancel Ringers
    • Men’s Bible Study
    • PW Horizon’s Circle and Book Circle
  • Sunday and weekly opportunities hosted outdoors: Outdoor activities on FPCLY grounds will be considered for approval in consultation with staff on an as needed basis. This includes but is not limited to:
    • 9:00 AM Parking Lot Worship on Sundays (Weather Permitting)
      • Sacraments may be celebrated during outside worship.
    • First Pres Presents Fine Arts Series (Weather Permitting)
    • Walk with God (Weather Permitting)
    • FPC Weekday School
    • Scout Troop 7 and 49 and Cub Pack 7 Gatherings

All FPCLY supported activities shall ensure adequate physical distancing and other risk mitigation (limited numbers, short duration of exposure, hand sanitation, masks, adequate signage, temperature checks, before and after cleaning, etc.).

*Note: This resolution is fluid. As the pandemic changes, we feel we can adjust accordingly to resuming our church activities, both sooner or later if necessary.

We are excited for the next phase of re-opening! We are excited to re-open the administrative offices by appointment only starting Monday, June 15, 2020 for staff and group meetings . We will ask you to follow a series of guidelines and procedures to help keep everyone safe and to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. We are inching closer and closer to being together more completely again!

• Meetings are by appointment only. If you do not have a scheduled meeting with a staff member or a committee meeting scheduled through Karen in the church office, you may not meet in the building. To make an appointment, contact staff members directly (their contact information is on our staff page) or contact Karen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 434-384-6231 to schedule a meeting room for your group.
• You must answer the self screening questions posted below (They will also be posted on the church entry door). If you answer yes to any of the questions, you will not be permitted entry.

  • Have you returned from any foreign travel (outside the United States) within the last 14 days? 

  • Have you had close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?

  • Have you been in close contact with anyone who has traveled (outside the United States) in the last 14 days?

  • Have you experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days (to include fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory illness, difficulty breathing)?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds upon entry. Hand sanitizer is available if needed.
• Wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth.
• Have a volunteer check your temperature. If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, you will be asked to leave.
• Maintain proper social distance of at least 6 feet.
• Disinfect tables, chair arms, light switches, door knobs, and other items in the room you use before leaving. Cleaning solution and paper towels are provided in designated rooms. Throw paper towels in the trash when complete.
• Use only designated meeting spaces.
• Use the restrooms ONLY on the main hallway.
• Please do not wander throughout the building.
• The Sanctuary will continue to remain closed for worship and large group gatherings until the capacity limits are lifted.

Thank you for your compliance and helping us to move things closer to "normal," but in the interest of keeping everyone safe! We will share more updates soon as to when we can re-open the Sanctuary and worship services in full.  Thank you for your patience and understanding! We cannot wait to be together again!

May 13, 2020

The “RE-Opening” of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg

Each new week over the last couple months has invited a variety of emotions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  I think it is fair to say fear, sadness, anxiety, worry, anger, and frustration make the list, but perhaps some peace, relief and even gratitude do as well.  I do not know of one person who hasn’t been affected in some way.

As many of you are aware, updates on the phases to reopen have been issued by the Governor’s office and the latest includes an offering for churches to open at half capacity of the building beginning Friday, May 15.  At first glance, this might suggest that we would be able to open the doors of the sanctuary and host worship on Sunday, May 17.  However, this is not going to be the case.  We know you are ready and trust me when I say the church staff is ready as well.  However, to ensure we are taking the right steps, there are few things that must be considered above our readiness.  Your Worship and Music committee has met and discussed the following, with more to come from Session at the Stated Meeting Tuesday, May 19.

1.  Safety is our priority.  As the Governor has stated, “the disease is still among us.”  The care and concern of others is of the utmost importance and we do not want to invite anyone into a situation in which exposure could occur.

2.  Our sanctuary here at First Presbyterian holds 375.  Opening the doors at half capacity would allow for less than our average attendance on any given Sunday.  At this time, there are no other worship times scheduled to accommodate for more than half capacity.  This does not mean there will not be in future weeks.  The church is not in the business of turning anyone away and we do not feel it is right to tempt it due to space and the timing of arrival.

3.  We are ready ideally, but we are not able to be ready logistically.  There are many variables to consider before we can open the doors again and we are just not prepared at this time.  Things such as safety precautions, availability of disinfectant and hand sanitizer, screening process, virtual worship, singing, hymnals, bulletins, ushers and greeters, worship leadership, and seating arrangements top the list.  Answers to each of these will be determined soon but they are not yet defined.

It is hard but we are asking for your patience as we seek the most responsible way forward during this time.  Following the Stated Session Meeting this coming Tuesday, May 19, we will seek to provide an update on plans to “RE-Open” First Presbyterian Church.

Run the Race, Fight the Fight, Keep the Faith

Rev. Peter A. Thompson

Family and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg,
First Presbyterian Church plans to honor Executive Order #55 mandating a “stay-at-home” order until June 10. Although how we worship, fellowship and provide support may look differently during this time, they will still be given the same attention and passion we always have.

You may wonder how this new Executive Order changes what First Presbyterian has already been doing. In short, it only extends the time in which we are following the recommended social distancing guidelines.

All in-person activities, meetings and gatherings normally hosted at FPCLY are cancelled through June 10.
Worship will continue to be available on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live. Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin for each week will be made available the Friday before.

Access our website or follow our pages on Facebook/Instagram to receive up-to-date messages, devotionals, daily story-times and Bible scriptures during this time of social distancing.

Church offices and facilities will also remain closed until June 10. This includes both the Toddler and Weekday School playgrounds. Messages left on the church voicemail will continue to be checked/answered during this time.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly. Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastor on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
  Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

Members Helping Members for April (phone only):

• Brenda Sanzone (434) 384-0416 / (434) 426-8025
• Persis Tinsley (434) 384-1547

Let us continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, the healthcare providers, front-line workers and our country during this difficult time. May we continue to turn to God for comfort, hope and strength. Remember you are not alone! We are in this together!

For any in-person gatherings or committee meetings held at First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, we are asking for everyone to adhere to these following guidelines:

• Request a space and a time for your meeting at least 3 business days in advance directly with Karen Wydner, our Office Administrator by phone (434-384-6231). If a request is not made with the appropriate notice, we reserve the right to deny access.
  • Do not assume your “regular” space and time is available. There are certain capacity limits and other limitations for each meeting space. Upon your request, Karen will send an email to you with confirmed space, time, and other specific instructions.
  • In addition to having the people present for any meeting clean behind themselves, we are also being vigilant in having spaces cleaned professionally between meetings to protect everyone to the best of our ability.
  • Be as flexible as possible with days and times!

• Meeting Spaces Available Currently:
  • Library                                                not available
  • Brides’ Room                          6-person capacity
  • Officers’ Room                       8-person capacity, Zoom / TV access
  • Martin-Gifford Room             12-person capacity, Zoom / TV access
  • Fellowship Hall                       30-person capacity, ZOOM / TV access

(5-8’ tables, 3-6’ tables, 26-60” rounds available upon request in FH)

• Please make Zoomavailable for meetings to allow full participation for those not comfortable or not able to meet in person. Upon request, you may be able to use our church’s Zoom account to host your meeting. This also needs to be done at least 3 business days in advance. (Only one meeting may be hosted virtually at a time via Zoom using our church account; first come, first served.) If the Zoom account is available at your requested time, Karen will follow up with a confirmation email with all pertinent information and instructions as soon as the Zoom meeting is scheduled.

• Follow these procedures for in-person meetings:
  • Use the designated entrance deemed by Karen in the information given via email before your meeting for your entire group.
  • Must take temperatures of every participant by chairperson or designated person on committee at the door upon arrival.
    • Body temp needs to be under 100.4℉ for all participants.
    • If someone’s temperature is higher than 100.4℉, they must be turned away at the door and it must be reported directly to Karen. Names do not have to be given, but she must be made aware that someone arrived with a high temperature via phone (434-384-6231). Please leave a voicemail if it is after hours or she does not answer.
  • Wear a mask properly at all times.
    • When in meeting space, a group can make the decision to take masks off if observing proper social distancing, but they must be worn in the public areas and other areas of the church at all times.
  • Answer the self-screening questions posted at the door. If “yes” is the response to any of the questions, turn the participant away immediately.
  • Sign-in AND sign-out on the sheet provided at the designated entrance so we have accurate time frames documented for everyone.
  • Participants are to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Do not move tables, chairs, or other items in the room(s) from set positions.
  • No wandering to other spaces or areas of the building.
  • All participants must use only the restrooms designated by Karen in the confirmation email.
  • At the conclusion of the meeting, participants are to wipe down all hard surfaces such as tables, light switches, door handles, and chairs with cleaning supplies provided in the meeting space.

We are very grateful for you and your committee’s cooperation with these guidelines as we move forward to partially re-open the church in a safe and considerate manner for all parties involved to the best of our ability! Unless otherwise stated, these protocols and procedures will be in place throughout the Fall.

*Note: These protocols are fluid. As the pandemic changes, we feel we can adjust accordingly to resuming our church activities, both sooner or later if necessary.

* ALSO: If you have a personal set of keys to access our facilities

you are still held to the same guidelines and expectations as listed above,
including signing-in and checking temperatures. *

Church Offices will be closed for business Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3.  Additionally, all in person spiritual growth, small group, children and youth, and worship activities for April 5 will be canceled.

Worship on Sunday, April 5 will ONLY be available on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live.  Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin will be made available the Friday before.

We have also canceled three Congregational Life events previously planned for April.

• Easter Egg Hunt
• Wednesday Night Fellowship, Musical Trio
• Spring Fling

Stay tuned daily on our Facebook and Instagram pages or this page for encouraging scripture, book readings from our staff, devotional resources, and connections to other FPC members!

We will share communication next week about any additional closures after April 5.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly.  Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastors on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
• Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

 Members Helping Members for March (phone only):

• Jenny Osinga (434) 426-1675 and
• Rebecca Trexler (602) 359-6909

Members Helping Members for April (phone only):

• Brenda Sanzone (434)384-0416 / (434)426-8025
• Persis Tinsley (434)384-1547

May we continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, and country as we continue to walk through this interesting time together!  May we turn to our God for strength, hope, and peace! You are not in this alone!

Church Offices will be closed for business Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27.  We will share additional communication next week about closures after March 29.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly.  Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastor on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
• Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

 Members Helping Members for March (phone only):

• Jenny Osinga (434) 426-1675 and
• Rebecca Trexler (602) 359-6909

Worship on Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, March 29 will ONLY be available on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live.  Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin for each week will be made available the Friday before.

May we continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, and country as we continue to walk through this interesting time together!  May we turn to our God for strength, hope, and peace! You are not in this alone!

Until further communication, church offices will be open only for essential business matters on the following days and times:

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to Noon and 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Essential Church business consists of:

• Financial Matters (Contributions, Gifts, Accounting)
• Facility Maintenance and Support
• One on One scheduled meetings with Pastoral and Program Staff

If you have anything that needs to be addressed during other hours, please call the church office (434-384-6231) to schedule. 

We are encouraging everyone to use phone, email, or snail mail as the primary form of communication during this time.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but we are doing all we can to support and care for the health and wellness of this community during this most interesting time.

Update Three, March 16, 2020--Adjustments to Worship and Program Schedule THRU March 29

We come to you with another update on FPC's response to COVID-19 changes.  Government officials as well as church leaders from the General Assembly and Presbytery levels are cautioning all citizens to avoid activities involving potential exposure and contact that could facilitate viral transmission using the term social distancing.

To honor these requests, there are some adjustments to the way we do church and practice being a community of faith that need to be considered.  The following will be in effect through Sunday, March 29. 

• The Stated Session Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 has been cancelled.  All Session members stay tuned to email for electronic votes.

• Worship on Sundays, March 22 and 29 will be broadcast live on 105.9 FM WLNI and Facebook Live at 10:30 am.
  • Bulletins can be downloaded from the home page of the church website.
  • Coffee Café and Lemonade & Cookies are cancelled these two Sundays.

• All Spiritual Growth opportunities for all ages (preschool-adult), including all bible studies, book clubs, KidMin, and Youth Groups have been canceled through March 29. The staff will do our best to make devotional material and activities available here and through social media for those interested.

• All in-person committee meetings are canceled through March 29.  Committee chairs can determine if online meetings are necessary.

• Wednesday Lenten Prayer Services for March 18 and 25 have been cancelled.

• Chancel Ringers and Chancel Choir rehearsals for March 19 and 26 have been cancelled. 
  • In addition to this, the Lenten Choir Concert, This is Our Story, This is Our Song, presented by First Pres Presents, that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4^th has been rescheduled for this Fall. The date will be annouced at a later time.

• The FPC Weekday School, following Lynchburg City School guidelines, will be closed through Friday, March 27.
• Al Anon and Scouts determine their meeting schedules.  If you participate in either of these, please contact their leadership for updated scheduling.

• Pastoral Care and Visitations– Through Sunday, March 29, we will be suspending all personal visitations to Westminster Canterbury, the Summit, Bentley Commons, Valley View, the hospitals and personal homes until health concerns lessen.
  • The staff and Care and Nurture Committee will be making an effort to be in touch with as many folks as possible, particularly those who have been hospitalized recently, are facing or recuperating from surgery, or embracing the loss of a loved one.  
  • For all end of life events, we will work with families needing funerals or memorial services to help coordinate and support their needs in the best ways possible. Please contact us if you have any concerns or are aware of church members who are in need for some additional care and attention.
  • Please reach out to the church office by phone (434-384-6231) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you need us.  We will see how we can provide support!
• Our monthly Westminster Canterbury Luncheon for March 26 is also cancelled.

• FPCLY Staff will maintain a regular working schedule Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.

No decisions have been made for yet for the Easter Egg Hunt & Activities on April 4^th, Holy Week Worship opportunities April 9 through 12, or other April events.  We will be assessing the situation carefully and plan to keep everyone posted as decisions are made.

To read the full letter from Pastor Peter Thompson follow this link.

During this time, we will continue to evaluate the situation and adjust accordingly.  Please stay tuned to all forms of communication: email, Facebook, Instagram, church website, and office voicemail.

Update Two, March 12, 2020--Adjustments to Program and Worship Schedule for Sunday, March 15

This morning, our staff had further discussion and conversation around the coronavirus and our community.  We feel it is important to be as proactive to the spread of COVID-19 as possible.  As a result, the staff of FPCLY has decided to take an extra precautionary step to limit social gatherings for this weekend (Thursday, March 12-Sunday, March 15) and reevaluate future gatherings starting Monday of next week.  Please note below the necessary changes for this weekend:

• Worship on Sunday, March 15 at 10:30 am WILL be open for all who feel well and would like a place to come worship.  Greeters will be at the door to inform and invite extreme hygiene practices for all attending.  Nursery will be available beginning at 10:15 am for parents who plan to attend.  All our classrooms have been cleaned very well and the Nursery staff will see to further cleaning throughout the morning Sunday.
  • We are grateful for the opportunity to also worship through the Live Radio Broadcast on 105.9 FM WLNI at 10:30 am Sunday morning.  Therefore, if you are not feeling well or have been traveling lately, we would like to encourage you to stay home and worship with us on the radio.  A bulletin to follow along can be found on the home page of our website.
• All program gatherings through the weekend have been postponed or cancelled. This includes:
  • Chancel Choir Rehearsal for tonight, March 12 (Including Soprano and Tenor Sectionals)
  • Chancel Choir participation for Sunday, March 15
  • Coffee Café for Sunday, March 15
  • Spiritual Growth Classes for all ages (Faith Mountain to Adult) for Sunday, March 15
  • Lemonade and Cookies for Sunday, March 15
  • PW Sister Stories (Lunch and Program) for Sunday, March 15 (postponed)
  • KidMin for Sunday Night, March 15
  • Walk with God for Sunday Night, March 15
  • MS and HS Youth Group for Sunday, March 15

Our staff will continue to dialogue and provide updates.  Further conversation will take place Tuesday night at the Stated Session Meeting and we will be prepared to discuss a more in-depth plan moving forward at that time.

Follow this link to read the complete update letter from Pastor Peter Thompson.

Please continue to check back here, to our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), or call the church if you have questions.

Update One, March 11, 2020--Four actions FPC staff have implemented to enhance healthy worship practices

As concerns grow around the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want you to know that the health and wellness of our community (church members, visitors, Weekday School families, Scouts, and other outside groups) are important to us.  We are taking appropriate health & hygiene caution and care in regards to the facilities, programs, and worship. 

Here is a link to a letter from Pastor Peter Thompson and our staff that speaks to our current approach and efforts to reduce the spread and support the health and well being of our community.  Below you will find the four highlighted areas of effort we are currently taking.

1. Hand sanitizer will be provided and located at all major entrances and gathering spaces of First Presbyterian’s facility: Church Offices, FPC Weekday School/Nursery, Sanctuary, Officers’ Room, and Fellowship Hall. 
2. More vigilant cleaning – Our cleaning crew has been asked to provide increased diligence when cleaning restrooms, classrooms (including Nursery, Faith Mountain area, Worship Workshop and Gateway Rooms, Scout Room), church and school offices, and all other gathering spaces (Fellowship Hall, Officers’ Room “Coffee Café”, and Narthex “Lemonade and Cookies”). This will include all door handles and hard surfaces.
   • In addition to our cleaning crew, we ask that all groups who use a classroom or gathering space, please wipe down all hard surfaces and door handles with disinfecting wipes.
3. Passing the Peace in worship is a particular concern at this time, so instead of shaking hands or embracing, we ask you to offer your verbal greeting (“May the peace of Christ be with you.”) accompanied by an elbow bump or smile.
4. Celebrating Communion – For the time being, we still plan to celebrate the sacrament of communion on April 5, 9 and 12.  Extra precautions will be taken in preparing the bread and juice and all those handling the elements in preparation and serving will be asked to wash hands and use hand sanitizer.  On April 5, we plan to celebrate pew communion, in which the bread and cup are passed in the pew.  Intinction has become a common practice for special services like Maundy Thursday (April 9) and Easter (April 12), but this year there will be some slight modifications.  As you come forward to receive communion, only the servers will touch the wafer and it will be placed in your palm.  After receiving the wafer, you will be offered an individual communion cup.  We invite everyone to participate in celebrating the sacrament of communion as you are led and feel comfortable.

We are continuing to monitor, assess, and evaluate in line with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Department of Health, and Department of Social Services (DSS).  Please know if things need to adjust and/or change we will make the appropriate communications to reflect those.